HFC Online: Bible Online:
Central Idea: Jesus’ announcement of his departure (13:33) and prediction of Peter’s denial (13:38) brought an atmosphere of gloom to the Upper Room. Jesus immediately sought to deal with this concern and went on to answer Peter’s question. “Where are you going?” (13:36)
Thesis: Our troubled hearts can be led into a new reality based upon the promises and assurances of Jesus Christ.
LEADING YOUR TROUBLED HEART
I. INTO CHRIST’S PROMISES FOR ASSURANCE.
John 14:1-14 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going."
The time had come for the Sovereign Jesus to lay down his life for his sheep. (John 10:14)
“Do not let:” suggests that the disciples could do something about their troubled hearts. They must lead their hearts by faith to the true reality of what was being revealed in Jesus. (it is still painful)
The solution for a troubled heart is:
Trust in God. (Gr. “Keep on trusting God and trusting Me.”)
Trust in Jesus. (Basically, “Keep the faith.” “Continue in faith.”)
Jesus did not abandon his disciples. His departure was temporary.
II. INTO CHRIST’S PROMISES FOR DIRECTION.
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
Jesus’ used the “I am” (ego eimi) to refer to himself as the divine object of our faith. (e.g. John 11 to Mary – “I am the Resurrection...)
Consider the explanation:
The one way to God: “the gate for the sheep.” (10:7) (narrow)
The truth of God: the full revelation of redemptive truth. (Col 2:3)
The life of God: Jesus gives life beyond the grave. (5:21; 11:25)
III. INTO CHRIST’S PROMISES FOR CONTINUATION.
8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
9 Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Philip, like Moses (Ex 33:18) longed to see a glorious glimpse of God. “Show me your glory.”
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Although believers today do not see Jesus in physical form, they do see Him in God’s Word, and through this revelation they both see and know the Father. (John 1:14) Jesus is the embodiment of all Scripture, the full representation of God, and the object of our faith.
Greater works by faith: Because Christ was going to the Father; he would reign over his people by attaching our prayer lives to his extended ministry. He would send the Spirit to enable our lives as witnesses to God’s glory and power working in us. (John 15:15-31)
Praying in the name of Jesus changes us and constrains us.
IV. INTO CHRIST’S PROMISES FOR A NEW REALITY.
How does the new reality of Jesus’ words change the way we handle our troubled hearts? How does the gospel change our reality?
The surety of heaven is secured in Christ. (Eph 1:3-14; Jn 14:3)
Jesus does all the work needed to bring you to God. (1 Pet 3:18)
The work and way of salvation is Jesus alone. (Acts 4:12; Jn 11:25; Eph 3:12)
The sting of death is taken away. (1 Cor 15:55-56) Death gives way to life everlasting. (John 3:16-17)
Death was laid upon Him!
The ministry of Christ continues through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. (Jn 14:15-31; Acts 1:8)
Prayer is a personal application/realization of Christ. Prayer leads us to obediently asking for Jesus’ intervention into the course of the “greater/expanding” work of the gospel. SDG.
Where/how are you leading your “troubled” heart today? Do you feel some separation anxiety during these strange days?
How can we pray for you HFC? Please message us and let us know!
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