Love One Another, As I Have Loved You

Purpose
To inspire class members to follow Jesus’ example by loving and serving others.

Activity
Picture this: It is early evening, you are in the mountains, sitting around a nice campfire you are enjoying the company of your closest friends; and you get a text. No big deal - you pull out your phone and read "sorry to interrupt your eveninb Greg; but I thought that you would want to know as soon as possible. You test results are back and you only have 1 more day to live. sorry Doc". At this point you keep the message to yourself - you don't tell your friends.

How do you think this news would change the tings that you choose to talk about?

Now you tell your friends - what questions would they have and how would the conversain change?

How much weight would your words carry through out the rest of the evening?

The setting

Read Luke 22: 1-8;

1 NOW the feast of unleavened bread [ What Was the Feast of Unleavened Bread? Closely associated with the Passover was the Feast of Unleavened Bread. As the ancient Israelites made their hasty preparations to leave Egypt and its unwelcome hardships, they did not have sufficient time to permit their bread to rise as was the custom. Instead they baked in haste and vacated their homes as quickly as possible. The festival of Unleavened Bread was held to commemorate this fact. Where Passover lasted one day originally, the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasted seven. In process of time, both festivals were combined into one, making the entire Passover period eight days in length. ] drew nigh, which is called the Passover.

2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; [ Note that Matt. 26:2 Jesus has already explained to his disciples that he knew exactly what was going to happen, that he was to be betrayed and crucified. ] for they feared the people. [ Jesus while maybe not wildly popular did have a great many of the people were convinced that Jesus was at least a prophet ]

Matt 26:1-2:1 AND it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,

2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the son of man is betrayed to be crucified. [ As the time for Jesus’ death drew near, the Savior spoke of it directly and of the methods that would be used to bring it about. But this was not the first time Jesus had prophesied concerning his death and the resurrection to follow. ]

3 ¶ Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, [ What do we know about Judas? Judas was an interesting person in several ways. He was the treasurer for the disciples (see John 13:29), and was the only Judean among the disciples; the rest were from Galilee. some scholars believe that Judas was a Zealot; i.e., a political activist favoring Jewish independence. Did Satan Literally Enter into Judas’ Body? “Perhaps, for Satan is a spirit man, a being who was born the offspring of God in pre-existence, and who was cast out of heaven for rebellion. He and his spirit followers have power in some cases to enter the bodies of men; they are, also, sometimes cast out of these illegally entered habitations by the power of the priesthood. See Mark 1:21–28. “But if the body of Judas was not possessed literally by Satan, still this traitorous member of the Twelve was totally submissive to the will of the devil. ‘Before Judas sold Christ to the Jews, he had sold himself to the devil; he had become Satan’s serf, and did his master’s bidding.’ (Talmage, [Jesus the Christ], p. 592.)” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:702. In what ways do we sell ourselves to satan? )] being of the number of the twelve.

4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, [ "captain of the temple" - takes his walks through every watch with torches lighted before him: if he found any upon the watch, that was not standing on his feet, he said, Peace be with thee: but if he found him sleeping, he struck him with a stick, and he might also burn his clothes. And when it was said by others, What noise is that in the court? the answer was, It is the noise of a Levite under correction, whose garments they are burning, because he slept upon his watch. ] how he might betray him unto them.

5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

7 ¶ Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.

8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

Luke 22:1-8 this takes place on Wednesday night - just a few days before the death of the Savior.

THE PASsoVER FEAST:The Passover was instituted to commemorate the passing of the Destroying Angel over the homes of the Israelites (Exodus 12:18-28) just before the Exodus from Egypt. The method of keeping the Passover at later times is described in Lev. 23:15-19 and Num.28:27-29. As recounted in the Bible Dictionary in the LDS edition of the scriptures, the Passover Seder
(meal/celebration) included the following:
- The history of the redemption from Egypt (Exodus 12:1:42), related by the head of the household; Jesus probably filled this role at the Last Supper
- The meal itself, which comprised: 1) the Paschal lamb, roasted whole, with no bones broken in either preparation or consumption; 2) bitter herbs (e.g., watercress, oregano); 3) unleavened bread; and 4) a sauce (gravy) in which the various materials of the meal were dipped. A 'sop,' was a piece of the unleavened bread, used to soak up the sauce. At the first passover, the meal was eaten standing; later, including in the time of Christ, the guests reclined at the table in the Oriental fashion, and ate from common dishes. There were probably no utensils but perhaps a knife to cut chunks
of meat. Only the right hand was used to eat.
- Four cups of wine including the 'cup of blessing' were drunk at various stages of the feast.
- The Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118, consisting mainly of hymns of praise) was sung; Jesus and the apostles probably sang these psalms after the meal (see Mark 14:26). The Great Hallel (Psalms 116-136) may have been sung as well, but this Hallel was reserved for times of great joy. Given the sober nature of the Last Supper, the shorter one is more likely.

The Passover was the most important feast of the Jewish liturgy at the time of Christ. People from all over the Middle East came to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast and have the priests offer the required sacrifice in the Temple.

1. Jesus institutes the sacrament.
Discuss Luke 22:7–30. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud. Point out that this Passover meal, shared by Jesus and his Apostles the day before Jesus was crucified, is often called the Last Supper. Display the picture of the Last Supper.

15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: [ A Hebraism for, I have desired most earnestly. The meaning seems to be, that, having purposed to redeem a lost world by his blood, he ardently longed for the time in which he was to offer himself up.

We just discussed that the passover celebrated God helpping the Children of Israel escape slavery in Egypt by inflicting ten plagues upon the Egyptians before Pharaoh would release his Israelite slaves; the tenth and worst of the plagues was the slaughter of the first-born. The Israelites were instructed to mark the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a spring lamb and, upon seeing this, the spirit of the Lord passed over these homes. How was this Passover fitting of the events that would shortly occur? This passover was celebrated once, by way of anticipation, before the bloody sacrifice of the victim of salvation, and before the deliverance it was appointed to commemorate; as the figurative passover had been likewise once celebrated before the going out of Egypt, and the deliverance of God's chosen people.]

16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

17 And he took the cup, [ The first cup is not the sacramental cup as it is taken before dinner. The sacramental cup was taken in verse 20 after dinner.] and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

19 ¶ And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

20 Likewise also the cup after supper, [ This is the sarcamental cup ] saying, This cup [ Note the additional references to the cup in the scriptures. Mark 14:36; Matt 26:27; D&C 19:15-18; ] is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

When you read all of the scriptures together that reference the cup - what are your thoughts?

Jesus and his Apostles have eaten the Passover meal, Jesus introduced the ordinance of the sacrament.

so what does the Savior teach the disciples about the purpose of the sacrament and the Relationship Between the Sacrament and the Atonement? The final Passover was, in reality, two events rather than one: a formal celebration of the annual Passover supper and the first observance of the Lord’s Supper in commemoration of the atoning act of Jesus Christ. In speaking of the second of the two suppers,

Elder Talmage has written: “While Jesus with the Twelve still sat at table, He took a loaf or cake of bread, and having reverently given thanks and by blessing sanctified it, He gave a portion to each of the apostles, saying: ‘Take, eat; this is my body’: or, according to the more extended account, ‘This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.’ Then, taking a cup of wine, He gave thanks and blessed it, and gave it unto them with the command: ‘Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’ In this simple but impressive manner was instituted the ordinance, since known as the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. The bread and wine, duly consecrated by prayer, become emblems of the Lord’s body and blood, to be eaten and drunk reverently, and in remembrance of Him. (Jesus the Christ, pp. 596–97.

READ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “Since that upper room experience on the eve of Gethsemane and Golgotha, children of the promise have been under covenant to remember Christ’s sacrifice in this newer, higher, more holy and personal way. … If remembering is the principal task before us, what might come to our memory when those plain and precious emblems are offered to us?” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 88, 90; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 67, 68).

What responses would you give to answer Elder Holands question : "If remembering is the principal task before us, what might come to our memory when those plain and precious emblems are offered to us?"

Discuss answers to Elder Holland’s question, including some of the following things that Elder Holland suggested we should remember about the Savior (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 90–91; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 68–69):
Here are a few of the suggestions from Elder Hollands talk.

1. a. His love and strength in the Grand Council of Heaven.
2. b. That he is the Creator of heaven and earth.
3. c. All that he did in his premortal life as Jehovah.
4. d. The simple grandeur of his birth.
5. e. His teachings.
6. f. His miracles and healings.
7. g. That “all things which are good cometh of Christ” (Moroni 7:24).
8. h. The unkind treatment, rejection, and injustice he endured.
9. i. That he descended below all things in order to rise above them.
10. j. That he made his sacrifices and endured his sorrows for each of us.

Why do you think it is so important to remember him by partaking of the sacrament each week?

Discuss the following questions about taking upon ourselves the name of Christ. some of the suggested answers are adapted from a talk given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks in the April 1985 general conference (see Conference Report, Apr. 1985, 101–5; or Ensign, May 1985, 80–83).

Let's do a quick review - when do we take upon ourselves the name of Christ?
1. a. When we are baptized into his Church (2 Nephi 31:13; Mosiah 25:23; Moroni 6:3; D&C 18:22–25; 20:37).
2. b. When we renew our baptismal covenants by partaking of the sacrament (Moroni 4:3; 5:2; D&C 20:77, 79).
3. c. When we proclaim our belief in him - when we testify in his name.
4. d. When we take upon ourselves the authority to act in his name and exercise that authority.
5. e. When we participate in the sacred ordinances of the temple.

What are we promising when we take upon ourselves the name of Christ?
1. a. We signify our willingness to do the work of his kingdom and our determination to serve him to the end (D&C 20:37; Moroni 6:3).

2. b. We promise to follow him with real intent, obeying him and repenting of our sins (2 Nephi 31:13; Mosiah 5:8).

What does Jesus Christ promise us when we take upon us his name? (We become his sons and daughters, bearing his name. Those who are called by his name at the last day will be exalted; see Mosiah 5:7–9; 15:12; Alma 5:14; 3 Nephi 27:5–6; D&C 76:55, 58, 62).

Read Mosiah 5:6–9 6 And now, these are the words which king Benjamin [The Hebrew "ben yamin" means "son of the right hand". Interesting that he uses on the right hand of God as well in these verses. Maybe to imply also that they should view the life of king Benjamin as an example for them as well.] desired of them; and therefore he said unto them: Ye have spoken the words that I desired; and the covenant which ye have made [Most all covenants made have some sort of formal act associated with them, here we are not told of one other than documenting the names of those who had made the covenant] is a righteous covenant.

7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have made [How we get the name] ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him [The concept of being spiritually born again is one that is commonly considered a NT theme, but is in fact one that has its source in the OT, cp. Deut. 10:16, Deut. 30:6, Isa. 44:3, Isa. 53:8-10, Isa. 66:7, Jer. 4:4, Jer. 24:7, Ezek. 18:31] and have become his sons and his daughters.

8 And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.

9 And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, [Why do we need to take the name? Usually the right hand is the favored hand. Symbolically hands express power, strength and providence or blessings. Hence the granting of blessings... including the Priesthood is done by the laying on of hands.] for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ. [Tthe name that we take]

Now back to the main story line. The apostles are sitting around a large table eating what will be their last meal together. At the Last Supper the Apostles again contended about “which of them should be accounted the greatest”

24 ¶ And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

Note that this is not the first time this question has veen asked - Remember back in Matt 18:1. How did Jesus respond then? Like this little child who was submissive to the wishes of the Savior, who when asked to come to hiim he did.

What do you suppose they are really asking sometimes? Do you love me, do you love me the most, am I doing good in your eyes...

How did the Lord answer their question regarding true greatness? (See Luke 22:25–27; see also Matthew 20:25–28.)

25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. [ It was a custom among the ancient Romans to distribute part of the lands which they had conquered on the frontiers of the empire to their soldiers; those who enjoyed such lands were called beneficiarii, beneficed persons; and the lands themselves were termed beneficia, benefices, as being held on the beneficence of the sovereign; and it is no wonder that such sovereigns, however tyrannical or oppressive they might have been in other respects, were termed benefactors by those who were thus dependent on their bounty. ]

26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; [Dr. Lightfoot justly conjectures that Peter was the eldest of all the disciples; and he supposes that the strife was kindled between him and the sons of Zebedee, James and John.These three disciples were those whom Christ had distinguished by peculiar marks of his favour; and therefore it is natural to conclude that the strife lay between these three, the two brothers and Peter. Shall we or Peter be at the head? Neither, says our Lord. Let him, Peter, who is chief (o meizwn, the eldest) among you, be as, John, o newterov, the younger.

The younger part of the disciples do not appear to have taken any part in this contention; and our Lord shows Peter, and the sons of Zebedee, that they must be as unambitious as the younger in order to be acknowledged as his disciples. Dr. Lightfoot thinks that Peter was the mover of this strife, and therefore our Lord rebukes him by name.] and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Matt 20:25-28

25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

28 Even as the son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

How does he himself exemplify this teaching?

How can we follow his example?

2. Read John 13:4-8 After washing their feet, Jesus commands the Apostles to love one another.
When Jesus and his Apostles had eaten the Last Supper, Jesus washed each of the Apostles’ feet (John 13:4–5). This task was usually performed by a servant when a guest arrived. One reason Jesus did this was to teach his Apostles about humility and service.

4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, [ What is the signifigance of Jesus washing the feet of the apostles? When Jesus Washed His Disciples’ Feet, It Was a Sign of His Love for Them. Washing of feet is a sacred gospel ordinance. It has been commanded of the Lord in the present as well as in previous dispensations. “. . . our Lord did two things in the performance of this ordinance: 1. He fulfilled the old law given to Moses; and 2. He instituted a sacred ordinance which should be performed by legal administrators among his true disciples from that day forward. “As part of the restoration of all things, the ordinance of washing of feet has been restored in the dispensation of the fulness of times. In keeping with the standard pattern of revealing principles and practices line upon line and precept upon precept, the Lord revealed his will concerning the washing of feet little by little until the full knowledge of the endowment and all temple ordinances had been given.” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pp. 829–30.) President David O. McKay saw in the ordinance a great example of service. Speaking to the Church in the April 1951 general conference on the occasion of his being sustained by the members as president of the Church, he said: “What an example of service to those great servants, followers of the Christ! He that is greatest among you, let him be least. So we sense the obligation to be of greater service to the membership of the Church, to devote our lives to the advancement of the kingdom of God on earth.” (CR, Apr. 1951, p. 159.) ] and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. [ Why do you think Simon Peter objected when Jesus began to wash his feet? ] Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. [ How did Jesus respond? What do you think he was trying to teach Peter? We should all serve our fellowmen ]

12 so after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. [ What can we learn from Jesus’ words and actions about the qualities of good leaders? How can we follow his example when we are in positions of leadership? ]

16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. [ How does serving others make us happy? ]

Read John 13:34-35; John 15:12,17
During the Last Supper, Jesus repeatedly told his disciples to love one another (John 13:34–35; 15:12, 17).

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, [ JESUS IS OUR GREAT EXAMPLE OF WHAT IT MEANS TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Jesus is the Father’s gift to all men. In offering his son as he did, our Father in heaven has shown us our truest example of pure love. Out of his divine love came a willingness to endure the sacrifice of his son—the incomparable suffering in Gethsemane, the abuse by Romans and Jews, the mockery of a trial, the pain and horror of a crucifixion. And why? Because our Father in heaven loves us and knew that we could return to him only through the atonement of Jesus Christ. What kind of love was Jesus talking about here that he has for us? see 1 John 4:7–10. the Savior did not have to die, for he held death in abeyance. His was a willing sacrifice, a supreme act of love. He lived a life of complete obedience to the Father’s will. In giving his life willingly as he did, our Savior placed the seal of divine love on his life and mission and demonstrated the course which all men should emulate. What things can we do to show that we have the Saviors kind of love? We can do what he asked us to do just as he did what the Father asked him to do, we can be the hands that he cannot, ] that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. [ What Did Jesus Teach About the Principle of Love? It has been aptly observed that while many of the world’s great religious leaders taught the principle of love, Jesus is the only one who could truly say, “Follow me,” for he alone not only taught the principle but exemplified it. And we are to love one another as he has loved us. “By this,” he says, “shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35.) Read John 15:8–13. Perhaps the best way we can comprehend what Jesus taught about the principle of love is to ponder the love that Jesus offers us. Consider the divine station from which he descended to come to earth to rescue us and to provide for us redemption and forgiveness of sins. Consider also the agony in Gethsemane and on the cross.

“I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me; I tremble to know that for me he was crucified, That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died. “I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine; That he should extend his great love unto such as I, Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify. “I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt! Such mercy, such love, and devotion can I forget? No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat, Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet. “Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me, Enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, Wonderful to me!” (“I Stand all Amazed,” Hymns 80.)

How important is service to the demonstration of love?

What should be the great distinguishing trait of a true disciple of Christ? ]

12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. [ What is the example then? As I have loved you. And How has the Savior showed us that he loves us? Came to this earth, live a perfect life so that he could atone for our sins that we might live with him again.At this point Jesus is addressing his disciples. Note the reference to as I have Loved you. See verse 10 it is a love that comes by keeping the commandments of God. This is a context of Loving the Lord and doing what he expects of us - just as he did the will of the Father. As is referenced later in verse 18 & 19. We should seek after the love of the Lord - How do we Get the Love of the Lord then? By obeying his commandments. This scripture is often quoted by radical groups that seek to justify their actions - for example those who seek to destroy the family, feminists, gays... Their statement is you should love me as Jesus loves me. They don't quote the whole scripture - because it also says not to be of the world to follow the teachings of the world - and that the world would have loved him (Jesus) as well if he would have taught the teachings of men. But they did not love him, and we don't love him if we disobey his commandments.]

Why do you suppose that loving others and serving are so important to the Saviors plan?

What does love have to do with the difference between testimony and conversion?

3. Jesus teaches “I am the way, the truth, and the life” and “I am the true vine.”
Discuss John 14:1–15; 15. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud.

1 LET not your heart be troubled: [ Does this mean we should just not worry about anything? No - but when it comes to worrying about spititual matters and what God's plan for us is then - well we should not worry.] ye believe in God, believe also in me. [ How easy it for men to believe that there is a God - A Father in Heaven? We believe it almost by instinct. Why is it so hard then to believe that there is likewise a son, and why is it so hard to believe on him? ]

2 In my Father’s house [ Where is the Father's house? 1)The Temple, 2) The Celestial world. Which one is he addressing here? The Celestial world ] are many mansions: [“My text is on the resurrection of the dead, which youwill find in the 14th chapter of John—‘In my Father’shouse are many mansions.’ It should be—‘In myFather’s kingdom are many kingdoms,’ in order thatye may be heirs of God and joint-heirs with me. . . .“There are mansions for those who obey a celestiallaw, and there are other mansions for those who comeshort of the law, every man in his own order.” (Smith,Teachings, p. 366.)] if it were not so, I would have told you. [ or because there are several places for you to go or kingdoms that may await you - you will be judged and rewarded for your righteousiness. There is more than just heaven and hell. If it was just that I would have told you that! ] I go to prepare a place for you. [as my disciples I go to prepare a place wg=here you can be with me and our Father in the highest kingdom of the celestial kingdom. D&C 131:1-4]

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? [ Why was Thomas concerned when Jesus told the Apostles, “Whither I go ye know, and the way ye know”? What did Jesus tell Thomas? (See John 14:6.) ]

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, [ How is he the way? He is the one who has charted the coarse that we must follow. He said to us "Come follow me"] the truth, [ How is he the trueth? He knows all things and all trueth. D&C 93:26 He contains the true direction back to the Father. He is the trueth that if we know him we will be free. John 8: 32 ] and the life: [ How is he the life? 1) He is the creator - So there would be no life without him 2) He is the redeemer of all man who without there would be no eternal life.] no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [ Why is Jesus the only way by which we can come unto Heavenly Father? No man of any culture, race or belief will be able to return to the Father until he accepts Jesus as his Savior. He is the only name through which salvation comes D&C 132:12 ]

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; [ What does he mean by that statement? When Jesus ministered in this world, he looked like the Father would have looked; he said what the Father would have said, and he did what the Father would have done. As Elder Marion G. Romney has taught:“Jesus in his mortal ministry, being, as Paul said, ‘the express image of his [Father’s] person’ (Heb. 1:3),was a true and complete revelation of the person and nature of God. This he confirmed to Philip when he said: ‘. . . he that hath seen me hath seen the Father. . . .’ (John 14:9.)” (CR, Oct. 1967, p. 135.)] and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? [ Philip, Philip, Philip, have you not been with me so long; and been taught that I Am his son; that in me are manifast all of the qualities and characteristics of the Father? ]

10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. [ How Could His Servants Do Greater Works Than Jesus Did? “He does not say that they should do these works intime; but they should do greater works, because he went to the Father. He says in the 24th verse [of the17th chapter of John]: ‘Father, I will that they also,whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory.’ These sayings, taken in connection, make it very plain that the greater works which those that believed on his name were to do were to be done in eternity, where he was going and where they should behold his glory.” (Lectures onFaith, Lecture Seventh, vs. 12.)]

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, [ Now at the end of his mortal monistry; the Lord teaches the principal that we must ask thru him for those blessing that we desire; as he is our intercessor and intermediary wurg rgw Father. ] that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. [ repeats the message twice to make sure they got it. The Savior knows that he only has a short time left to teach, he is tryibg ti perfect his teachings - putting the icing on the cake so as to speak. The disciples may not fully inderstand that they will be on their own very shortly; and as such will be left to what they can recall of his teachings. ]

15 ¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments. [ What does the Lord mean by that? If we love him enough that we want to spend eternity with him - we want to be with those that we love; then do those things that will allow him to be close to us in this life and those things that will allow us to live with him in the next life.]

Jesus taught his disciples to show their love for others through service. What did he tell them to do to show their love for him? (See John 14:15.)

1 I AM the true vine, [ Who is symbolized by the vine? Jesus Christ] and my Father is the husbandman. [ What is a husbandman? a gardner. What is the husbandmans responsibility? To over see the gardner; decide what gets planted were, to prune, to govern the garden. Who is the husbandman? Heavenly Father ]

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: [What happens to a leaf or branch that is cut off from the rest of the plant? How is your relationship to the Savior like the relationship of a leaf or branch to the main body of the plant? In the Savior’s comparison, what does the gardener do to the branches of the vine that do not bear fruit? ] and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [ What does he do to the branches that do bear fruit? (Note that purgeth means purifies; see John 15:2, footnote 2c.) What application might this have for us? ]

3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. [Our promise, our reward ]

8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

If you brought a plant to class, display it now.
What happens to a leaf or branch that is cut off from the rest of the plant? How is your relationship to the Savior like the relationship of a leaf or branch to the main body of the plant?