John recorded in Chapters 13-17 the Last Supper. This version compliments and completes (well at least fills in) Matthew 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22. John 15 is Jesus telling the disciples that the world will hate them because of His name. In verse 24 Jesus talks about the miracles, He did to show Himself the Son of God.

The Jews, Pharisees, and chief priest had a hard time believing these signs, even though some watched Him do them. So, in classic deflection they accused Him of working (doing good) on the Sabbath or getting that power from the devil. Their struggle with Jesus and the miracles started with John the Baptist. Those who were not baptized by John did not believe and could not “hear” Jesus.

In John 15:25 Jesus refers to these Psalms: 69:4, 35:19, and 38:19. These verses all talk about hating (Jesus) without having a reason. 35:12 and 38:20 also have similar thoughts; they give evil for my good. Yes, those are good Psalms to reflect on during Lent.

Lent mirrors the forty days Jesus fasted at the beginning of His ministry. We like to think of that ministry as three and half years; how about changing that to 40 months:)