The Bible Recap – Day 315 (John 14-17) – Year 7
Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Date: November 11, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble recaps John chapters 14–17, guiding listeners through Jesus’ final conversations with his disciples before his arrest. She unpacks the deep theological significance of Jesus’ words about his identity, the promise of the Holy Spirit, his teaching on abiding in him, and his famous “High Priestly Prayer.” Throughout, Tara-Leigh emphasizes God’s character, the assurance Jesus offers his followers, and the fullness of joy he promises.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Jesus Prepares His Disciples for His Departure
[00:02–02:22]
- John gives a uniquely intimate view into Jesus’ last night with his disciples, offering several chapters of his final words.
- Jesus explains, “He’s going away, but they’ll follow him eventually and eternally”—referring to his return to the Father and preparing a place for believers.
- The “rooms in my Father’s house” motif (14:2) would have resonated with first-century Jewish listeners as an image of family and belonging.
Quote:
“You’re family now. The rooms have already been added, and I’m going to get them ready for the arrival of all God’s new family members when the time is right.”
—Tara-Leigh Cobble [01:31]
2. Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life
[02:23–05:00]
- Jesus claims to be the sole connection between humanity and God.
- She references Hebrews 1 and Colossians 1, stressing Jesus as “the exact imprint of the Father.”
- Highlights the “liar, lunatic, or Lord” trilemma, quoting C.S. Lewis regarding the seriousness of Jesus’ claims.
Quote:
“Either he was crazy and thought he was God... or he was a liar and knew these things weren’t true but still acted like they were... or he was saying things that really were true, in which case he’s Lord.”
—Tara-Leigh Cobble [04:12]
3. Greater Works and Praying in Jesus’ Name
[05:01–08:30]
- Jesus tells the disciples they will “do greater works” than he did (John 14:12). Tara-Leigh explains two interpretations:
- “Greater” refers to the quantity of Jesus’ followers acting through history, not works superior to his miracles.
- Doing “greater works” is possible because believers act in Christ’s power.
- On prayer: Jesus promises God will answer requests “in My name”—but this doesn't mean a blank check; it must align with his will.
Quote:
“It’s not like he’s saying, if you ask me for a Maserati and tack the phrase ‘In Jesus' name, Amen’ on at the end, then... I have to give you the Maserati. You got me?”
—Tara-Leigh Cobble [07:40]
4. The Holy Spirit: From With Us to In Us
[08:31–12:40]
- Jesus promises the Spirit will indwell believers, which is a new development (compared to the Spirit “being on” people in the Old Testament).
- Functions of the Spirit mentioned:
- Reminder: “He helps us recall what Jesus has said and done.”
- Witness: “The Spirit is a spotlight that shines on Jesus.”
- Guide: Leads into all truth and affirms believers belong to God.
- Exclusivity: Only indwells followers of Christ, not “the world.”
Quote:
“One of the most common misconceptions about the Spirit is that he’s only involved in the mysterious things like signs and wonders and tongues... Wherever Jesus is being magnified and made known, the Holy Spirit is active. That’s Him.”
—Tara-Leigh Cobble [11:18]
5. Abiding in the Vine & Bearing Fruit
[12:41–15:00]
- Jesus uses the metaphor: “I am the vine; you are the branches.” Fruitfulness is linked to abiding in him.
- Tara-Leigh contrasts Judas (“taken away”) and Peter (“pruned”) as examples.
- Bearing fruit leads to God’s glory and ultimately, the disciples’ joy—especially as hard times are coming.
Quote:
“God is glorified when we bear fruit. And Jesus compels the disciples to be engaged in what he is doing because bearing fruit will ultimately result in their joy.”
—Tara-Leigh Cobble [14:24]
6. Assurance and Security in God’s Initiative
[15:01–17:00]
- Jesus encourages the disciples that he has chosen them—knowing their strengths and failures.
- Their hope is secure “because God Himself is the One who initiated this in them.”
Quote:
“If they had initiated this whole thing, they’d never be able to keep it together. But because God Himself is the One who initiated this in them, their hope is secure.”
—Tara-Leigh Cobble [16:13]
7. The High Priestly Prayer: Jesus Prays for Us
[17:01–20:00]
- John 17—Jesus prays for his followers and “all the spiritual offspring of his apostles”: all future believers.
- He prays for unity, for God’s glory, and that “the glory of God is our shared purpose.”
8. Joy and Peace in Jesus (God’s Promises Highlighted)
Tara-Leigh shares her “godshot” moments—where God’s heart for joy and peace is stunningly clear in these chapters.
Notable verses and reflections:
- 14:1 – “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”
- 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you... Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
- 15:11 – “...that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
- 16:24 – “Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
- 16:33 – “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
- 16:22-23 – The promise of unstealable, lasting joy with him.
Quote:
“The fullness of joy that comes from his presence will leave us wantless. How complete is the joy that can’t even think of a single thing to ask for.”
—Tara-Leigh Cobble [20:07]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “You’re family now... the rooms have already been added...” [01:31]
- “No one can bridge the gap between mankind and God the Father except for Jesus...” [02:40]
- “If you ask me for a Maserati and tack the phrase ‘In Jesus name, Amen’... my hands are tied and I have to give you the Maserati. You got me?” [07:40]
- “Wherever Jesus is being magnified and made known, the Holy Spirit is active. That’s Him.” [11:18]
- “If they had initiated this whole thing, they’d never be able to keep it together. But because God Himself is the One who initiated this in them, their hope is secure.” [16:13]
- “The fullness of joy that comes from his presence will leave us wantless...” [20:07]
Key Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:02 | Introduction to John’s Gospel’s unique, intimate style | | 01:31 | Jesus' metaphor of preparing rooms for his followers | | 04:12 | C.S. Lewis’ “liar/lunatic/Lord” argument | | 07:40 | What it means to pray “in Jesus’ name” (and what it doesn’t) | | 11:18 | The Holy Spirit as more than just miracle-worker | | 14:24 | Fruitfulness & God’s glory through abiding in Jesus | | 16:13 | Security in God’s initiative, not our own | | 20:07 | Fullness of joy in the presence of Jesus |
Recap Takeaway
Tara-Leigh concludes with encouragement: Don't stress over details—focus on what you’re learning about who God is. As Jesus promises peace and joy even amid tribulation, remember, “He’s where the joy is.”
Closing Blessing:
“I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart. I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)