I have said all this to you to keep you from stumbling — Jesus' extended teaching in chapters 14-15 is offered as a safeguard (hina mē skandalisthēte—that you may not be scandalized, offended, caused to fall away). The word "stumbling" (skandalizō) suggests spiritual shipwreck; persecution and the cross threaten to overturn the disciples' faith unless they are prepared. Jesus has given them advance warning so that when tribulation comes, they will remember his words and hold fast.

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