Finding True Peace: Jesus as Our Way Home
Summary
### Summary
In John 14:1-6, Jesus makes one of His most profound declarations: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This statement is part of a larger discourse where Jesus comforts His disciples, who are troubled by His impending departure. They have left everything to follow Him, believing He is the Messiah who will establish God's kingdom on earth. However, Jesus begins to speak of leaving them, which causes confusion and fear among the disciples.
Jesus reassures them by explaining that He is going to prepare a place for them, a home where their souls can find ultimate rest. This home is not a physical location but a state of being in perfect communion with God, free from the chasm of sin and death. Jesus bridges this chasm through His sacrificial death and resurrection, making it possible for us to be reconciled with God.
The sermon also delves into the human condition, highlighting our innate restlessness and the futility of seeking fulfillment in worldly achievements, relationships, or self-righteousness. True peace and rest can only be found in Jesus, who is the embodiment of God's truth and the source of eternal life. The world's religions often promote a form of moralistic deism, where acceptance by God is based on personal merit. In contrast, Christianity offers a unique message of grace, where righteousness is imputed to us through faith in Jesus Christ.
The sermon concludes with a call to those who feel like prodigals, urging them to come home to the Father who waits with open arms. This homecoming is not about judgment but an invitation to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus as the Way: Jesus is the only path to reconciliation with God. The chasm between humanity and God is not bridged by wealth, success, or moral efforts but by Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection. He prepares a place for us, not by building mansions in heaven, but by making it possible for us to commune with God through His atoning work. [18:40]
2. Jesus as the Truth: Jesus embodies the ultimate revelation of God. He is the image of the invisible God, showing us God's character through His actions and teachings. This truth challenges our self-righteousness and calls us to rely solely on Jesus' righteousness, which is imputed to us through faith. [21:46]
3. Jesus as the Life: The life Jesus offers is both physical and spiritual. It frees us from the need to project false strength and allows us to embrace our weaknesses, knowing that our righteousness comes from Christ. This life is not about waiting for heaven but living out God's commands, which lead us into the deepest, most fulfilling life possible. [25:48]
4. The Futility of Moralistic Deism: Many religions promote the idea that we can earn God's favor through good deeds. However, this leads to a life of duplicity and insecurity. True peace comes from resting in the righteousness of Christ, not in our own efforts. [34:53]
5. The Invitation Home: Jesus' statement that He is the only way to the Father is not a pronouncement of judgment but an invitation to come home. It addresses our deepest longings and offers a solution to our restlessness. This invitation is extended to all, including those who have strayed far from God. [45:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Introduction to John 14
[04:23] - Personal Story: Vacation Experience
[08:14] - Book Club and Vulnerability
[12:04] - Friend's Testimony and Longing for Home
[14:50] - Disciples' Confusion and Jesus' Comfort
[17:30] - Thomas' Honest Question
[18:40] - Jesus as the Way
[21:46] - Jesus as the Truth
[25:48] - Jesus as the Life
[34:53] - The Futility of Moralistic Deism
[40:32] - The Problem with Radical Individualism
[45:32] - The Invitation Home
[47:28] - Parable of the Prodigal Son
[53:19] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- John 14:1-6
### Observation Questions
1. What are the three titles Jesus uses to describe Himself in John 14:6?
2. According to the sermon, what is the "home" that Jesus is preparing for us? [18:40]
3. How does Jesus respond to the disciples' confusion and fear about His departure? [16:08]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the main chasm that separates humanity from God? [20:11]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus describe Himself as "the way" in John 14:6? How does this relate to the concept of reconciliation with God? [18:40]
2. What does it mean for Jesus to be "the truth"? How does this challenge our self-righteousness according to the sermon? [21:46]
3. How does the sermon explain the life that Jesus offers? What are the implications for both our physical and spiritual lives? [25:48]
4. The sermon contrasts Christianity with moralistic deism. How does this distinction affect our understanding of grace and righteousness? [34:53]
### Application Questions
1. Jesus says He is "the way." Reflect on a time when you tried to bridge the gap between you and God through your own efforts. How did that work out for you? What can you do differently now? [18:40]
2. The sermon mentions that true peace comes from resting in the righteousness of Christ, not in our own efforts. How can you practice resting in Christ's righteousness this week? [34:53]
3. Jesus offers a life that frees us from the need to project false strength. Identify an area in your life where you feel the need to project strength. How can you embrace your weaknesses and rely on Christ's strength instead? [25:48]
4. The sermon talks about the futility of seeking fulfillment in worldly achievements. What is one worldly achievement you have been chasing? How can you shift your focus to finding fulfillment in Jesus? [12:04]
5. Reflect on the invitation to come home to the Father. Is there an area in your life where you feel like a prodigal? What steps can you take to return to God and experience His open arms? [45:32]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of living out God's commands. Choose one command of God that you find challenging. What practical steps can you take this week to live it out more fully? [25:48]
7. How can you create an environment of vulnerability and authenticity in your small group, similar to the pastor's book club? What specific actions can you take to encourage honest sharing and support? [08:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as the Only Path to Reconciliation
Jesus is the only path to reconciliation with God. The chasm between humanity and God is not bridged by wealth, success, or moral efforts but by Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection. He prepares a place for us, not by building mansions in heaven, but by making it possible for us to commune with God through His atoning work. This profound truth is a source of comfort and assurance, especially when we feel lost or disconnected from God. Jesus' declaration that He is the way emphasizes that our efforts are insufficient; only through Him can we find true reconciliation and peace with God. [18:40]
John 10:9 (ESV): "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you have been trying to earn God's favor through your own efforts. How can you shift your focus to rely solely on Jesus' atoning work for reconciliation with God?
Day 2: Jesus as the Ultimate Revelation of God
Jesus embodies the ultimate revelation of God. He is the image of the invisible God, showing us God's character through His actions and teachings. This truth challenges our self-righteousness and calls us to rely solely on Jesus' righteousness, which is imputed to us through faith. Understanding Jesus as the truth means recognizing that He is the definitive source of divine wisdom and moral guidance. It also means that our understanding of God and His will is fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. [21:46]
Colossians 1:15-16 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision or action. How can you align your choices more closely with the teachings and character of Jesus, who is the ultimate revelation of God?
Day 3: Embracing the Life Jesus Offers
The life Jesus offers is both physical and spiritual. It frees us from the need to project false strength and allows us to embrace our weaknesses, knowing that our righteousness comes from Christ. This life is not about waiting for heaven but living out God's commands, which lead us into the deepest, most fulfilling life possible. Embracing this life means living in the freedom and joy that comes from knowing we are loved and accepted by God through Jesus. It also means actively participating in God's work here on earth, reflecting His love and grace in our daily lives. [25:48]
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you feel the need to project false strength. How can you embrace your weaknesses and rely on the life that Jesus offers?
Day 4: The Futility of Moralistic Deism
Many religions promote the idea that we can earn God's favor through good deeds. However, this leads to a life of duplicity and insecurity. True peace comes from resting in the righteousness of Christ, not in our own efforts. Moralistic deism, which suggests that God is only interested in our moral behavior, misses the essence of the gospel. Christianity teaches that our relationship with God is based on grace, not merit. This understanding frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to live in the assurance of His love and acceptance. [34:53]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Consider an area where you have been trying to earn God's favor through your actions. How can you rest in the grace and righteousness of Christ instead?
Day 5: The Invitation to Come Home
Jesus' statement that He is the only way to the Father is not a pronouncement of judgment but an invitation to come home. It addresses our deepest longings and offers a solution to our restlessness. This invitation is extended to all, including those who have strayed far from God. The concept of coming home to the Father is about finding our true identity and purpose in Him. It is an invitation to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers, free from the burdens of sin and self-reliance. [45:32]
Luke 15:20 (ESV): "And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt far from God. How can you respond to Jesus' invitation to come home and experience the fullness of life He offers today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If I find in myself desires, which nothing in this world can satisfy. The only logical explanation is that I was made for another world. So here's Lewis's argument. If money and power and success, success and sex, and all, I just mixed those two. Success is not a real word. Okay. If all of that does not provide our heart, we're not going to be successful. We're not going to be successful. We're not going to be well. What, what was the question? What was the question? What did we learn? We're with peace, with peace, with peace and peace and peace and peace, with maybe we were designed for something greater than those things." [13:27] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus is the only savior from the slavery to sin and death. So let me try to unpack this. The great chasm between you and home, between you and rest, between you and soul-level communion with your creator is not more money, not a better job, not another town, not more success, not a better relationship, not a better... The great chasm that robs you from home is sin and death. That's what separated us out." [20:11] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The only standard of righteousness we have that is acceptable to God is the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Now, let me tell you why that's such good news, because Jesus, in his death, life, death, and resurrection, imputes that righteousness to those who would repent of their sins and believe upon his name, which means that the perfection of Christ is granted to me so that when God sees me in Christ, he sees the perfect obedience of Christ." [24:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is saying here that the deliverance he's bringing is not political or social, but it's physical and spiritual life. See, as Christians, we aren't to go, okay, I'm saved, and I'm just waiting for heaven. That's not what we've been saved into. If that was God's ultimate plan, then when we got saved, we'd just get sucked out of here, right? If God's touchdown is you in heaven, then you'd get saved, and you'd be gone, but that's not, first of all, that'd be freaky. Secondly, that's not what he's after, right?" [25:48] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So when Jesus says, I am the way, the truth, and the life, this is not, and no man comes to the Father, but my man, this is not a pronouncement of judgment on over half the world. This is an invitation to half the world to come home. Think about it. If you're stuck in this, if you're stuck in a type of I've gotta earn, I've gotta make it right, I've gotta work my way there, and Jesus says, no, no, no, that's not the way. This is the way. That's not judgment. That's an invitation home. It's not cruel. It's loving. It's not bigoted. It's gracious. This way home." [45:32] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And what I've learned about myself is regardless of where I am, regardless of the scenery or, um, even who's there, I, I start, after a certain period of time, I start to want to be home. Um, right. And, and what I realized when I got home from that trip is that I'm Hector. Like I got back to my house, my kids were like, I want some juice, make me an omelet. Where's the oatmeal? There's a mass. I'm like, oh my gosh, I'm Hector. Here's your juice, Audrey. You know, it's this, you know, I'm like, wow, I do live in a place like that. I'm just Hector." [07:02] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And, and my friend began to share why he was moving back and, and what he had learned. And here's, uh, my friend moved to LA, not to be on the silver screen, but, uh, because he got a promotion, he got more money, he got more power, he got more, right. And, and he took it. We encouraged him not to, Hey, don't do it. Stay. I think it's going to be better for you in the long, if you stay, but the allure of money and power and women is powerful. Amen. You said, amen, or you are a liar, right? That allure more money, more power. It, it called to him and he went, and it wasn't long after he got there where he just did what he's always done. He just succeeded. He's just always done it. No matter where he's been, he takes very good care of himself. He he's a very hard worker and, and he did well. And yet something began to gnaw on him." [12:04] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so now, he's saying, in the space between, while you're still here, I am the life, so there's two ways to think about that. I want to unpack both. There's the physical way, and there's the spiritual way. I've said before, I always love it when science catches, up to the Bible. I just always enjoy that when all of a sudden, science starts writing about things. You're like, duh. Gosh, that's Genesis five. I mean, how can you, you're just now catching it. When commentators come out, we've just learned that taking one day off a week and just really resting and unplugging is really good for the human condition. Huh. Read that somewhere. Read that somewhere." [27:11] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So if you've ever wondered why I can stand up here and go, the first seven years of my marriage were a nightmare, and if you thought to yourself, oh my gosh, he said that. Pastors aren't supposed, pastors are supposed to have amazing marriages. Well, mine wasn't for seven years. It's been incredible for the last eight, but the first seven were very, very difficult. If you've ever wondered how I can talk about, man, I struggle with that. I doubt that. You know what? Because it's not my righteousness I'm trying to project to you. My righteousness is inadequate for you to get you home, but the righteousness of Christ gets us both there. So I don't need to be a hero to anyone. We've got one. His name is Jesus, and he frees us up from having to project that we're all together when we know we're not." [29:53] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So let me lay this before you. Some of you are in here and you're prodigals, man. You grew up in church. Mom and Daddy used to dress you up in uncomfortable clothes and drag you here, drag you down. you to church, stick you in Sunday school. You don't want to be here. And maybe at a youth camp or something like that, you're like, yeah, and in a fit of emotion, you gave your life to the Lord, and then something happened and you ran. Listen, this sermon series has been planned for months. It's not ironic that you're here today. It's sovereign. It's your father bidding you to come home and that the paddle's not waiting for you. And if you find in yourself a restlessness, a weariness of yourself, an exhaustion from kind of fronting that you're all together and so well put together and so successful and so confident, if you're finally tired enough of that, I just want to lay before you God's invitation to come home. A better version of you will not solve that angst in your soul. More religious activity will not solve that angst in your soul. Moralistic deism will not solve that angst in your soul. Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one gets home without him. That's not arrogant. It's gracious." [51:48] (81 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?