John_14.7-18_BBCC_10.12.25.pdf

of the Sermon**

In this message from John 14:7-18, we entered the upper room with Jesus and His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. The disciples were troubled by the news of Jesus’ impending departure, but Jesus offered them deep reassurance and hope. He reminded them of His unity with the Father, promised that their work would continue and even expand, clarified the true nature of prayer in His name, called them to express their love through obedience, and assured them of the coming of the Holy Spirit as their constant companion. Through these promises, Jesus prepared His followers for the challenges ahead, assuring them that even in His physical absence, they would never be alone or without purpose.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father Jesus’ claim that “he who has seen me has seen the Father” is not just a theological statement, but a personal invitation to know God’s heart. When we look at the compassion, mercy, and humility of Jesus, we are witnessing the very character of God. Our faith is anchored in the words and works of Christ, and the closer we stay to Him, the more assured we become of God’s love and presence. Distance from Jesus and His Word leads to uncertainty, but drawing near brings clarity and peace.
• 2. Greater Works Through Us, Not Apart From Him The “greater works” Jesus promised are not about surpassing His miracles in power, but about the spread and impact of the gospel through His people. After His ascension, the message of Christ would reach farther, to more people and places, than during His earthly ministry. This is not a competition with Jesus, but a continuation of His work—He is still working, now through us. Our calling is to join Him in His mission, trusting that He empowers us for what He asks us to do.
• 3. Prayer is Alignment, Not Manipulation Jesus’ promise to answer prayers “in His name” is not a blank check for our desires, but an invitation to align our hearts with His will and seek God’s glory above our own. True prayer is not about using the right formula to get what we want, but about submitting our requests to the wisdom and purposes of God. When we pray, we are invited to bring our needs boldly, but also to trust that God’s answers will always serve His greater plan and our ultimate good. Disappointment in prayer often comes from misunderstanding this alignment.
• 4. Obedience as the Fruit of Love Jesus connects love for Him directly to obedience: “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Obedience is not about fear, guilt, or duty, but a loving response to the love we have received from Christ. God’s commands are not burdensome, but are given for our good and as a way to express our devotion. When we struggle to obey, it is often a sign that our love has grown cold or that we are not listening to His Word—renewed love leads to renewed obedience.
• 5. The Spirit as Our Constant Companion Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit means that believers are never alone, never abandoned, and never without help. The Spirit is not just beside us, but dwells within us, offering comfort, guidance, and strength for every circumstance. This indwelling presence is a profound expression of God’s desire for relationship with us—He prepares a place for us in heaven, and also makes His home in our hearts. The Spirit’s presence is the ongoing assurance that, no matter what we face, we are loved, accompanied, and empowered by God Himself.

1. In John 14:9, Jesus says, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” What does Jesus mean by this, and how does He explain it to Philip?
2. According to verses 12-14, what does Jesus promise His followers about the works they will do after He leaves?
3. In verse 15, what connection does Jesus make between love and obedience?
4. What does Jesus promise about the Holy Spirit in verses 16-18, and how does He describe the Spirit’s role?

1. When Jesus says that seeing Him is seeing the Father, what does this reveal about God’s character and how we can know Him personally?
2. The sermon explained that “greater works” are not about outdoing Jesus’ miracles, but about the spread of the gospel. How does this understanding change the way believers view their purpose and mission?
3. Jesus teaches that praying “in His name” is about aligning with His will, not just getting what we want. How does this shape the way Christians should approach prayer, especially when prayers seem unanswered?
4. The promise of the Holy Spirit as a “Comforter” means believers are never alone. How might this truth encourage someone facing loneliness, fear, or uncertainty?

1. The sermon said that the closer we stay to Jesus and His Word, the more assured we become of God’s love and presence. Is there a specific way you can draw nearer to Jesus this week—maybe through reading, prayer, or another practice? What might be getting in the way?
2. Jesus invites us to join Him in His ongoing work. Can you think of a place in your life—work, family, neighborhood—where you sense God might be calling you to be part of His mission? What is one step you could take to respond?
3. When you pray, do you find yourself more often asking for your own desires or seeking God’s will? Share about a time when you struggled with disappointment in prayer. How might aligning your prayers with God’s purposes change your perspective?
4. Jesus connects love for Him with obedience. Is there a specific command or teaching of Jesus that you find difficult to obey right now? What might help you grow in love so that obedience becomes a joyful response?
5. The sermon mentioned that God’s commands are not burdensome but are given for our good. Are there any areas where you view God’s instructions as a burden? How could you shift your mindset to see them as an expression of His love?
6. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as our constant companion. When have you most felt the Spirit’s comfort or guidance? Is there a situation right now where you need to rely more on the Spirit’s presence?
7. The disciples were troubled by Jesus’ departure, but He reassured them with His promises. When you face uncertainty or change, what promises from Jesus help you find peace? How can you remind yourself of these truths in the week ahead?