Finding Peace and Assurance in Jesus' Promises

Devotional

Day 1: Trust in Jesus Amidst Confusion and Sorrow

In times of confusion and sorrow, Jesus calls us to trust in Him and in God. When the disciples were troubled by the news of Jesus' departure and Peter's impending denial, Jesus comforted them by urging them to believe in Him. He reassured them that He was going to prepare a place for them in His Father's house and would return to take them there. This promise is a source of peace and comfort, reminding us that Jesus' love and commitment remain steadfast even when we do not understand the circumstances. Trusting in Jesus provides a foundation of hope and assurance during life's uncertainties. [05:28]

John 14:1-3 (ESV): "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

Reflection: Think of a current situation in your life that brings confusion or sorrow. How can you actively place your trust in Jesus today, believing that He has a plan and is preparing a place for you?

Day 2: Jesus' Departure is Not Abandonment

Jesus' departure from His disciples was not an act of abandonment but a necessary step to prepare a place for them. He likened this to the Jewish tradition where a groom prepares a home for his bride, emphasizing His commitment and love. Jesus assured His disciples that He would return to take them to be with Him, highlighting that His leaving was for their ultimate benefit. This analogy helps us understand that Jesus' actions are always motivated by His love and desire for our eternal well-being. Even when it seems like He is distant, He is actively working for our good. [08:36]

John 14:18-19 (ESV): "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt abandoned or alone. How does understanding Jesus' promise to return and His commitment to you change your perspective on that experience?

Day 3: Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life

Jesus made it clear that He is the only way to the Father, embodying truth and life. This statement was crucial for the disciples to grasp, as it challenged their existing beliefs and understanding. Knowing Jesus is knowing the Father, and this relationship is foundational to our faith. Jesus' identity as the way, the truth, and the life means that our path to God, our understanding of truth, and our experience of life are all found in Him. This truth calls us to deepen our relationship with Jesus and to rely on Him as our ultimate guide and source of life. [14:02]

John 14:6-7 (ESV): "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'"

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you seek direction or truth. How can you turn to Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life in that specific situation today?

Day 4: Greater Works Through the Holy Spirit

Jesus promised that believers would do greater works, not necessarily in terms of miraculous acts but in the global spread of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to continue Jesus' mission, extending His reach beyond geographical limitations. This promise highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, enabling us to participate in God's work and to impact the world for Christ. The greater works we are called to do involve sharing the Gospel, making disciples, and living out our faith in ways that reflect Jesus' love and truth. [18:33]

John 14:12-14 (ESV): "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it."

Reflection: Think about how you can contribute to the spread of the Gospel in your community. What specific action can you take this week to share Jesus' love and truth with someone?

Day 5: Obedience as an Expression of Love

True love for Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments. This obedience is not driven by fear but by love and respect for Him. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and provide peace, ensuring that believers are never alone. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand and keep Jesus' commandments, empowering us to live in a way that honors Him. Obedience to Jesus' teachings is a tangible expression of our love for Him and our commitment to follow His example. [22:26]

John 14:15-17 (ESV): "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."

Reflection: Identify one of Jesus' commandments that you find challenging to obey. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you live out this commandment in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In John 14, Jesus addresses His disciples during a time of great confusion and sorrow. He has just informed them that He will be leaving, and they cannot follow Him immediately. This news, coupled with the prediction of Peter's denial, leaves the disciples troubled and heartbroken. Jesus seeks to comfort them by urging them to believe in God and in Him. He reassures them that although He is leaving, He is going to prepare a place for them in His Father's house and will return to take them there. This promise is likened to the Jewish tradition where a groom prepares a home for his bride.

Jesus emphasizes that His departure does not mean abandonment. He assures them that the Prince of this world, Satan, has no power over Him, and His apparent defeat will be temporary. Jesus' resurrection will demonstrate His victory over sin, death, and hell. He encourages the disciples to trust in His love and commitment, even when they do not understand the events unfolding.

Jesus also clarifies that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him. Despite their confusion, He assures them that knowing Him is knowing the Father. He promises that those who believe in Him will do greater works, not in terms of miraculous acts but in the extent of spreading the Gospel worldwide.

Furthermore, Jesus speaks of the evidence of love through obedience. True love for Him is demonstrated by keeping His commandments. He promises the Holy Spirit, another Comforter, who will dwell with them and teach them all things, providing peace that the world cannot give. This peace comes from knowing that God is in control and that He has a plan, even in the midst of trials.

Jesus concludes by reminding the disciples that His departure is for their benefit, as He is going to a better place. He encourages them to rejoice in His ascension and to trust in His promises, knowing that He loves them deeply and will never forsake them.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Trust in Jesus Amidst Confusion and Sorrow: Jesus reassures His disciples to trust in Him and God, even when they do not understand the circumstances. Belief in Jesus provides peace and comfort during times of uncertainty and heartache. [05:28]
2. Jesus' Departure is Not Abandonment: Jesus explains that His leaving is to prepare a place for His followers, similar to a groom preparing a home for his bride. This analogy emphasizes His commitment and love, assuring that He will return to take them to be with Him. [08:36]
3. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life: Jesus clarifies that He is the only way to the Father, embodying truth and life. Knowing Jesus is knowing the Father, and this understanding is crucial for the disciples to grasp, even if it challenges their current beliefs. [14:02]
4. Greater Works Through the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises that believers will do greater works, not in miraculous acts but in the global spread of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to continue Jesus' mission, extending His reach beyond geographical limitations. [18:33]
5. Obedience as an Expression of Love: True love for Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments. This obedience stems from love and respect, not fear. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and provide peace, ensuring believers are never alone. [22:26]
### [22:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[04:02] - Disciples' Confusion and Sorrow
[04:47] - Jesus' Comforting Words
[05:28] - Trust in Jesus
[06:24] - The Reality of Jesus' Victory
[07:29] - Upcoming Trials and Comfort
[08:36] - Promise of a Prepared Place
[09:31] - Jewish Tradition and Jesus' Promise
[10:48] - Jesus' Commitment to His Disciples
[12:11] - Disciples' Confusion About Jesus' Departure
[14:02] - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life
[15:14] - Understanding Jesus' Identity
[18:33] - Greater Works Through Believers
[22:26] - Obedience as Love
[25:52] - Promise of the Holy Spirit
[27:03] - Peace in Turbulent Times
[28:28] - Rejoicing in Jesus' Ascension
[29:50] - Jesus' Love and Assurance

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What specific promises does Jesus make to His disciples in John 14:1-3? How do these promises aim to comfort them? [08:36]
According to John 14:6, how does Jesus describe Himself, and what is the significance of each description? [14:02]
In John 14:12, Jesus mentions that believers will do "greater works" than He did. What does He mean by "greater works"? [18:33]
How does Jesus describe the role of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17 and 14:26-27? What are the specific functions mentioned? [25:52]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus emphasizes belief in both God and Himself as a remedy for a troubled heart? How does this belief provide peace? [05:28]
How does the analogy of a groom preparing a home for his bride help the disciples understand Jesus' departure and promise to return? [08:36]
What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life"? How does this statement challenge the disciples' existing beliefs? [14:02]
How does the promise of the Holy Spirit as another Comforter provide assurance to the disciples? In what ways is the Holy Spirit similar to Jesus? [25:52]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt confused or heartbroken. How did your faith in Jesus help you navigate that period? How can you apply this trust in current or future challenges? [05:28]
Jesus promises to prepare a place for His followers. How does this promise affect your perspective on life and eternity? What practical steps can you take to live with this eternal perspective in mind? [08:36]
Jesus describes Himself as the way, the truth, and the life. How does this understanding influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? Are there areas in your life where you need to align more closely with this truth? [14:02]
The concept of doing "greater works" through the Holy Spirit involves spreading the Gospel. Identify one specific way you can contribute to this mission in your community or workplace this week. [18:33]
Jesus links love for Him with obedience to His commandments. Reflect on your current level of obedience. Are there specific commandments or teachings of Jesus that you find challenging to follow? How can you work on these areas? [22:26]
The Holy Spirit is described as a Comforter who provides peace. In what ways do you currently experience the Holy Spirit's comfort and peace? How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit? [25:52]
Jesus encourages His disciples to rejoice in His ascension. How can you find joy in knowing that Jesus is in a better place and that He will return? How does this joy impact your daily life and outlook on the future? [28:28]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also, believe also in me. Believe me. Believe in who I am. And then He says over in verse number 27, He said, peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, but I give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." [05:28] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God knows what's coming. And so they need to believe and to trust Him so that they might have peace in the midst of this terrible circumstance that they're about to face. Jesus tells them that what's about to happen to Him is going to look bad. It's going to look like the enemy has won. It's going to look like the Pharisees have defeated Him. It's going to look like Satan has overcome Him. But He wants them to know that it looks worse than it really is." [06:24] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The peace that Jesus Christ offers us is the ability to stay calm and content and even joyful in the midst of even Allah. the most trying times in life. It's the ability to stay calm because we know that God is in control. You know, God never worries. God never goes, oh no, what am I going to do about that? You know why that is, I believe? It's because God already knows how everything's going to work out. God knows how everything's going to happen." [27:03] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Believe and trust in Jesus. See, the cure to a troubled heart is belief, faith, and trust. Is your heart troubled? Are you hurting? Are you confused? Are you concerned about what's happening around you? Join the club. The disciples felt that way. And the words and promises that Jesus Christ gave to disciples to help them in this trying time are the same words and promises that He gives to us." [31:23] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The focus here is not on the house. It's not on the mansion. But it's on the commitment that Jesus Christ has to his disciples. He loves them. Yes, he is leaving. Yes, they're going to feel abandoned. Yes, he's going to be away from them and they can't come with him at this time. But he wants them to know that just because he is leaving them doesn't mean that he's forsaking them. He is only going away for a short time." [10:19] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus Christ tells his disciples, anybody who believes in him is going to do greater works than him. Now, I don't know about you, but I've never raised a man that's been dead for four days. I've never even raised a man that's been dead for four seconds. I've never healed a blind man. I've never made a lame man to walk. I've never accomplished any of these things. I've not done greater works than Jesus Christ. I don't know of any man that has done greater works than Jesus." [18:33] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The hope of every parent is that our children will obey us because they love us, or at the very least, respect us. That's what we want from our kids. The kids want to do what their parents please, what pleases their parents. And the hope that we have, that Jesus has for his disciples, is that we want to do what their parents please. And the expectation that Jesus has for us as his followers is that we'll obey him, not because of a list of do's and don'ts, but we'll do what he wants because we genuinely love him." [23:39] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The love that Jesus had for them would be manifested in the person of the Holy Spirit. Jesus will not leave his followers alone to fend for themselves while he's gone. He said in verse number 16 that he will send them another comforter. And that word another means the same kind. One just like me. I'm going to send you someone that's just like me, who's going to be a comforter. Someone that's going to come alongside you, encourage you, to teach you, to remind you of all that I've said." [25:52] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Your world is about to be shaken up. Everything you thought was true is not. Everything you thought was going to happen is not going to happen. I am leaving. And your life is about to get really hard. But guys, I want you to remember this one thing. I care about you. And just because I'm leaving does not mean I'm forsaking you. I know what you're about to go through. I know how hard it's going to be for you. And all I ask is that you continue to love me, even when you don't understand." [29:50] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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