Finding Hope and Trust in Jesus' Promises

 

Summary

In John 14, Jesus speaks words of comfort and assurance to His disciples, words that resonate deeply with us today. He begins by urging them not to let their hearts be troubled, encouraging them to believe in God and also in Him. This call to faith is set against a backdrop of broken trust and uncertainty. During the Last Supper, the disciples were grappling with the revelation that one of them would betray Jesus, and Peter, despite his bold declarations of loyalty, would soon deny Him. In these moments of doubt and self-realization, Jesus offers a profound truth: there is a Savior you can trust, a promise you can believe, and a glorious future you can anticipate.

Jesus exemplifies humility and service by washing the disciples' feet, a symbolic act that mirrors His mission to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. This act of service is a reminder that Jesus did not come to demand from us but to give to us, offering eternal good. When trust is broken, whether by others or by our own failures, Jesus invites us to place our trust in Him. He assures us that He is preparing a place for us in the Father's house, a place of eternal rest and belonging.

The promise of the Father's house is not about making this world perfect or finding a flawless church but about the hope of heaven, where we will be truly at home. Jesus' preparation of this place is accomplished through His death, resurrection, and ascension, opening the way for us to enter into eternal joy. This promise is a source of peace and assurance, reminding us that our hope is not in our own efforts but in what Jesus has done for us.

Finally, Jesus promises to return and take us to be with Him, a future we can joyfully anticipate. In times of broken trust and disappointment, we are encouraged to fix our eyes on this day of victory, just as Jesus did. By focusing on the joy set before us, we can endure present trials and live with hope, knowing that an eternity of life and joy in Jesus' presence awaits us.

Key Takeaways:

- Trust in Jesus Amidst Broken Trust: When trust is shattered, whether by others or by our own failures, Jesus remains the Savior we can rely on. He calls us to believe in Him, offering a steadfast anchor in times of uncertainty. [12:01]

- The Promise of the Father's House: Our ultimate hope is not in this world or in finding a perfect community but in the promise of the Father's house. Jesus prepares a place for us, assuring us of eternal rest and belonging. [18:11]

- Jesus' Humility and Service: Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet is a powerful reminder of His mission to serve and give His life for us. This humility calls us to trust in His sacrificial love rather than our own efforts. [03:38]

- Anticipating a Glorious Future: Jesus promises to return and take us to be with Him, a future we can joyfully anticipate. By fixing our eyes on this day of victory, we can endure present trials with hope. [26:24]

- Living with Joyful Hope: Even in times of disappointment, we are encouraged to live with joyful hope, knowing that an eternity of life and joy in Jesus' presence awaits us. This hope sustains us through life's challenges. [33:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to John 14
- [00:31] - Jesus' Words of Comfort
- [01:02] - Context of Broken Trust
- [02:16] - Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
- [03:38] - The Humility of Jesus
- [05:12] - Betrayal and Denial
- [07:26] - Jesus Announces His Departure
- [10:51] - Dealing with Broken Trust
- [12:01] - A Savior You Can Trust
- [18:11] - The Promise of the Father's House
- [22:55] - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us
- [26:24] - A Glorious Future to Anticipate
- [30:44] - Fixing Our Eyes on Victory
- [33:19] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 14:1-3
- John 13:3-5
- Philippians 2:5-11

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific words of comfort does Jesus offer to His disciples in John 14:1-3, and why are they significant in the context of the Last Supper? [00:31]

2. How does Jesus demonstrate humility and service in John 13:3-5, and what is the significance of this act during the Last Supper? [02:16]

3. In Philippians 2:5-11, how is Jesus' humility and exaltation described, and how does this relate to His actions in John 13? [03:21]

4. What does Jesus promise about the future in John 14:3, and how does this promise provide hope for believers? [26:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Jesus' call to "believe in God, believe also in me" in John 14:1 address the disciples' fears and uncertainties during the Last Supper? [12:01]

2. In what ways does Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet in John 13:3-5 serve as a model for Christian leadership and service? [03:38]

3. How does the promise of the Father's house in John 14:2-3 shape the Christian understanding of hope and eternal life? [18:11]

4. What does Philippians 2:5-11 reveal about the nature of Jesus' mission and His ultimate victory, and how does this encourage believers facing trials? [04:43]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when your trust was broken. How can Jesus' assurance in John 14:1 help you find peace and trust again? [12:01]

2. Jesus washed His disciples' feet as an act of service. What is one practical way you can serve someone in your community this week, following Jesus' example? [03:38]

3. The promise of the Father's house offers hope beyond this world. How does this perspective change the way you view current challenges or disappointments? [18:11]

4. Jesus promises to return and take us to be with Him. How can this future hope influence your daily decisions and priorities? [26:24]

5. Consider a situation where you have been self-reliant like Peter. How can you shift your focus to rely more on Jesus' strength and promises? [10:19]

6. In what ways can you cultivate a mindset of humility and service in your interactions with others, inspired by Jesus' example in John 13? [03:21]

7. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to fix your eyes on the joy set before you, as Jesus did. What steps can you take to maintain this focus? [29:22]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting Jesus in Times of Brokenness
In moments when trust is shattered, whether by others or by our own failures, Jesus remains the Savior we can rely on. He calls us to believe in Him, offering a steadfast anchor in times of uncertainty. The disciples faced a crisis of trust during the Last Supper, grappling with the revelation of betrayal and denial among them. Yet, Jesus' words in John 14 offer comfort and assurance, urging them to trust in Him despite the brokenness around them. This call to faith is a reminder that Jesus is the constant in our lives, the one who never fails us, even when human relationships do. [12:01]

Psalm 62:5-8 (ESV): "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."

Reflection: Think of a situation where trust has been broken in your life. How can you actively place your trust in Jesus today, seeking His guidance and peace?


Day 2: The Promise of Eternal Belonging
Our ultimate hope is not in this world or in finding a perfect community but in the promise of the Father's house. Jesus prepares a place for us, assuring us of eternal rest and belonging. This promise is not about making this world perfect but about the hope of heaven, where we will be truly at home. Jesus' preparation of this place is accomplished through His death, resurrection, and ascension, opening the way for us to enter into eternal joy. This assurance provides peace, reminding us that our hope is not in our own efforts but in what Jesus has done for us. [18:11]

Hebrews 11:13-16 (ESV): "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city."

Reflection: Reflect on your current pursuits and desires. How can you shift your focus from earthly achievements to the eternal promise of belonging in the Father's house?


Day 3: Embracing Jesus' Humility and Service
Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet is a powerful reminder of His mission to serve and give His life for us. This humility calls us to trust in His sacrificial love rather than our own efforts. By serving His disciples in such a humble manner, Jesus demonstrated the essence of His ministry and the heart of God. This act is a call for us to embrace humility and service in our own lives, recognizing that true greatness is found in serving others and following Jesus' example. [03:38]

Philippians 2:3-8 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Reflection: Identify one way you can serve someone in your community this week, following Jesus' example of humility and love.


Day 4: Anticipating the Return of Jesus
Jesus promises to return and take us to be with Him, a future we can joyfully anticipate. By fixing our eyes on this day of victory, we can endure present trials with hope. This promise of Jesus' return is a source of encouragement and strength, reminding us that our current struggles are temporary and that a glorious future awaits us. As we focus on the joy set before us, we can navigate life's challenges with a sense of purpose and anticipation, knowing that an eternity of life and joy in Jesus' presence is our ultimate destination. [26:24]

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words."

Reflection: How can you keep the promise of Jesus' return at the forefront of your mind, especially during difficult times? What practical steps can you take to live in anticipation of His coming?


Day 5: Living with Joyful Hope
Even in times of disappointment, we are encouraged to live with joyful hope, knowing that an eternity of life and joy in Jesus' presence awaits us. This hope sustains us through life's challenges, providing a perspective that transcends our current circumstances. By focusing on the eternal joy promised to us, we can find strength and encouragement to persevere, trusting that God's plans for us are good and that His presence is our ultimate reward. [33:05]

Romans 15:13 (ESV): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Reflection: Consider a current challenge or disappointment you are facing. How can you intentionally choose to live with joyful hope today, trusting in God's promises for your future?

Quotes

Let not your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me. And my prayer for us all in the services at the orchard this weekend is that you will feel that you are able, as it were, to pull up a chair and to sit down with these words of the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:00:27]

Jesus did not come to lay a list of demands on you. Jesus Christ did not come to take things from you. Jesus Christ came to serve and Jesus Christ came to give, and he came to bring eternal and infinite good to you. [00:03:38]

What are you to do when your trust is broken? What are you to do when someone you trusted, someone you respected turns out to be very different from the person you thought they were? And then what are you to do when you discover that despite all your own best intentions, your own flesh fails you? [00:10:51]

There is a savior you can trust. Jesus says let not your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me. Now you see when you discover the hidden sins of others, and when you discover the sins that are hidden in your own heart, the greatest danger is that you end up worrying your way into unbelief. [00:12:01]

The answer to broken trust is not to give up trusting, and the answer to broken trust is not to say well the only person I can trust is myself because Peter found out for sure that he couldn't trust himself another. Can I trust myself and neither can you trust yourself. [00:16:08]

The hope of the troubled heart is not that the world will get better, the hope for the troubled heart is not to try and find the perfect church, the hope for the troubled heart lies in the father's house and this is the promise that you can believe. [00:19:56]

Heaven is spoken of as paradise, reminding us that it is a world of joy, that it is filled with pleasure that is at the right hand of God the Father forevermore, a world of delight. And here Jesus describes heaven as home, the father's house. [00:20:44]

When you are in the father's house you will say oh now this is where I belong, this is what I was made for, this is what I was redeemed for, and Jesus says in my father's house are many rooms. [00:22:39]

The fact that Jesus went to the cross for you is your guarantee that he will indeed come again and that he will take you to be with himself, that where he is you also will be. Jesus went to the cross to prepare a place for you. [00:27:28]

How did Jesus get through the betrayal of Judas, the denial of Peter, and all the agony that he suffered on the cross? Jesus got through it the New Testament tells us he endured the cross for the joy that was set before him. [00:29:06]

Live with joyful hope, because even in the days of the biggest disappointment, ahead of you lies an eternity of life and of joy in the presence of Jesus for all who look to and trust in him. [00:33:05]

May this be a weekend of healing in many hearts, may it be a weekend of trusting Jesus in new more direct deeper ways, and grandfather that knowing your help we may bear good witness to Christ until faith is turned to sight and we rejoice in his presence forevermore. [00:33:19]

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