STARTER
(In pairs for 5 minutes)
What do you most enjoy doing with friends?

WORSHIP

READ PASSAGE ALOUD
(Imagine Jesus saying this to you. How does it feel?)

RE-READ PASSAGE AND COMMENTARY
(Personal reflection)

PERSONAL FOCUS
(Personal reflection on the passage / commentary & questions in silence 10 minutes)

COMMENTARY
Jesus makes it clear that his leaving is not everything. He promises that his disciples will live on in his love by keeping the commandments. He promises them joy in their continual union, and he is glad to call them friends. Jesus reminds them that he has made known to them all that he has heard from the Father. The challenge for them is to go forward and bear fruit by loving one another. God sent his only Son that "we might have life through him." Others are to have life through us. In Acts, Peter comes to realise that this gift is to be extended to the uncircumcised Gentiles as well as Jews. Anyone who reverences God and acts according to God's will is acceptable to God. [Baranowski]

Lord, we have come at your own invitation,
Chosen by you, to be counted your friends;
Yours is the strength that sustains dedication,
Ours a commitment we know never ends.    H & P 700