Small Group Lesson Plan for June 17th: John 17:1-5
Written by Jon Soden
JOHN 17:1-5 “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 NIV
Paul valiantly shows that he is no longer afraid of death, knowing that he now has eternal life through Jesus. Unfortunately, most Christians are not able to have this much peace when it comes to our eventual physical destiny. Why? We all go through periods of highs and lows, trust and doubt, joy and angst. According to American Worldview Inventory, 52% of Christians believe salvation is earned by good works, and it is estimated that about 50-70% of Christians struggle with assurance of their salvation.
On the other hand, for many people that seem to not care about death, they are simply ignoring the inevitable until it is staring them directly in the face–and at that time, panic. In his book, Remember Death by Matthew McCullough, McCullough says that modern culture hides death and avoids thinking about it, stating that:
A. “We don’t feel our mortality because we are insulated from it”
B. “Death is always near, but rarely acknowledged”
C. “We live as if death is a problem for other people”
Pastor Rick Warren has an awesome message about what truly matters in life. Take a minute to watch the video.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/C2vvraA2BTk
What are some things in life you tend to place too much value in that do not really matter?
Please read John 17:1-5.
Today, we are going to focus on verse 3. Jesus is praying to God shortly before he is arrested and crucified. He prays aloud and blesses his disciples, and blesses us now, through his words:
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3 NIV
Jesus says plainly, salvation is gained by relationship with Him and the Father. There are no other requirements. You will not be judged on how many people you bring to Christianity, how much you give to the homeless, or how often you go to church. In Matthew, Jesus affirms Paul’s concept:
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22-23 NIV
Again, Jesus stresses that it is not the works that will save you on the day of judgment. Instead, he stresses the relationship aspect of faith, saying “I never knew you.”
So what does a relationship with Jesus and the Father look like? We often overcomplicate this. We are made in the image of God; a relationship with someone on earth is similar to how a relationship should be spiritually. Think of what a good relationship looks like with your wife, your children, or your parents. It consists of spending quality time with them, talking to them, and showing up consistently. You may do “good works” for them such as give them gifts, but you do this because you love them, rather than to earn their love. It is the same with God–spending time with Him through prayer and learning about Him through the Bible. We may do good works on His behalf because we love Him and his sacrifice, but not to earn His love or salvation.
Now we can understand why Paul can truly be unafraid of death. It has nothing to do with Paul, and everything to do with Jesus. It has nothing to do with Paul’s deeds, and everything to do with Jesus’ sacrifice. While Paul does a lot for the Kingdom of God, it is as a result of his love and relationship with Jesus.
In the same way, we can walk with confidence in the face of death here on earth. Jesus does not just save us from death, but from the fear of death as well. Eternal life does not have to wait until heaven, but can begin with a relationship with Jesus here on earth. The same Spirit that conquered death lives inside of us today as believers: “the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you” (Romans 8:11).
Discussion:
Having a relationship with God can feel easier said than done. What are some struggles with starting, maintaining, or building this relationship?
How do you maintain a relationship and connection with God while you are on duty?