Jesus' Farewell: Comfort, Compassion, and the Way Forward
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into Jesus' farewell address to His disciples in the Gospel of John. This conversation is filled with profound advice and comfort for the challenges they would face after His departure. We examined the responses of different disciples: Judas, who betrayed Jesus; Peter, who often stumbled but repented; and Thomas, who doubted but sought proof. Jesus' response to Thomas, and to all of us who doubt, is a testament to His compassion and patience.
Jesus reassures His disciples that although He is leaving, He will return. He uses the imagery of a wedding to explain His departure and return, likening it to a groom preparing a place for his bride. This imagery is rich with meaning, emphasizing the intimate and committed relationship between Jesus and His followers. Jesus promises to prepare a place where sin, death, and suffering are no more, a place where we will be united with Him in eternal joy.
We also discussed the importance of not letting our hearts be troubled by the stresses of this world. Jesus Himself experienced trouble, yet He urges us to believe in God and in Him. Our response to stress should be action rooted in faith, not anxiety. Jesus' promise to return and take us to be with Him is the ultimate antidote to our troubles.
Furthermore, we explored the concept of "the way" as Jesus described it. This way is not just a path but a way of life, a commitment to live as Jesus lived, embodying His teachings and values. As His bride, we are called to prepare ourselves, to adorn ourselves with righteous acts, and to live in a manner worthy of His return.
Finally, we addressed the inevitable doubts we face. Thomas' story shows us that Jesus meets us in our doubts and provides what we need to believe. Jesus' heart is one of compassion, willing to meet us where we are and guide us to faith. We have enough evidence in His word, His Spirit, and His creation to believe and live according to His ways.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus' Compassion for Doubters: Jesus' interaction with Thomas shows His deep compassion for those who doubt. He meets Thomas in his skepticism and provides the proof he needs to believe. This teaches us that Jesus understands our struggles and is patient with us, offering what we need to strengthen our faith. [27:15]
2. The Promise of Jesus' Return: Jesus reassures His disciples that He will return to take them to a place He has prepared. This promise is a source of hope and comfort, reminding us that our current sufferings are temporary and that a glorious future awaits us with Him. [28:58]
3. Living as Followers of "The Way": Jesus calls us to follow "the way," which means living according to His teachings and example. This involves embodying His values, loving others, and committing to righteous acts. Our lives should reflect our preparation for His return, just as a bride prepares for her groom. [49:45]
4. Action as an Antidote to Anxiety: Jesus acknowledges that we will face troubles in this world, but He urges us to respond with faith and action rather than anxiety. Believing in God and in Jesus provides the strength to face our challenges and take constructive steps forward. [30:23]
5. The Role of the Church as the Bride of Christ: The imagery of the church as the bride of Christ emphasizes our collective responsibility to prepare for His return. We are called to live in a way that reflects His love and righteousness, making ourselves ready for the day He comes to take us to be with Him. [36:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:07] - Responses of the Disciples
[27:15] - Jesus' Compassion for Thomas
[28:58] - The Promise of Jesus' Return
[30:23] - Addressing Anxiety with Faith
[31:41] - Preparing a Place: Wedding Imagery
[33:03] - The Last Supper and Covenant
[34:47] - First Century Wedding Customs
[36:14] - The Church as the Bride of Christ
[38:00] - Revelation and the Marriage Feast
[39:42] - The New Jerusalem
[41:17] - The Role of the Church
[42:59] - The Temple and God's Presence
[44:29] - Light and Darkness Imagery
[46:15] - Assurance of Jesus' Return
[47:57] - The Role of the Bride
[49:45] - Following "The Way"
[51:28] - Preparing for the Groom's Return
[53:12] - Adorning Ourselves with Righteousness
[54:54] - Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life
[56:36] - Dealing with Doubt
[58:26] - Thomas' Demand for Proof
[59:59] - Jesus' Compassionate Response
[01:01:50] - Faith and Evidence
[01:03:54] - Jesus' Heart for Believers
[01:05:24] - The Call to Believe
[01:07:03] - The Testimony of Scripture
[01:08:35] - Living a Life of Faith
[01:10:19] - Reflecting on Our Commitment
[01:11:56] - Consequences of Our Choices
[01:13:27] - Jesus' Compassion for Strugglers
[01:15:07] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[01:21:13] - Living Worthy of the Gospel
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 14:1-6 (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. And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
2. Revelation 19:6-9 (ESV)
> "Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, 'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure'—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.' And he said to me, 'These are the true words of God.'"
3. John 20:24-29 (ESV)
> "Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord.' But he said to them, 'Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.' Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the different responses of the disciples to Jesus' farewell address, and how did Jesus respond to each of them? ([26:07])
2. How does Jesus use the imagery of a wedding to explain His departure and return? ([31:41])
3. What does Jesus promise to His disciples in John 14:1-6, and how does this promise serve as a source of comfort? ([28:58])
4. How does Jesus address Thomas' doubts in John 20:24-29, and what does this reveal about Jesus' character? ([59:59])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jesus' interaction with Thomas teach us about how He views our doubts and struggles? ([59:59])
2. How does the promise of Jesus' return and the preparation of a place for us impact our daily lives and outlook on the future? ([31:41])
3. In what ways are we called to live as followers of "the way" that Jesus described, and how does this shape our actions and decisions? ([49:45])
4. How can the imagery of the church as the bride of Christ influence our understanding of our collective responsibility as believers? ([36:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you seek reassurance, and how can Thomas' story encourage you in future moments of doubt? ([59:59])
2. Jesus urges us not to let our hearts be troubled. What are some practical steps you can take to respond to stress with faith and action rather than anxiety? ([30:23])
3. How can you actively prepare yourself as the bride of Christ, adorning yourself with righteous acts? What specific actions can you take this week to live in a manner worthy of His return? ([49:45])
4. In what ways can you embody the teachings and values of Jesus in your daily life? Identify one area where you can improve and commit to making a change this week. ([49:45])
5. How does the promise of Jesus' return and the hope of eternal joy influence your perspective on current sufferings and challenges? ([28:58])
6. Think about a specific situation where you have felt overwhelmed by anxiety. How can you apply Jesus' advice to believe in God and in Him to find peace and take constructive action? ([30:23])
7. How can you support and encourage fellow believers who are struggling with doubt or anxiety, following Jesus' example of compassion and patience? ([59:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Compassion for Doubters
Jesus' interaction with Thomas is a profound example of His compassion for those who doubt. Thomas, often referred to as "Doubting Thomas," needed tangible proof of Jesus' resurrection to believe. Instead of rebuking him, Jesus met Thomas where he was, showing him His wounds and providing the evidence he needed. This act of compassion demonstrates that Jesus understands our struggles with faith and is patient with us. He offers what we need to strengthen our belief, showing that doubt is not a barrier to His love but an opportunity for deeper faith. [27:15]
John 20:27-28 (ESV): "Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you struggled with doubt. How did you seek reassurance from God, and how did He meet you in your doubt?
Day 2: The Promise of Jesus' Return
Jesus reassures His disciples that He will return to take them to a place He has prepared. This promise is a source of immense hope and comfort, reminding us that our current sufferings are temporary. Jesus uses the imagery of a wedding, likening His departure and return to a groom preparing a place for his bride. This emphasizes the intimate and committed relationship between Jesus and His followers. The promise of His return encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that a glorious future awaits us with Him. [28:58]
John 14:2-3 (ESV): "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: How does the promise of Jesus' return influence the way you handle current challenges and sufferings?
Day 3: Living as Followers of "The Way"
Jesus calls us to follow "the way," which means living according to His teachings and example. This involves embodying His values, loving others, and committing to righteous acts. As His followers, we are called to prepare ourselves, much like a bride prepares for her groom. Our lives should reflect our anticipation of His return, demonstrating our commitment to living in a manner worthy of His calling. This way of life is not just a path but a holistic commitment to embodying the teachings and values of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. [49:45]
1 John 2:6 (ESV): "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you embody the teachings and values of Jesus in your daily life this week?
Day 4: Action as an Antidote to Anxiety
Jesus acknowledges that we will face troubles in this world, but He urges us to respond with faith and action rather than anxiety. He experienced trouble Himself, yet He encourages us to believe in God and in Him. This belief provides the strength to face our challenges and take constructive steps forward. Instead of being paralyzed by anxiety, we are called to take action rooted in faith, trusting that Jesus' promise to return and take us to be with Him is the ultimate antidote to our troubles. [30:23]
John 14:1 (ESV): "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to address a current anxiety or challenge in your life, rooted in your faith in Jesus?
Day 5: The Role of the Church as the Bride of Christ
The imagery of the church as the bride of Christ emphasizes our collective responsibility to prepare for His return. We are called to live in a way that reflects His love and righteousness, making ourselves ready for the day He comes to take us to be with Him. This preparation involves adorning ourselves with righteous acts and living in a manner worthy of His return. As a community of believers, we support and encourage one another in this preparation, reflecting the love and commitment of Christ to the world. [36:14]
Revelation 19:7-8 (ESV): "Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure'—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the church's collective preparation for Jesus' return through your actions and attitudes this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Do not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. Now it's so interesting to me in studying this passage over this past week, that do not let your heart be troubled. I know I read that, and sometimes you can take it as a rebuke if you are troubled. We have troubles in this world, stressors, things that come into our life that put pressure on us, that make us grapple and cope and try to figure out how to handle what's coming on." [28:58] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The antidote to anxiety is often action, doing something, you know, helping to address the problem. But in this, I know that I've often read it as a child and said, okay, it's wrong for me to be troubled. But the irony is that there are three other passages before this that talk about somebody else being troubled, use the same exact word. And in all three of them, they are Jesus, that he was troubled when he goes to the grave beside Lazarus." [30:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He has made these promises and he has gone away and knowing that we have a role to play, there is one inevitable thing that we will all still experience. And that is doubt. See, Thomas knew that, which is why Jesus, when Thomas says, how do we get to you? We don't know where you're going. Jesus replies to him. I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except to me." [56:36] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He's a God of compassion who meets doubters in their doubts. It may not be immediate. I mean, in this story, you have Jesus who is, or Thomas, who is demanding, unless I can do these things. And then it's a week later and Jesus shows up, he shows up. I'm just marveled. I marvel at Jesus. Like his heart is for saving. His heart is for redeeming. It's for compassion and mercy. His heart is faithful to his own. His heart is kind and gentle." [01:03:54] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have enough to believe. Your Son has demonstrated his love for us through 33 years of living faithfully to what you called him to. We have enough to believe. Your church is a demonstration of your grace and your kindness to broken people, of changing people's lives and making us new. We have enough to believe. Your world is filled with the glory and the splendor of who you are. To see your beauty written in the skies. To see your faithfulness as more sure than the ground we stand on. We have enough to believe." [01:15:07] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus is fulfilling this role. That's why in Revelation 19, we read this. And Revelation, remember, is written by John. So continuing this imagery that he uses all the time of a wedding. He says, Then I heard something like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters and the rumbling of loud thunder saying, Hallelujah, because the Lord God, the Almighty reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice and give him glory because the marriage of the lamb has come and his bride has prepared herself." [36:14] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are called to weave our garments of righteousness through the acts that we do that look like our king, to conform ourselves to the lives, to his image. He is the way. He is the truth. We conform our lives to his truth. He is the life. He's the life that's promised to us, that eternal life that we are given if we believe and receive him. This is what we do. We, the bride, we wait for the king to return." [54:54] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Brothers and sisters, we've had enough proof for us to base everything in our life off of what God's word says. Every one of us should go home after this sermon, not thinking about those who doubt outside of the church, but those who live a life of doubt inside of the church, who may say, I like this Jesus, but I don't really know if I want to spend all of my time waiting, for him to come back living according to his ways." [01:10:19] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Doubts and questions, struggles are a necessary part of this world. It's just because it is broken and messed up, and we go through things. It is necessary that we have these questions because they cause us to ask questions and seek answers. You don't find answers when you're unwilling to ask. And in the example of Thomas, what we have is a demonstration of our Savior's heart, where he delights in those who say, we have enough, and we will believe in you." [01:13:27] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have enough to believe. Your Word speaks truth clearly, faithfully, and gives us the basis, for our lives. We have enough to believe. Your Son has demonstrated his love for us through 33 years of living faithfully to what you called him to. We have enough to believe. Your church is a demonstration of your grace and your kindness to broken people, of changing people's lives and making us new. We have enough to believe." [01:15:07] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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