By Timothy W. Burnett
After teaching his disciples about love, believing and much more, Jesus said, "Arise and let us go" (John 14:31). This record no doubt matches Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26 and Luke 22:39 where it says they sang a hymn and went out into the mount of Olives. Jesus once again prophesied that Peter would deny him three more times. This is found in Mark 14:27-30, "And Jesus said unto them, 'All you shall be offended because of me this night. For it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.' But Peter said unto him, 'Although all shall be offended, yet I will not.' And Jesus said unto him, 'Verily I say unto you that this day, even in this night, before the rooster crows twice, you shall deny me three times.'" The same event is found in Matthew 26:31-34 where it refers to another crow instead of a second crow. The word "the" comes from an earlier known Greek word that meant "a" or "another," and does not contradict the record of a second crow. Peter very likely denied knowing Jesus Christ nine times at the most, or at least six times. It should be noted that just because Peter argued with him, it does not mean the other disciples did any better. Jesus said that they would all be offended. It says in Mark 14:31, "But he [Peter] spoke more vehemently, 'if I should die with you, I will not deny you in any wise.' Likewise said all of them."
At this point, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke jump straight to the place where Jesus began to pray in Gethsemane, with the Gospel of John revealing a great deal more in between. John chapter 15 through the end of chapter 17 is packed with extensive teaching and prayer that is edifying to read and study. Jesus taught his disciples about fellowship by comparing himself to a vine and the rest to branches. All who abide in him will bear spiritual fruit to the end that God in heaven is glorified. Next he taught about love and how it relates to true joy. As the Father loved His son Jesus Christ, so also should we continue in love through Jesus Christ. He commanded them to love one another even as he loved them. He spoke of the "comforter" as the spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, and how it is related to bearing witness of Jesus Christ. He reminded them that they would not see him for a "little while," and they would later see him again. Jesus explained to them that the time would come when they would be able to ask anything of the Father in his name, and He will give it. In the name of Jesus Christ they would have direct access to the Father. Chapter 17 begins the record of Jesus' prayer that touches the heart of any believing Christian and is a wonderful example of prayer to the Father. During the next couple of weeks we will follow John chapters 15-17 more closely.
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