John 13:36-14:14
1. A promise, v. 36-38
-Psalm 103:9-14
He promises that He is with us in our darkest times. Psalm 23:4
He promises to give us wisdom if we ask. James 1:5
He promises that in all things He is at work. Romans 8:28
He promises to provide a way out of temptation. I Corinthians 10:13
He promises that as Christians we are forgiven forever. Hebrews 10:8-14
He promises that our salvation is secure, no matter what. John 10:28-29
He promises that He is not put off by our weaknesses. 2 Cor. 12:8-10
He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. Hebrews 13:5
He promises that this was His idea. Philippians 1:6
He promises to come back. John 14:3
Important to remember this…
God makes two types of promises:
1) unconditional promises – this is a promise void of conditions. Nothing has to happen for this to be true, it depends on nothing but the nature of the person making the promise.
2) conditional promises –this promise is subject to certain qualifications or requirements.
2. A peace, v. 1
This peace is the by-product of believing in two people who are one...
believe in God- this is a statement about God
believe also in me- this is a statement about you.
Four things we are saying about ourselves when we say we believe in Jesus…
1) I am sinful and separated from God- Jesus is necessary
2) I am incapable of making myself right with God- Jesus is needed
3) I am in need of Someone to solve this problem- Jesus is sufficient
4) I am loved by God- Jesus is the demonstration of the Father’s love
3. A place, v. 2-3
Steps in a Jewish Wedding
1) Marriage covenant- the Father pays for the bride and establishes the marriage covenant
2) Bridal chamber prepared- the son returns to his father’s house and prepares the bridal chamber
3) Bride is fetched- at a time determined by the father, the groom fetches the bride to bring her to his father’s house. Although the bride is expecting the groom to come to her, she does not know the time of his arrival. Because of this his arrival is preceded by a shout, which warns the bride to be prepared for his coming.
4) Bride is cleansed- the bride undergoes ritual cleansing prior to the wedding ceremony.
5) Wedding ceremony- private wedding ceremony
6) Consummation- in the privacy of the bridal chamber the bride and groom consummate the marriage
7) Marriage Feast- celebratory marriage feast to which many are invited.
4. A person, v. 4-11
a) the way-
b) the truth- “…assuming that yo have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus…” - Ephesians 4:21
c) the life-
-John 1:1-5
The word “zoe" refers to life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.
5. A possibility, v. 12-14
Questions for reflection…
Which one of these fuels the way you relate to God? The promises you make or the promises He has made?
Today we heard how God deals compassionately with us because “He knows our frame.” Do you “know the frame” of those you have authority over and how does this affect the way you deal with them?
Do you believe there is a place for you in heaven?
Should the reality of heaven influ