Kenneth Copeland recently described the Gospel of John—specifically, Chapters 13-17—as his favorite passage of scripture. He singled out these five chapters because they all take place in the context of a special dinner among close friends.
The occasion was the celebration of the Passover meal that the entire nation of Israel was commemorating one particularly historic night. For Jesus and His disciples—and us as believers—it was a covenant meal that would change heaven and earth forever.
Mary had just anointed Jesus (unknowingly, in preparation for His death) after which He made His famous “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem on a donkey (John 12).
Once Jesus and His disciples were alone—for what would be known as their Last Supper—He downloaded vital information and instructions to them. After their meal, they left for the Mount of Olives where they prayed, and Jesus was betrayed and arrested.
These events recounted by the Apostle John in chapters 13-17 had great significance and impact on our relationship with God. Yet, Brother Copeland warns that we are a generation of believers that seems to be losing touch with that significance and impact.
The Apostle Paul pressed his generation about the same issue when he wrote:
“You were…[alienated] from the people of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away [were made] near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12-13, NASB).
These days, we can’t afford to live as “aliens” and “strangers” to all that Jesus’ blood has done for us. We need to know—and not forfeit out of ignorance—our covenant rights (2 Peter 1:3-4).
As Brother Copeland would say, “We need to be covenant-minded ALL the time!”
The following scriptures—one from each of the five chapters—highlights a particular facet of God’s covenant promises to us. Reading and meditating on these scriptures can help you become more covenant-minded, and more aware of God’s will for your life.
1. John 13: Love Like Jesus
“I give you now a new [covenant] commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.” –(verses 34-35, TPT)
2. John 14: Jesus Will Manifest Himself
“The person who has My commands [covenant] and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me; and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I [too] will love him and will show (reveal, manifest) Myself to him. [I will let Myself be clearly seen by him and make Myself real to him.]” –(verse 21, AMPC)
3. John 15: Stay Connected to the Word
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing…. But if you remain in me and my words [covenant] remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” –(verses 5, 7)
4. John 16: Ask the Father Directly
“When that time comes you won’t need to ask me for anything, but instead you will go directly to the Father and ask him for anything you desire and he will give it to you, because of your [covenant] relationship with me…. You can be sure that you’ll receive what you ask for, and your joy will have no limits!” –(verses 23-24, TPT)
5. John 17: Jesus Prays for You
“I ask not only for these disciples, but also for those [THAT’S YOU!] who will one day believe in me [my covenant] because of their message. I pray for them all to be joined together as one even as you and I, Father, are joined together as one. I pray for them to become one with us so that the world will recognize that you sent me. For the very glory you have given to me I have given them.’” –(verses 20-22, TPT)
Interested in taking your covenant rights to a higher level?
Consider memorizing these scriptures, 5 World-Changing Truths Available to You.
Having God’s Word in your head and constantly coming out of your mouth will shut down the devil’s lies—keeping him from stealing your covenant promises (John 10:10)—and literally reprogram your soul to get in line with the new-creature-in-Christ you truly are!