Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 15:12-17), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [12-13] Jesus has befriended, loved, and laid down his life for sinners, for people whose chosen identity is defined by personal opposition to God. How has your life been defined by personal opposition to God? What does Jesus’ friendship mean to you?

• Jesus commands that his people love each other as he has loved us. Considering the particular shape of his love to us (see previous question), what does that mean your love to others in the church should look like? How is this different from our modern culture’s version of friendship? Can you think of specific examples of opportunities to love each other in the church like Jesus has loved us?

• [16] “I chose [elected] you…” Jesus isn’t speaking of election in esoteric philosophical terms. He chose his disciples for a purpose. What purpose? And he has a reason for talking about having chosen his disciples. What is that reason? How does it fit in the context of what Jesus is saying about his disciples imitating his love?