text:
Physiology of an HTA

How does it work?
Physiology has to do with functions and activities (usually in relation to a living organism). As mentioned in section 2 of What is HTA?, we said there is a systematic approach to completing this analysis. Let's look closer into what exactly that approach entails in terms of functions and activities.

Before the fun can begin, we have to record general information about the task. You should record:

 * The date and time
 * Where the task takes place
 * Information about the person completing the task (name, title, age, disabilities if any, etc...)

Once you have all that good stuff recorded, it's time to get down to business! It may be helpful to use a task analysis worksheet when completing an HTA. This was developed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Use one of these worksheets for practice during our scenario below.

Self-Check
Imagine if you will the task of making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. If you can get someone in the house to make you a sandwich, please tell me how to do this! It will also be good practice for your first HTA.

The first subtask would be locating the bread. This subtask would be composed of elements such as opening the fridge (if that's where this person keeps their bread), opening the bag, taking out two slices of bread, closing the bag, etc... Your goal here is to simply observe and be as least intrusive as possible. If the person completing the task stops to ask you something, this will raise inconsistancies in your analysis, especially with the timing factor. Your HTA should look similar to this:

Other factors to watch for include unnecessary interruptions or tangents the worker may find such as locating a tool when it is not in its proper place. For instance, a butter knife. Why do they all have to be dirty when I want to use one?! Record the time it takes the person you're observing to wash a knife in order to use it.

Once you have finish what you feel is a completed HTA or task decomposition, you may want to walk through the entire process again with the worker completing the task. However, this time, only use your HTA as a guide. This will reveal further inconsistancies. Take our above task of making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We said the first subtask was to locate the bread. Following an HTA that states this as the first subtask would clearly show one had forgotten to record the subtask of locating a paper towel or plate as to not build the sandwich directly on the counter. For all you know, there could have been some raw chicken juice on that counter last night!

I'm done! Right?
Not so fast. You will notice toward the bottom of the worksheet it asks you to describe functional behaviors. This will aid you in developing your performance objectives, which will be discussed in the last section--Objectives Are Not Subjective.

Get another worksheet ready. You will need it for the final check portion.

Click next to continue.

title: Physiology of an HTA


text:
Instructional design/Task analysis/A Rule of Thumb

Identifying the components
Now that you know the structure of a completed HTA as seen in the last two sections, you should be able to identify the various components that make up an analysis. Since a subtask can be broken into two levels, the rule of thumb goes something like this: Treat everything as if it were a subtask. Then, if you can break one component down into more than two levels (going beyond steps), you're looking at more than one subtask. If it can be broken down into one supporting component, it is an element. Furthermore, if you're looking at a component that cannot be broken down any further, it is a step.

As mentioned previously in this lesson, once your HTA is completed, go through each component using what you have listed as steps, elements, and subtasks as a guide. Only act on what you wrote. If you're unable to take action because it is not written, you will know you missed a component in your analysis.

Example Task: Converting a Word Document to a PDF
Get your HTA worksheet ready, your assignment is to observe a worker converting a Word document to a PDF. First, let's set the stage. It's Tuesday morning on May 25, 2010, and you're having a team meeting with your manager.

Now you're on your way to a local business that specializes in logistics. You reach your destination and get briefed from Mary the manager about Jake the desk jockey. She tells you that Jake often needs to e-mail documents in a way that prevents people from easily altering information. In order develop a job aid for new hires, you are asked to observe Jake during his day. His first task is to convert a Word document to a PDF. Print a new task analysis worksheet, and click 'play' on the image below when you're ready to observe Jake. Remember to identify subtasks, elements, and steps if applicable.

Final Check
Answer the following questions before assessing your HTA. This will help you determine the accuracy of your HTA.

{I have written preliminary information about the person I observed e.g. name, date, etc... + TRUE. - FALSE.
 * type=""}

{My task is broken down into subtasks. + TRUE. - FALSE.
 * type=""}

{My subtasks are broken down into elements. + TRUE. - FALSE.
 * type=""}

{If I were to recreate the task using my HTA as a guide, I would be successful in completing the task. + TRUE. - FALSE.
 * type=""}

How did you do?
Compare your HTA with this [[Media:HTA.pdf|completed HTA]] of Jake creating a PDF.

If you recorded preliminary information about the task, person you are observing, and broke down at least three subtasks, you get an A!

If you are missing the preliminary information or did not break down one subtask, you get a B.

If you are missing the preliminary information or did not break down two subtasks, you get a C.

If you are missing the preliminary information and did not break down any subtasks, you should revisit the previous pages in this lesson and try again.

What about the last part--Objectives?
I'm glad you asked! You are now finished with the HTA lesson. Click next to begin your lesson on objectives.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/


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Instructional design/Task analysis/Objectives Are Not Subjective

Attainable, Measurable, and Goal-oriented
You are nearing the end of this lesson, but first we must round out our understanding of HTA with writing learning/performance objectives. Think of this as the so what? after the task analysis is completed. Things to keep in mind when writing any objective is to make sure they are attainable, measurable, and goal-oriented. So, what does that mean?

 * Attainable: The objective must be realistic enough for the learner to accomplish what is being asked of him/her.
 * Measurable: The objective needs to have a way to check for understanding, e.g. 80% completion, 5 out of 7 correct, etc...
 * Goal-oriented: The objective must state clearly what the expectation is.

As a side note, be careful of using the word and in an objective. The word and indicates you are looking for two separate outcomes. Therefore, these two outcomes must be split into two separate attainable, measurable, goal-oriented objectives.


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User talk:YellowLemonTree

 Hello YellowLemonTree, and welcome to Wikiversity! If you need help, feel free to visit my talk page, or contact us and ask questions. After you leave a comment on a talk page, remember to sign and date; it helps everyone follow the threads of the discussion. The signature icon in the edit window makes it simple. To get started, you may

 * Take a guided tour and learn to edit.
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 * Browse Wikiversity, or visit a portal corresponding to your educational level: pre-school, primary, secondary, tertiary, non-formal education.
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And don't forget to explore Wikiversity with the links to your left. Be bold to contribute and to experiment with the sandbox or your userpage, and see you around Wikiversity! If you're a twitter user, please follow http://twitter.com/Wikiversity. --Ottava Rima (talk) 21:40, 22 March 2010 (UTC)

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User talk:Mike Chelen

 Hello Mike Chelen, and welcome to Wikiversity! If you need help, feel free to visit my talk page, or contact us and ask questions. After you leave a comment on a talk page, remember to sign and date; it helps everyone follow the threads of the discussion. The signature icon in the edit window makes it simple. To get started, you may

 * Take a guided tour and learn to edit.
 * Visit a (kind of) random project.
 * Browse Wikiversity, or visit a portal corresponding to your educational level: pre-school, primary, secondary, tertiary, non-formal education.
 * Find out about research activities on Wikiversity.

 * Read an introduction for teachers and find out how to write an educational resource for Wikiversity.
 * Give feedback about your initial observations
 * Discuss Wikiversity issues or ask questions at the colloquium.
 * Chat with other Wikiversitans on #wikiversity-en.

And don't forget to explore Wikiversity with the links to your left. Be bold to contribute and to experiment with the sandbox or your userpage, and see you around Wikiversity! If you're a twitter user, please follow http://twitter.com/Wikiversity. --Ottava Rima (talk) 21:40, 22 March 2010 (UTC)

title: User talk:Mike Chelen


title: File:Tea256.gif


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User:Bsadowski1

Hi, I'm Bsadowski1. I am a sysop and CheckUser on Simple English Wikipedia and sysop on English. I love to learn and be constructive on Wikimedia. I am also a steward helping with crosswiki abuse/spam.

title: User:Bsadowski1


text:
User talk:Krinkle

Talk ? Hi, for more info or contact, please check my page at Wikimedia Commons (talk), as I'm not a regular visitor here. -- Krinkle 14:21, 27 August 2010 (UTC)

title: User talk:Krinkle


text:
University of Florida/Egm6341/s10.team2.niki/HW5

Statement
P. 27-1

 Continue the proof of Trapezoidal Rule Error to steps 4a and 4b and determine $$\boldsymbol{ P_6(t)} $$ and $$\boldsymbol{ P_7(t) }$$

Solution
From steps 3a and 3b we get the expression

 * {| style="width:60%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle \boldsymbol{E=[P_2(t)g^{(1)}(t)+P_4(t)g^{(3)}(t)]_{-1}^{+1}-\underbrace{\int_{-1}^{+1}P_5(t)g^{(5)}(t)dt}_D} $$     (Summary p 26-3)
 * style="width:92%; padding:10px; border:2px solid #8888aa" |
 * style="width:92%; padding:10px; border:2px solid #8888aa" |
 *
 * }

 * {| style="width:60%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle P_4(t)=\frac{-t^4}{24}+\frac{t^2}{12}-\frac{7}{360}=c_1(\frac{t^4}{4!})+c_3(\frac{t^2}{2!})+c_5$$
 * style="width:92%; padding:10px; border:2px solid #8888aa" |
 * style="width:92%; padding:10px; border:2px solid #8888aa" |

$$

P_5(t)=\frac{-t^5}{120}+\frac{t^3}{36}-\frac{7t}{360}=c_1(\frac{t^5}{5!})+c_3(\frac{t^3}{3!})+c_5(t) $$     (Summary p 26-3)
 *
 * }

Step 4a

 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle \int_{-1}^{+1}\underbrace{P_5(t)}_{v'}\underbrace{g^{(5)}(t)}_udt=[g^{(5)}(t)P_6(t)]_{-1}^{+1}-\underbrace{\int_{-1}^{+1}[{P_6(t)g^{(6)}(t)}}_E]dt $$ where, $$P_6(t)=\int P_5(t)=c_1(\frac{t^6}{6!})+c_3(\frac{t^4}{4!})+c_5(\frac{t^2}{2!})+c_7$$
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *
 * }

$$ P_6(t)=\frac{-t^6}{720}+\frac{t^4}{144}-\frac{7t^2}{720}+\alpha $$

Step 4b

 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle \int_{-1}^{+1}[{\underbrace{P_6(t)}_{v'}\underbrace{g^{(6)}(t)}_u}]dt=D=[g^{(6)}(t)P_7(t)]_{-1}^{+1}-\int_{-1}^{+1}P_7(t)g^{(7)}(t)dt $$ where, $$P_7(t)=\int P_6(t)==c_1(\frac{t^7}{7!})+c_3(\frac{t^5}{5!})+c_5(\frac{t^3}{3!})+c_7(t)+c_8$$
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *
 * }

$$P_7(t)=\frac{-t^7}{5040}+\frac{t^5}{720}-\frac{7t^3}{2160}+\alpha t+\beta$$

Selecting $$\displaystyle{P_7(t)}$$ such that

$$\displaystyle{P_7(+1)=P_7(-1)=P_7(0)=0}$$ ,we get

$$\displaystyle{P_7(t=0)=0\Rightarrow \beta=c_8=0}$$

$$P(-1)=0=-\frac{(-1)^7}{7!}+\frac{1}{6}(\frac{(-1)^5}{5!})-\frac{7}{360}(\frac{(-1)^3}{3!})-\alpha\Rightarrow \alpha=c_7=\frac{31}{15120}$$

Summary

 * {| style="width:60%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle P_6(t)=\frac{-t^6}{600}+\frac{t^4}{108}-\frac{7t^2}{720}+\frac{31}{15120} $$
 * style="width:92%; padding:10px; border:2px solid #8888aa" |
 * style="width:92%; padding:10px; border:2px solid #8888aa" |

$$

P_7(t)=\int P_6(t)=\frac{-t^7}{4200}+\frac{t^5}{540}-\frac{7t^3}{2160}+\frac{31}{15120} t $$ (Summary p 26-3)
 *
 * }

Author
--Egm6341.s10.team2.niki 21:38, 23 March 2010 (UTC)

Statement
P. 28-2

 Redo steps in the proof of the Trapezoidal Rule error by trying to cancel terms with odd order derivatives of "g"

Solution
We begin with equation (5) on P. 21-1 which is the result of transformation of variables on equation (1) P. 21-1

(| Prob 4 HW4) (P. 21-1)

 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle E_n^1=\frac{h}{2}\sum _{k=0}^{n-1}[\int_{-1}^{1}g_k(t)dt-[g_k(-1)+g_k({+1})]] $$   (5) on P.21-1 From | Prob 5 HW4, we can express the above equation as:
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *
 * }
 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle E_n^1=\frac{h}{2}\sum _{k=0}^{n-1}[\int_{-1}^{+1}(-t)g^{(1)}(t)dt] $$   (1)
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *
 * }

Step2a
Integrating the term withing the square brackets by "Integration by parts" | Prob 7 HW4 we can rewrite (1) as follows
 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle E_n^1=\frac{h}{2}\sum _{k=0}^{n-1}[[P_2(t)g^{(1)}(t)]_{-1}^{+1}-\int_{-1}^{+1}P_2(t)g^{(2)}(t)dt] $$   (2) In order to eliminate terms with even powers of $$\displaystyle{h}$$ we need to remove terms with odd derivatives of $$\displaystyle{g(t)}$$.Therefore, the boundary term in eqn (2) above must be set to zero by selection of $$\displaystyle{P_2(t)}$$.
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *
 * }

We have $$\displaystyle{P_2(t)}$$ from eqns (1 and 2)P. 21-3
 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle P_2(t)=c_1(\frac{t^2}{2!})+c_3 $$   (1)p21-3
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *
 * }
 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle c_2=0 $$   (2)p21-3 Setting $$\displaystyle{P_2(-1)=0}$$ gives $$\displaystyle{c_3=1/2}$$ and hence we get
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *
 * }
 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle P_2(t)=c_1(\frac{t^2}{2!})+c_3 $$   (3)
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *
 * }

So following this method, the next term to be eliminated will have P4(t)
 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle P_4(t)=c_1(\frac{t^4}{4!})+c_3(\frac{t^2}{2!})+c_4(t)+c_5 $$   (4)
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *
 * }

Setting $$\displaystyle{P_4(-1)=0 and P_4(1)=0 }$$ and solving we get $$\displaystyle{c_4=0 and c_4=-5/24 }$$.Continuing on these lines to we get the eqn (2) in the form

 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle E_n^1=\frac{h}{2}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}{[P_2g^{(1)}]_{-1}^{+1}-[P_3g^{(2)}]_{-1}^{+1}}+[P_4g^{(3)}]_{-1}^{+1}-[P_5g^{(4)}]_{-1}^{+1}+[P_6g^{(5)}]_{-1}^{+1}-[P_7g^{(6)}]_{-1}^{+1}-\int_{-1}^{+1}P_7g^{(7)}dt $$   (5)
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *
 * }
 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle E_n^1=\frac{h}{2}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}{-[P_3g^{(2)}]_{-1}^{+1}}+-[P_5g^{(4)}]_{-1}^{+1}+-[P_7g^{(6)}]_{-1}^{+1}-\int_{-1}^{+1}P_7g^{(7)}dt$$ (6)
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *
 * }
 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle E_n^1=\frac{h}{2}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}(\sum_{i=1}^{m}-[P_{(2i+1)}g^{(2i)}]_{-1}^{+1})-\int_{-1}^{+1}P_{(2m+1)}g^{(2m+1)}dt $$   (7) manipulating the terms yields,
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *
 * }
 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle E_n^1=\frac{h}{2}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}[\sum_{i=1}^{m}-[(P_{(2i+1)}(+1)g^{(2i)}(+1))-(P_{(2i+1)}(-1)g^{(2i)}(-1))]-\int_{-1}^{+1}P_{(2m+1)}g^{(2m+1)}dt $$   (8)
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *
 * }
 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle E_n^1=\frac{h}{2}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}[\sum_{i=1}^{m}[(P_{(2i+1)}(-1)g^{(2i)}(-1))-(P_{(2i+1)}(+1)g^{(2i)}(+1))]-\int_{-1}^{+1}P_{(2m+1)}g^{(2m+1)}dt $$   (9) Transforming g(t) back to f(x) we get [see [| prob 6 HW4]
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *

 * }

 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle E_n^1=\frac{h}{2}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}[\sum_{i=1}^{m}[(P_{(2i+1)}(-1)(\frac{h^{2i}}{2})f^{(2i)}(x_k))-(P_{(2i+1)}(+1)(\frac{h^{2i}}{2})f^{(2i)}(x_{k+1}))]-\int_{x_k}^{x_{k+1}}P_{(2m+1)}(x)(\frac{h^{2m+1}}{2})f^{(2m+1)}(x))dt $$   (10)
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *

 * }

To see the difference in the two approaches we must compare the equations from the two methods. From (1) P. 27-1 we have
 * {| style="width:100%" border="0"

$$  \displaystyle E_n^1=\sum_{r=1}^{l}h^{2r}d_{2r}[f^{(2r-1)}(b)-f^{(2r-1)}(a)]-\frac{h^{(2l)}}{2^{(2l)}}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}\int_{x_k}^{x_{k+1}}P_{2l}(t_k(x))f^{(2l)}(x)dx $$   (11)
 * style="width:95%" |
 * style="width:95%" |
 *

 * }

It is seen that the first term in eqn 10 is a summation as against the term of eqn (11) which is dependent only on the end points.


text:
Gospel of John (CBS)/Week 5

This week represents the last week we will be examining the Book of Signs, which means there is a Unit Test this week. It is also the halfway point for this course, and we'll be moving into the Book of Glory next week.

Assignments

 * 1) Read John 11:1-12:50
 * 2) Write a well developed response that expands upon this week's topic.
 * 3) Complete the Study Guide
 * 4) take the Unit 2 Test

Discussion
This week's discussion will be held at TIME on DATE in the AWF virtual universe, Agape World at the AWF School facility. There is a section on the talk page where you can post topics and questions for us to go over. If you are unable to make it, your questions can also be posted in a separate section to the talk page, where I will do my best to answer them shortly.

Lesson
As has been mentioned before, the Book of Signs is known for miracles. Throughout the pages of this book, the author provides testimony to the veracity of Jesus as Lord, by demonstrating how he is able to work beyond the world. This is a gradual process, leading up to a shadow of Jesus's greatest miracle. Personally, I like to call this Jesus's Second Greatest Miracle, because it fully demonstrates the power of faith and the power that was given to the Son of God. I'm talking about the resurrection of Lazarus, the focus of this week's lesson.

Lazarus was a friend to Jesus, who the Gospel states he loved dearly. When he became ill, his sisters sent for Jesus. On hearing the news, Jesus states that the sickness will not end in death. The meaning of these words must be carefully considered, because he does not say that Lazarus will not die, but that the sickness will not end in death. He then goes on to say that the sickness is for the glory of God, that Jesus might be glorified through it. This tells us that the sickness is not mere happenstance, but is going to be a very important event. Jesus is going to do something that will demonstrate clearly and unequivocally his power.

Chapter 11
''The sickness of Lazarus. (1-6) Christ returns to Judea. (7-10) The death of Lazarus. (11-16) Christ arrives at Bethany. (17-32) He raises Lazarus. (33-46) The Pharisees consult against Jesus. (47-53) The Jews seek for him. (54-57)''

Verses 1-6 It is no new thing for those whom Christ loves, to be sick; bodily distempers correct the corruption, and try the graces of God's people. He came not to preserve his people from these afflictions, but to save them from their sins, and from the wrath to come; however, it behoves us to apply to Him in behalf of our friends and relatives when sick and afflicted. Let this reconcile us to the darkest dealings of Providence, that they are all for the glory of God: sickness, loss, disappointment, are so; and if God be glorified, we ought to be satisfied. Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. The families are greatly favoured in which love and peace abound; but those are most happy whom Jesus loves, and by whom he is beloved. Alas, that this should seldom be the case with every person, even in small families. God has gracious intentions, even when he seems to delay. When the work of deliverance, temporal or spiritual, public or personal, is delayed, it does but stay for the right time.

Verses 7-10 Christ never brings his people into any danger but he goes with them in it. We are apt to think ourselves zealous for the Lord, when really we are only zealous for our wealth, credit, ease, and safety; we have therefore need to try our principles. But our day shall be lengthened out, till our work is done, and our testimony finished. A man has comfort and satisfaction while in the way of his duty, as set forth by the word of God, and determined by the providence of God. Christ, wherever he went, walked in the day; and so shall we, if we follow his steps. If a man walks in the way of his heart, and according to the course of this world, if he consults his own carnal reasonings more than the will and glory of God, he falls into temptations and snares. He stumbles, because there is no light in him; for light in us is to our moral actions, that which light about us to our natural actions.

Verses 11-16 Since we are sure to rise again at the last, why should not the believing hope of that resurrection to eternal life, make it as easy for us to put off the body and die, as it is to put off our clothes and go to sleep? A true Christian, when he dies, does but sleep; he rests from the labours of the past day. Nay, herein death is better than sleep, that sleep is only a short rest, but death is the end of earthly cares and toils. The disciples thought that it was now needless for Christ to go to Lazarus, and expose himself and them. Thus we often hope that the good work we are called to do, will be done by some other hand, if there be peril in the doing of it. But when Christ raised Lazarus from the dead, many were brought to believe on him; and there was much done to make perfect the faith of those that believed. Let us go to him; death cannot separate from the love of Christ, nor put us out of the reach of his call. Like Thomas, in difficult times Christians should encourage one another. The dying of the Lord Jesus should make us willing to die whenever God calls us.

Verses 17-32 Here was a house where the fear of God was, and on which his blessing rested; yet it was made a house of mourning. Grace will keep sorrow from the heart, but not from the house. When God, by his grace and providence, is coming towards us in ways of mercy and comfort, we should, like Martha, go forth by faith, hope, and prayer, to meet him. When Martha went to meet Jesus, Mary sat still in the house; this temper formerly had been an advantage to her, when it put her at Christ's feet to hear his word; but in the day of affliction, the same temper disposed her to melancholy. It is our wisdom to watch against the temptations, and to make use of the advantages of our natural tempers. When we know not what in particular to ask or expect, let us refer ourselves to God; let him do as seemeth him good. To enlarge Martha's expectations, our Lord declared himself to be the Resurrection and the Life. In every sense he is the Resurrection; the source, the substance, the first-fruits, the cause of it. The redeemed soul lives after death in happiness; and after the resurrection, both body and soul are kept from all evil for ever. When we have read or heard the word of Christ, about the great things of the other world, we should put it to ourselves, Do we believe this truth? The crosses and comforts of this present time would not make such a deep impression upon us as they do, if we believed the things of eternity as we ought. When Christ our Master comes, he calls for us. He comes in his word and ordinances, and calls us to them, calls us by them, calls us to himself. Those who, in a day of peace, set themselves at Christ's feet to be taught by him, may with comfort, in a day of trouble, cast themselves at his feet, to find favour with him.

Verses 33-46 Christ's tender sympathy with these afflicted friends, appeared by the troubles of his spirit. In all the afflictions of believers he is afflicted. His concern for them was shown by his kind inquiry after the remains of his deceased friend. Being found in fashion as a man, he acts in the way and manner of the sons of men. It was shown by his tears. He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. Tears of compassion resemble those of Christ. But Christ never approved that sensibility of which many are proud, while they weep at mere tales of distress, but are hardened to real woe. He sets us an example to withdraw from scenes of giddy mirth, that we may comfort the afflicted. And we have not a High Priest who cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities. It is a good step toward raising a soul to spiritual life, when the stone is taken away, when prejudices are removed, and got over, and way is made for the word to enter the heart. If we take Christ's word, and rely on his power and faithfulness, we shall see the glory of God, and be happy in the sight. Our Lord Jesus has taught us, by his own example, to call God Father, in prayer, and to draw nigh to him as children to a father, with humble reverence, yet with holy boldness. He openly made this address to God, with uplifted eyes and loud voice, that they might be convinced the Father had sent him as his beloved Son into the world. He could have raised Lazarus by the silent exertion of his power and will, and the unseen working of the Spirit of life; but he did it by a loud call. This was a figure of the gospel call, by which dead souls are brought out of the grave of sin: and of the sound of the archangel's trumpet at the last day, with which all that sleep in the dust shall be awakened, and summoned before the great tribunal. The grave of sin and this world, is no place for those whom Christ has quickened; they must come forth. Lazarus was thoroughly revived, and returned not only to life, but to health. The sinner cannot quicken his own soul, but he is to use the means of grace; the believer cannot sanctify himself, but he is to lay aside every weight and hinderance. We cannot convert our relatives and friends, but we should instruct, warn, and invite them.

Verses 47-53 There can hardly be a more clear discovery of the madness that is in man's heart, and of its desperate enmity against God, than what is here recorded. Words of prophecy in the mouth, are not clear evidence of a principle of grace in the heart. The calamity we seek to escape by sin, we take the most effectual course to bring upon our own heads; as those do who think by opposing Christ's kingdom, to advance their own worldly interest. The fear of the wicked shall come upon them. The conversion of souls is the gathering of them to Christ as their ruler and refuge; and he died to effect this. By dying he purchased them to himself, and the gift of the Holy Ghost for them: his love in dying for believers should unite them closely together.

Verses 54-57 Before our gospel passover we must renew our repentance. Thus by a voluntary purification, and by religious exercises, many, more devout than their neighbours, spent some time before the passover at Jerusalem. When we expect to meet God, we must solemnly prepare. No devices of man can alter the purposes of God: and while hypocrites amuse themselves with forms and disputes, and worldly men pursue their own plans, Jesus still orders all things for his own glory and the salvation of his people.

Chapter 12
''Christ anointed by Mary. (1-11) He enters Jerusalem. (12-19) Greeks apply to see Jesus. (20-26) A voice from heaven bears testimony to Christ. (27-33) His discourse with the people. (34-36) Unbelief of the Jews. (37-43) Christ's address to them. (44-50) ''

Verses 1-11 Christ had formerly blamed Martha for being troubled with much serving. But she did not leave off serving, as some, who when found fault with for going too far in one way, peevishly run too far another way; she still served, but within hearing of Christ's gracious words. Mary gave a token of love to Christ, who had given real tokens of his love to her and her family. God's Anointed should be our Anointed. Has God poured on him the oil of gladness above his fellows, let us pour on him the ointment of our best affections. In Judas a foul sin is gilded over with a plausible pretence. We must not think that those do no acceptable service, who do it not in our way. The reigning love of money is heart-theft. The grace of Christ puts kind comments on pious words and actions, makes the best of what is amiss, and the most of what is good. Opportunities are to be improved; and those first and most vigorously, which are likely to be the shortest. To consult to hinder the further effect of the miracle, by putting Lazarus to death, is such wickedness, malice, and folly, as cannot be explained, except by the desperate enmity of the human heart against God. They resolved that the man should die whom the Lord had raised to life. The success of the gospel often makes wicked men so angry, that they speak and act as if they hoped to obtain a victory over the Almighty himself.

Verses 12-19 Christ's riding in triumph to Jerusalem is recorded by all the evangelists. Many excellent things, both in the word and providence of God, disciples do not understand at their first acquaintance with the things of God. The right understanding of spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom, prevents our misapplying the Scriptures which speak of it.

Verses 20-26 In attendance upon holy ordinances, particularly the gospel passover, the great desire of our souls should be to see Jesus; to see him as ours, to keep up communion with him, and derive grace from him. The calling of the Gentiles magnified the Redeemer. A corn of wheat yields no increase unless it is cast into the ground. Thus Christ might have possessed his heavenly glory alone, without becoming man. Or, after he had taken man's nature, he might have entered heaven alone, by his own perfect righteousness, without suffering or death; but then no sinner of the human race could have been saved. The salvation of souls hitherto, and henceforward to the end of time, is owing to the dying of this Corn of wheat. Let us search whether Christ be in us the hope of glory; let us beg him to make us indifferent to the trifling concerns of this life, that we may serve the Lord Jesus with a willing mind, and follow his holy example.

Verses 27-33 The sin of our souls was the troubled of Christ's soul, when he undertook to redeem and save us, and to make his soul an offering for our sin. Christ was willing to suffer, yet prayed to be saved from suffering. Prayer against trouble may well agree with patience under it, and submission to the will of God in it. Our Lord Jesus undertook to satisfy God's injured honour, and he did it by humbling himself. The voice of the Father from heaven, which had declared him to be his beloved Son, at his baptism, and when he was transfigured, was heard proclaiming that He had both glorified his name, and would glorify it. Christ, reconciling the world to God by the merit of his death, broke the power of death, and cast out Satan as a destroyer. Christ, bringing the world to God by the doctrine of his cross, broke the power of sin, and cast out Satan as a deceiver. The soul that was at a distance from Christ, is brought to love him and trust him. Jesus was now going to heaven, and he would draw men's hearts to him thither. There is power in the death of Christ to draw souls to him. We have heard from the gospel that which exalts free grace, and we have heard also that which enjoins duty; we must from the heart embrace both, and not separate them.

Verses 34-36 The people drew false notions from the Scriptures, because they overlooked the prophecies that spoke of Christ's sufferings and death. Our Lord warned them that the light would not long continue with them, and exhorted them to walk in it, before the darkness overtook them. Those who would walk in the light must believe in it, and follow Christ's directions. But those who have not faith, cannot behold what is set forth in Jesus, lifted up on the cross, and must be strangers to its influence as made known by the Holy Spirit; they find a thousand objections to excuse their unbelief.

Verses 37-43 Observe the method of conversion implied here. Sinners are brought to see the reality of Divine things, and to have some knowledge of them. To be converted, and truly turned from sin to Christ, as their Happiness and Portion. God will heal them, will justify and sanctify them; will pardon their sins, which are as bleeding wounds, and mortify their corruptions, which are as lurking diseases. See the power of the world in smothering convictions, from regard to the applause or censure of men. Love of the praise of men, as a by-end in that which is good, will make a man a hypocrite when religion is in fashion, and credit is to be got by it; and love of the praise of men, as a base principle in that which is evil, will make a man an apostate, when religion is in disgrace, and credit is to be lost for it.

Verses 44-50 Our Lord publicly proclaimed, that every one who believed on him, as his true disciple, did not believe on him only, but on the Father who sent him. Beholding in Jesus the glory of the Father, we learn to obey, love, and trust in him. By daily looking to Him, who came a Light into the world, we are more and more freed from the darkness of ignorance, error, sin, and misery; we learn that the command of God our Saviour is everlasting life. But the same word will seal the condemnation of all who despise it, or neglect it.

Unit Test
The second Unit Test will open this week on Moodle. There will be 30 free response questions drawn from information covered in readings and lessons for this unit. Many of the questions may be reworded study questions, so the study guide is your friend :). You should have completed the Study Guide and turned it in prior to taking the test. Once this course is approved and the Moodle page is set up, a link will be placed here.

title: Gospel of John (CBS)/Week 5


text:
Gospel of John (CBS)/Week 6

We are now in the Book of Signs. I'll grade the test results over the course of this week, and you'll have them back by Saturday. Please look over and begin the Study Guide for this Unit, as early studying will only help you on the Unit Test in two weeks.

Assignments

 * 1) Read John 13:1-17:26
 * 2) Write a well developed response that expands upon this week's topic.
 * 3) Begin working on the Study Guide
 * 4) Check test score feedback (optional, but highly advisable!!)

Discussion
This week's discussion will be held at TIME on DATE in the AWF virtual universe, Agape World at the AWF School facility.There is a section on the talk page where you can post topics and questions for us to go over. If you are unable to make it, your questions can also be posted in a separate section to the talk page, where I will do my best to answer them shortly.

Handouts

 * Study Guide -50 questions, due before test

Chapter 13
''Christ washes the disciples' feet. (1-17) The treachery of Judas foretold. (18-30) Christ commands the disciples to love one another. (31-38)''

Verses 1-17 Our Lord Jesus has a people in the world that are his own; he has purchased them, and paid dear for them, and he has set them apart for himself; they devote themselves to him as a peculiar people. Those whom Christ loves, he loves to the end. Nothing can separate a true believer from the love of Christ. We know not when our hour will come, therefore what we have to do in constant preparation for it, ought never to be undone. What way of access the devil has to men's hearts we cannot tell. But some sins are so exceedingly sinful, and there is so little temptation to them from the world and the flesh, that it is plain they are directly from Satan. Jesus washed his disciples' feet, that he might teach us to think nothing below us, wherein we may promote God's glory, and the good of our brethren. We must address ourselves to duty, and must lay aside every thing that would hinder us in what we have to do. Christ washed his disciples' feet, that he might signify to them the value of spiritual washing, and the cleansing of the soul from the pollutions of sin. Our Lord Jesus does many things of which even his own disciples do not for the present know the meaning, but they shall know afterward. We see in the end what was the kindness from events which seemed most cross. And it is not humility, but unbelief, to put away the offers of the gospel, as if too rich to be made to us, or too good news to be true. All those, and those only, who are spiritually washed by Christ, have a part in Christ. All whom Christ owns and saves, he justifies and sanctifies. Peter more than submits; he begs to be washed by Christ. How earnest he is for the purifying grace of the Lord Jesus, and the full effect of it, even upon his hands and head! Those who truly desire to be sanctified, desire to be sanctified throughout, to have the whole man, with all its parts and powers, made pure. The true believer is thus washed when he receives Christ for his salvation. See then what ought to be the daily care of those who through grace are in a justified state, and that is, to wash their feet; to cleanse themselves from daily guilt, and to watch against everything defiling. This should make us the more cautious. From yesterday's pardon, we should be strengthened against this day's temptation. And when hypocrites are discovered, it should be no surprise or cause of stumbling to us. Observe the lesson Christ here taught. Duties are mutual; we must both accept help from our brethren, and afford help to our brethren. When we see our Master serving, we cannot but see how ill it becomes us to domineer. And the same love which led Christ to ransom and reconcile his disciples when enemies, still influences him.

Verses 18-30 Our Lord had often spoken of his own sufferings and death, without such trouble of spirit as he now discovered when he spake of Judas. The sins of Christians are the grief of Christ. We are not to confine our attention to Judas. The prophecy of his treachery may apply to all who partake of God's mercies, and meet them with ingratitude. See the infidel, who only looks at the Scriptures with a desire to do away their authority and destroy their influence; the hypocrite, who professes to believe the Scriptures, but will not govern himself by them; and the apostate, who turns aside from Christ for a thing of naught. Thus mankind, supported by God's providence, after eating bread with Him, lift up the heel against Him! Judas went out as one weary of Jesus and his apostles. Those whose deeds are evil, love darkness rather than light.

Verses 31-35 Christ had been glorified in many miracles he wrought, yet he speaks of his being glorified now in his sufferings, as if that were more than all his other glories in his humbled state. Satisfaction was thereby made for the wrong done to God by the sin of man. We cannot now follow our Lord to his heavenly happiness, but if we truly believe in him, we shall follow him hereafter; meanwhile we must wait his time, and do his work. Before Christ left the disciples, he would give them a new commandment. They were to love each other for Christ's sake, and according to his example, seeking what might benefit others, and promoting the cause of the gospel, as one body, animated by one soul. But this commandment still appears new to many professors. Men in general notice any of Christ's words rather than these. By this it appears, that if the followers of Christ do not show love one to another, they give cause to suspect their sincerity.

Verses 36-38 What Christ had said concerning brotherly love, Peter overlooked, but spoke of that about which Christ kept them ignorant. It is common to be more eager to know about secret things, which belong to God only, than about things revealed, which belong to us and our children; to be more desirous to have our curiosity gratified, than our consciences directed; to know what is done in heaven, than what we may do to get thither. How soon discourse as to what is plain and edifying is dropped, while a doubtful dispute runs on into endless strife of words! We are apt to take it amiss to be told we cannot do this and the other, whereas, without Christ we can do nothing. Christ knows us better than we know ourselves, and has many ways of discovering those to themselves, whom he loves, and he will hide pride from them. May we endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, to love one another with a pure heart fervently, and to walk humbly with our God.

Chapter 14
''Christ comforts his disciples. (1-11) He further comforts his disciples. (12-17) He still further comforts his disciples. (18-31)''

Verses 1-11 Here are three words, upon any of which stress may be laid. Upon the word troubled. Be not cast down and disquieted. The word heart. Let your heart be kept with full trust in God. The word your. However others are overwhelmed with the sorrows of this present time, be not you so. Christ's disciples, more than others, should keep their minds quiet, when everything else is unquiet. Here is the remedy against this trouble of mind, "Believe." By believing in Christ as the Mediator between God and man, we gain comfort. The happiness of heaven is spoken of as in a father's house. There are many mansions, for there are many sons to be brought to glory. Mansions are lasting dwellings. Christ will be the Finisher of that of which he is the Author or Beginner; if he have prepared the place for us, he will prepare us for it. Christ is the sinner's Way to the Father and to heaven, in his person as God manifest in the flesh, in his atoning sacrifice, and as our Advocate. He is the Truth, as fulfilling all the prophecies of a Saviour; believing which, sinners come by him the Way. He is the Life, by whose life-giving Spirit the dead in sin are quickened. Nor can any man draw nigh God as a Father, who is not quickened by Him as the Life, and taught by Him as the Truth, to come by Him as the Way. By Christ, as the Way, our prayers go to God, and his blessings come to us; this is the Way that leads to rest, the good old Way. He is the Resurrection and the Life. All that saw Christ by faith, saw the Father in Him. In the light of Christ's doctrine, they saw God as the Father of lights; and in Christ's miracles, they saw God as the God of power. The holiness of God shone in the spotless purity of Christ's life. We are to believe the revelation of God to man in Christ; for the works of the Redeemer show forth his own glory, and God in him.

Verses 12-17 Whatever we ask in Christ's name, that shall be for our good, and suitable to our state, he shall give it to us. To ask in Christ's name, is to plead his merit and intercession, and to depend upon that plea. The gift of the Spirit is a fruit of Christ's mediation, bought by his merit, and received by his intercession. The word used here, signifies an advocate, counsellor, monitor, and comforter. He would abide with the disciples to the end of time; his gifts and graces would encourage their hearts. The expressions used here and elsewhere, plainly denote a person, and the office itself includes all the Divine perfections. The gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed upon the disciples of Christ, and not on the world. This is the favour God bears to his chosen. As the source of holiness and happiness, the Holy Spirit will abide with every believer for ever.

Verses 18-24 Christ promises that he would continue his care of his disciples. I will not leave you orphans, or fatherless, for though I leave you, yet I leave you this comfort, I will come to you. I will come speedily to you at my resurrection. I will come daily to you in my Spirit; in the tokens of his love, and visits of his grace. I will come certainly at the end of time. Those only that see Christ with an eye of faith, shall see him for ever: the world sees him no more till his second coming; but his disciples have communion with him in his absence. These mysteries will be fully known in heaven. It is a further act of grace, that they should know it, and have the comfort of it. Having Christ's commands, we must keep them. And having them in our heads, we must keep them in our hearts and lives. The surest evidence of our love to Christ is, obedience to the laws of Christ. There are spiritual tokens of Christ and his love given to all believers. Where sincere love to Christ is in the heart, there will be obedience. Love will be a commanding, constraining principle; and where love is, duty follows from a principle of gratitude. God will not only love obedient believers, but he will take pleasure in loving them, will rest in love to them. He will be with them as his home. These privileges are confined to those whose faith worketh by love, and whose love to Jesus leads them to keep his commandments. Such are partakers of the Holy Spirit's new-creating grace.

Verses 25-27 Would we know these things for our good, we must pray for, and depend on the teaching of the Holy Ghost; thus the words of Jesus will be brought to our remembrance, and many difficulties be cleared up which are not plain to others. To all the saints, the Spirit of grace is given to be a remembrancer, and to him, by faith and prayer, we should commit the keeping of what we hear and know. Peace is put for all good, and Christ has left us all that is really and truly good, all the promised good; peace of mind from our justification before God. This Christ calls his peace, for he is himself our Peace. The peace of God widely differs from that of Pharisees or hypocrites, as is shown by its humbling and holy effects.

Verses 28-31 Christ raises the expectations of his disciples to something beyond what they thought was their greatest happiness. His time was now short, he therefore spake largely to them. When we come to be sick, and to die, we may not be capable of talking much to those about us; such good counsel as we have to give, let us give while in health. Observe the prospect Christ had of an approaching conflict, not only with men, but with the powers of darkness. Satan has something in us to perplex us with, for we have all sinned; but when he would disturb Christ, he found nothing sinful to help him. The best evidence of our love to the Father is, our doing as he has commanded us. Let us rejoice in the Saviour's victories over Satan the prince of this world. Let us copy the example of his love and obedience.

Chapter 15
''Christ the true Vine. (1-8) His love to his disciples. (9-17) foretold. (18-25) The Comforter promised. (26,27)''

Verses 1-8 Jesus Christ is the Vine, the true Vine. The union of the human and Divine natures, and the fulness of the Spirit that is in him, resemble the root of the vine made fruitful by the moisture from a rich soil. Believers are branches of this Vine. The root is unseen, and our life is hid with Christ; the root bears the tree, diffuses sap to it, and in Christ are all supports and supplies. The branches of the vine are many, yet, meeting in the root, are all but one vine; thus all true Christians, though in place and opinion distant from each other, meet in Christ. Believers, like the branches of the vine, are weak, and unable to stand but as they are borne up. The Father is the Husbandman. Never was any husbandman so wise, so watchful, about his vineyard, as God is about his church, which therefore must prosper. We must be fruitful. From a vine we look for grapes, and from a Christian we look for a Christian temper, disposition, and life. We must honour God, and do good; this is bearing fruit. The unfruitful are taken away. And even fruitful branches need pruning; for the best have notions, passions, and humours, that require to be taken away, which Christ has promised to forward the sanctification of believers, they will be thankful, for them. The word of Christ is spoken to all believers; and there is a cleansing virtue in that word, as it works grace, and works out corruption. And the more fruit we bring forth, the more we abound in what is good, the more our Lord is glorified. In order to fruitfulness, we must abide in Christ, must have union with him by faith. It is the great concern of all Christ's disciples, constantly to keep up dependence upon Christ, and communion with him. True Christians find by experience, that any interruption in the exercise of their faith, causes holy affections to decline, their corruptions to revive, and their comforts to droop. Those who abide not in Christ, though they may flourish for awhile in outward profession, yet come to nothing. The fire is the fittest place for withered branches; they are good for nothing else. Let us seek to live more simply on the fulness of Christ, and to grow more fruitful in every good word and work, so may our joy in Him and in his salvation be full.

Verses 9-17 Those whom God loves as a Father, may despise the hatred of all the world. As the Father loved Christ, who was most worthy, so he loved his disciples, who were unworthy. All that love the Saviour should continue in their love to him, and take all occasions to show it. The joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment, but the joy of those who abide in Christ's love is a continual feast. They are to show their love to him by keeping his commandments. If the same power that first shed abroad the love of Christ's in our hearts, did not keep us in that love, we should not long abide in it. Christ's love to us should direct us to love each other. He speaks as about to give many things in charge, yet names this only; it includes many duties.

Verses 18-25 How little do many persons think, that in opposing the doctrine of Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, they prove themselves ignorant of the one living and true God, whom they profess to worship! The name into which Christ's disciples were baptized, is that which they will live and die by. It is a comfort to the greatest sufferers, if they suffer for Christ's name's sake. The world's ignorance is the true cause of its hatred to the disciples of Jesus. The clearer and fuller the discoveries of the grace and truth of Christ, the greater is our sin if we do not love him and believe in him.

26,27. The blessed Spirit will maintain the cause of Christ in the world, notwithstanding the opposition it meets with. Believers taught and encouraged by his influences, would bear testimony to Christ and his salvation.

Chapter 16
''Persecution foretold. (1-6) The promise of the Holy Spirit, and his office. (7-15) Christ's departure and return. (16-22) Encouragement to prayer. (23-27) Christ's discoveries of himself. (28-33) ''

Verses 1-6 Our Lord Jesus, by giving his disciples notice of trouble, designed that the terror might not be a surprise to them. It is possible for those who are real enemies to God's service, to pretend zeal for it. This does not lessen the sin of the persecutors; villanies will never be changed by putting the name of God to them. As Jesus in his sufferings, so his followers in theirs, should look to the fulfilling of Scripture. He did not tell them sooner, because he was with them to teach, guide, and comfort them; they needed not then this promise of the Holy Spirit's presence. It will silence us to ask, Whence troubles come? It will satisfy us to ask, Whither go they? for we know they work for good. It is the common fault and folly of melancholy Christians to look only on the dark side of the cloud, and to turn a deaf ear to the voice of joy and gladness. That which filled the disciples' hearts with sorrow, was too great affection for this present life. Nothing more hinders our joy in God, than the love of the world, and the sorrow of the world which comes from it.

Verses 7-15 Christ's departure was necessary to the Comforter's coming. Sending the Spirit was to be the fruit of Christ's death, which was his going away. His bodily presence could be only in one place at one time, but his Spirit is every where, in all places, at all times, wherever two or three are gathered together in his name. See here the office of the Spirit, first to reprove, or to convince. Convincing work is the Spirit's work; he can do it effectually, and none but he. It is the method the Holy Spirit takes, first to convince, and then to comfort. The Spirit shall convince the world, of sin; not merely tell them of it. The Spirit convinces of the fact of sin; of the fault of sin; of the folly of sin; of the filth of sin, that by it we are become hateful to God; of the fountain of sin, the corrupt nature; and lastly, of the fruit of sin, that the end thereof is death. The Holy Spirit proves that all the world is guilty before God. He convinces the world of righteousness; that Jesus of Nazareth was Christ the righteous. Also, of Christ's righteousness, imparted to us for justification and salvation. He will show them where it is to be had, and how they may be accepted as righteous in God's sight. Christ's ascension proves the ransom was accepted, and the righteousness finished, through which believers were to be justified. Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. All will be well, when his power is broken, who made all the mischief. As Satan is subdued by Christ, this gives us confidence, for no other power can stand before him. And of the day of judgment. The coming of the Spirit would be of unspeakable advantage to the disciples. The Holy Spirit is our Guide, not only to show us the way, but to go with us by continued aids and influences. To be led into a truth is more than barely to know it; it is not only to have the notion of it in our heads, but the relish, and savour, and power of it in our hearts. He shall teach all truth, and keep back nothing profitable, for he will show things to come. All the gifts and graces of the Spirit, all the preaching, and all the writing of the apostles, under the influence of the Spirit, all the tongues, and miracles, were to glorify Christ. It behoves every one to ask, whether the Holy Spirit has begun a good work in his heart? Without clear discovery of our guilt and danger, we never shall understand the value of Christ's salvation; but when brought to know ourselves aright, we begin to see the value of the Redeemer. We should have fuller views of the Redeemer, and more lively affections to him, if we more prayed for, and depended on the Holy Spirit.

Verses 16-22 It is good to consider how near our seasons of grace are to an end, that we may be quickened to improve them. But the sorrows of the disciples would soon be turned into joy; as those of a mother, at the sight of her infant. The Holy Spirit would be their Comforter, and neither men nor devils, neither sufferings in life nor in death, would ever deprive them of their joy. Believers have joy or sorrow, according to their sight of Christ, and the tokens of his presence. Sorrow is coming on the ungodly, which nothing can lessen; the believer is an heir to joy which no one can take away. Where now is the joy of the murderers of our Lord, and the sorrow of his friends?

Verses 23-27 Asking of the Father shows a sense of spiritual wants, and a desire of spiritual blessings, with conviction that they are to be had from God only. Asking in Christ's name, is acknowledging our unworthiness to receive any favours from God, and shows full dependence upon Christ as the Lord our Righteousness. Our Lord had hitherto spoken in short and weighty sentences, or in parables, the import of which the disciples did not fully understand, but after his resurrection he intended plainly to teach them such things as related to the Father and the way to him, through his intercession. And the frequency with which our Lord enforces offering up petitions in his name, shows that the great end of the mediation of Christ is to impress us with a deep sense of our sinfulness, and of the merit and power of his death, whereby we have access to God. And let us ever remember, that to address the Father in the name of Christ, or to address the Son as God dwelling in human nature, and reconciling the world to himself, are the same, as the Father and Son are one.

Verses 28-33 Here is a plain declaration of Christ's coming from the Father, and his return to him. The Redeemer, in his entrance, was God manifest in the flesh, and in his departure was received up into glory. By this saying the disciples improved in knowledge. Also in faith; "Now are we sure." Alas! they knew not their own weakness. The Divine nature did not desert the human nature, but supported it, and put comfort and value into Christ's sufferings. And while we have God's favourable presence, we are happy, and ought to be easy, though all the world forsake us. Peace in Christ is the only true peace, in him alone believers have it. Through him we have peace with God, and so in him we have peace in our own minds. We ought to be encouraged, because Christ has overcome the world before us. But while we think we stand, let us take heed lest we fall. We know not how we should act if brought into temptation; let us watch and pray without ceasing, that we may not be left to ourselves.

Chapter 17
''Christ's prayer for himself. (1-5) His prayer for his disciples. (6-10) His prayer. (11-26)'' Verses 1-5 Our Lord prayed as a man, and as the Mediator of his people; yet he spoke with majesty and authority, as one with and equal to the Father. Eternal life could not be given to believers, unless Christ, their Surety, both glorified the Father, and was glorified of him. This is the sinner's way to eternal life, and when this knowledge shall be made perfect, holiness and happiness will be fully enjoyed. The holiness and happiness of the redeemed, are especially that glory of Christ, and of his Father, which was the joy set before him, for which he endured the cross and despised the shame; this glory was the end of the sorrow of his soul, and in obtaining it he was fully satisfied. Thus we are taught that our glorifying God is needed as an evidence of our interest in Christ, through whom eternal life is God's free gift.

6-10. Christ prays for those that are his. Thou gavest them me, as sheep to the shepherd, to be kept; as a patient to the physician, to be cured; as children to a tutor, to be taught: thus he will deliver up his charge. It is a great satisfaction to us, in our reliance upon Christ, that he, all he is and has, and all he said and did, all he is doing and will do, are of God. Christ offered this prayer for his people alone as believers; not for the world at large. Yet no one who desires to come to the Father, and is conscious that he is unworthy to come in his own name, need be discouraged by the Saviour's declaration, for he is both able and willing to save to the uttermost, all that come unto God by him. Earnest convictions and desires, are hopeful tokens of a work already wrought in a man; they begin to evidence that he has been chosen unto salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. They are thine; wilt thou not provide for thine own? Wilt thou not secure them? Observe the foundation on which this plea is grounded, All mine are thine, and thine are mine. This speaks the Father and Son to be one. All mine are thine. The Son owns none for his, that are not devoted to the service of the Father.

Verses 11-16 Christ does not pray that they might be rich and great in the world, but that they might be kept from sin, strengthened for their duty, and brought safe to heaven. The prosperity of the soul is the best prosperity. He pleaded with his holy Father, that he would keep them by his power and for his glory, that they might be united in affection and labours, even according to the union of the Father and the Son. He did not pray that his disciples should be removed out of the world, that they might escape the rage of men, for they had a great work to do for the glory of God, and the benefit of mankind. But he prayed that the Father would keep them from the evil, from being corrupted by the world, the remains of sin in their hearts, and from the power and craft of Satan. So that they might pass through the world as through an enemy's country, as he had done. They are not left here to pursue the same objects as the men around them, but to glorify God, and to serve their generation. The Spirit of God in true Christians is opposed to the spirit of the world.

Verses 17-19 Christ next prayed for the disciples, that they might not only be kept from evil, but made good. It is the prayer of Jesus for all that are his, that they may be made holy. Even disciples must pray for sanctifying grace. The means of giving this grace is, "through thy truth, thy word is truth." Sanctify them, set them apart for thyself and thy service. Own them in the office; let thy hand go with them. Jesus entirely devoted himself to his undertaking, and all the parts of it, especially the offering up himself without spot unto God, by the eternal Spirit. The real holiness of all true Christians is the fruit of Christ's death, by which the gift of the Holy Ghost was purchased; he gave himself for his church, to sanctify it. If our views have not this effect on us, they are not Divine truth, or we do not receive them by a living and a working faith, but as mere notions.

Verses 20-23 Our Lord especially prayed, that all believers might be as one body under one head, animated by one soul, by their union with Christ and the Father in him, through the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. The more they dispute about lesser things, the more they throw doubts upon Christianity. Let us endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, praying that all believers may be more and more united in one mind and one judgment. Thus shall we convince the world of the truth and excellence of our religion, and find more sweet communion with God and his saints.

Verses 24-26 Christ, as one with the Father, claimed on behalf of all that had been given to him, and should in due time believe on him, that they should be brought to heaven; and that there the whole company of the redeemed might behold his glory as their beloved Friend and Brother, and therein find happiness. He had declared and would further declare the name or character of God, by his doctrine and his Spirit, that, being one with him, the love of the Father to him might abide with them also. Thus, being joined to Him by one Spirit, they might be filled with all the fulness of God, and enjoy a blessedness of which we can form no right idea in our present state.

Unit Test
The Unit Test will be given in Week 8. It will be like the previous two tests, with the only difference being the number of questions. There will be 25 questions on this test, drawn from the material we will cover over this unit. The test is on this unit and only this unit. You should begin studying now for the best score.

title: Gospel of John (CBS)/Week 6


text:
Gospel of John (CBS)/Week 7

We're now in the second week of the Book of Signs and heading towards a Unit Test next week.

Assignments

 * 1) Read John 18:1-19:42
 * 2) Write a well developed response that expands upon this week's topic.
 * 3) Continue working on the Study Guide
 * 4) Review material for next week's unit test

Discussion
This week's discussion will be held at TIME on DATE in the AWF virtual universe, Agape World at the AWF School facility. There is a section on the talk page where you can post topics and questions for us to go over. If you are unable to make it, your questions can also be posted in a separate section to the talk page, where I will do my best to answer them shortly.

Chapter 18
''Christ taken in the garden. (1-12) Christ before Annas and Caiaphas. (13-27) Christ before Pilate. (28-40)''

Verses 1-12 Sin began in the garden of Eden, there the curse was pronounced, there the Redeemer was promised; and in a garden that promised Seed entered into conflict with the old serpent. Christ was buried also in a garden. Let us, when we walk in our gardens, take occasion from thence to mediate on Christ's sufferings in a garden. Our Lord Jesus, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth and asked, Whom seek ye? When the people would have forced him to a crown, he withdrew, ch. 6:15, but when they came to force him to a cross, he offered himself; for he came into this world to suffer, and went to the other world to reign. He showed plainly what he could have done; when he struck them down he could have struck them dead, but he would not do so. It must have been the effect of Divine power, that the officers and soldiers let the disciples go away quietly, after the resistance which had been offered. Christ set us an example of meekness in sufferings, and a pattern of submission to God's will in every thing that concerns us. It is but a cup, a small matter. It is a cup that is given us; sufferings are gifts. It is given us by a Father, who has a father's authority, and does us no wrong; a father's affection, and means us no hurt. From the example of our Saviour we should learn how to receive our lighter afflictions, and to ask ourselves whether we ought to oppose our Father's will, or to distrust his love. We were bound with the cords of our iniquities, with the yoke of our transgressions. Christ, being made a sin-offering for us, to free us from those bonds, himself submitted to be bound for us. To his bonds we owe our liberty; thus the Son makes us free.

Verses 13-27 Simon Peter denied his Master. The particulars have been noticed in the remarks on the other Gospels. The beginning of sin is as the letting forth of water. The sin of lying is a fruitful sin; one lie needs another to support it, and that another. If a call to expose ourselves to danger be clear, we may hope God will enable us to honour him; if it be not, we may fear that God will leave us to shame ourselves. They said nothing concerning the miracles of Jesus, by which he had done so much good, and which proved his doctrine. Thus the enemies of Christ, whilst they quarrel with his truth, wilfully shut their eyes against it. He appeals to those who heard him. The doctrine of Christ may safely appeal to all that know it, and those who judge in truth bear witness to it. Our resentment of injuries must never be passionate. He reasoned with the man that did him the injury, and so may we.

Verses 28-32 It was unjust to put one to death who had done so much good, therefore the Jews were willing to save themselves from reproach. Many fear the scandal of an ill thing, more than the sin of it. Christ had said he should be delivered to the Gentiles, and they should put him to death; hereby that saying was fulfilled. He had said that he should be crucified, lifted up. If the Jews had judged him by their law, he had been stoned; crucifying never was used among the Jews. It is determined concerning us, though not discovered to us, what death we shall die: this should free us from disquiet about that matter. Lord, what, when, and how, thou hast appointed.

Verses 33-40 Art thou the King of the Jews? that King of the Jews who has been so long expected? Messiah the Prince; art thou he? Dost thou call thyself so, and wouldest thou be thought so? Christ answered this question with another; not for evasion, but that Pilate might consider what he did. He never took upon him any earthly power, never were any traitorous principles or practices laid to him. Christ gave an account of the nature of his kingdom. Its nature is not worldly; it is a kingdom within men, set up in their hearts and consciences; its riches spiritual, its power spiritual, and it glory within. Its supports are not worldly; its weapons are spiritual; it needed not, nor used, force to maintain and advance it, nor opposed any kingdom but that of sin and Satan. Its object and design are not worldly. When Christ said, I am the Truth, he said, in effect, I am a King. He conquers by the convincing evidence of truth; he rules by the commanding power of truth. The subjects of this kingdom are those that are of the truth. Pilate put a good question, he said, What is truth? When we search the Scriptures, and attend the ministry of the word, it must be with this inquiry, What is truth? and with this prayer, Lead me in thy truth; into all truth. But many put this question, who have not patience to preserve in their search after truth; or not humility enough to receive it. By this solemn declaration of Christ's innocence, it appears, that though the Lord Jesus was treated as the worst of evil-doers, he never deserved such treatment. But it unfolds the design of his death; that he died as a Sacrifice for our sins. Pilate was willing to please all sides; and was governed more by worldly wisdom than by the rules of justice. Sin is a robber, yet is foolishly chosen by many rather than Christ, who would truly enrich us. Let us endeavour to make our accusers ashamed as Christ did; and let us beware of crucifying Christ afresh.

Chapter 19
''Christ condemned and crucified. (1-18) Christ on the cross. (19-30) His side pierced. (31-37) The burial of Jesus. (38-42)''

Verses 1-18 Little did Pilate think with what holy regard these sufferings of Christ would, in after-ages, be thought upon and spoken of by the best and greatest of men. Our Lord Jesus came forth, willing to be exposed to their scorn. It is good for every one with faith, to behold Christ Jesus in his sufferings. Behold him, and love him; be still looking unto Jesus. Did their hatred sharpen their endeavours against him? and shall not our love for him quicken our endeavours for him and his kingdom? Pilate seems to have thought that Jesus might be some person above the common order. Even natural conscience makes men afraid of being found fighting against God. As our Lord suffered for the sins both of Jews and Gentiles, it was a special part of the counsel of Divine Wisdom, that the Jews should first purpose his death, and the Gentiles carry that purpose into effect. Had not Christ been thus rejected of men, we had been for ever rejected of God. Now was the Son of man delivered into the hands of wicked and unreasonable men. He was led forth for us, that we might escape. He was nailed to the cross, as a Sacrifice bound to the altar. The Scripture was fulfilled; he did not die at the altar among the sacrifices, but among criminals sacrificed to public justice. And now let us pause, and with faith look upon Jesus. Was ever sorrow like unto his sorrow? See him bleeding, see him dying, see him and love him! love him, and live to him!

Verses 19-30 Here are some remarkable circumstances of Jesus' death, more fully related than before. Pilate would not gratify the chief priests by allowing the writing to be altered; which was doubtless owing to a secret power of God upon his heart, that this statement of our Lord's character and authority might continue. Many things done by the Roman soldiers were fulfilments of the prophecies of the Old Testament. All things therein written shall be fulfilled. Christ tenderly provided for his mother at his death. Sometimes, when God removes one comfort from us, he raises up another for us, where we looked not for it. Christ's example teaches all men to honour their parents in life and death; to provide for their wants, and to promote their comfort by every means in their power. Especially observe the dying word wherewith Jesus breathed out his soul. It is finished; that is, the counsels of the Father concerning his sufferings were now fulfilled. It is finished; all the types and prophecies of the Old Testament, which pointed at the sufferings of the Messiah, were accomplished. It is finished; the ceremonial law is abolished; the substance is now come, and all the shadows are done away. It is finished; an end is made of transgression by bringing in an everlasting righteousness. His sufferings were now finished, both those of his soul, and those of his body. It is finished; the work of man's redemption and salvation is now completed. His life was not taken from him by force, but freely given up.

Verses 31-37 A trial was made whether Jesus was dead. He died in less time than persons crucified commonly did. It showed that he had laid down his life of himself. The spear broke up the very fountains of life; no human body could survive such a wound. But its being so solemnly attested, shows there was something peculiar in it. The blood and water that flowed out, signified those two great benefits which all believers partake of through Christ, justification and sanctification; blood for atonement, water for purification. They both flow from the pierced side of our Redeemer. To Christ crucified we owe merit for our justification, and Spirit and grace for our sanctification. Let this silence the fears of weak Christians, and encourage their hopes; there came both water and blood out of Jesus' pierced side, both to justify and sanctify them. The Scripture was fulfilled, in Pilate's not allowing his legs to be broken, Ps 34:20. There was a type of this in the paschal lamb, Ex 12:46. May we ever look to Him, whom, by our sins, we have ignorantly and heedlessly pierced, nay, sometimes against convictions and mercies; and who shed from his wounded side both water and blood, that we might be justified and sanctified in his name.

Verses 38-42 Joseph of Arimathea was a disciple of Christ in secret. Disciples should openly own themselves; yet some, who in lesser trials have been fearful, in greater have been courageous. When God has work to do, he can find out such as are proper to do it. The embalming was done by Nicodemus, a secret friend to Christ, though not his constant follower. That grace which at first is like a bruised reed, may afterward resemble a strong cedar. Hereby these two rich men showed the value they had for Christ's person and doctrine, and that it was not lessened by the reproach of the cross. We must do our duty as the present day and opportunity are, and leave it to God to fulfil his promises in his own way and his own time. The grave of Jesus was appointed with the wicked, as was the case of those who suffered as criminals; but he was with the rich in his death, as prophesied, ( Isaiah 53:9 ) ; these two circumstances it was very unlikely should ever be united in the same person. He was buried in a new sepulchre; therefore it could not be said that it was not he, but some other that rose. We also are here taught not to be particular as to the place of our burial. He was buried in the sepulchre next at hand. Here is the Sun of Righteousness set for a while, to rise again in greater glory, and then to set no more.

Unit Test
The Unit Test will be similar to the last Unit Tests. There will be 25 free response questions drawn from information covered in readings and lessons for this unit. Many of the questions may be reworded study questions, so the study guide is your friend :). Attempt to make significant progress on the questions from the study guide this week, especially those which relate to this weeks topic. The test will open next week and only be available through Moodle. Once this course is approved and the Moodle page is set up, a link will be placed here.

title: Gospel of John (CBS)/Week 7