John 14:1-14
October Memory Verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 (NIV)
John 14:1-14
As we open John 14, Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” In John 13, Jesus had just said someone would betray them and responding to Peter’s zeal, Jesus looked at him and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.”
The disciples had been following Jesus for the better part of three years—day and night. They’re in the upper room celebrating Passover and Jesus just threw cold water all over the celebration. He told them flat out in no uncertain terms, things are going to be bad. Then he said, “Let not your hearts be troubled.”
Although we can’t really compare the losses CPC has endured recently to the crucifixion of Christ, however we can confidently say that we have walked (and continuing to walk) through difficult times. In this season, Jesus’ words to his disciples hit us all the more—“Let not your hearts be troubled.” Why?
The simple answer is we have hope. Jesus went to prepare a place and he will return. Ironically, listening to K-Love this morning, somebody wrote-in asking, “what is hope?” This got me thinking, I would define hope in Christ as the content of our longing assured through faith (see also Hebrews 11:1).
Our hope was bought through the sacrifice of Christ that Jesus taught about in John 13. The “content” of our hope is in Christ himself and his eventual return to reclaim his bride—He exclusively is the way, the truth, and the life. No one experiences the Father without accepting the Son.
Interestingly, Jesus goes on to describe the oneness he shares with the Father. There is way too much to unpack here, but through Jesus we have access to the Father. Not only relationally, but experientially. Jesus said that those who follow him will do greater things when asked in the name of Jesus so that the Son may be glorified. James 4 provides a helpful balance to this, but it’s true that Jesus planted the seeds to change the world in three years of ministry. It was those who followed him that took that message to the outer reaches of the world. We sit reading about a man who lived and died 2,000 years ago on the other side of the planet because faithful men and women carried the life changing message of the Gospel to this place in this time.
Hope encourages our hearts, but it’s also a gift meant to be shared. Suffering is a great witness to the world because so many people lack hope. Our grief is not done. Our suffering is not done. But, our hope will never end—it will last far longer than grief and suffering.
As you reflect, how would you define hope?
By: Tyler Short
John 14:1-14
As we open John 14, Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” In John 13, Jesus had just said someone would betray them and responding to Peter’s zeal, Jesus looked at him and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.”
The disciples had been following Jesus for the better part of three years—day and night. They’re in the upper room celebrating Passover and Jesus just threw cold water all over the celebration. He told them flat out in no uncertain terms, things are going to be bad. Then he said, “Let not your hearts be troubled.”
Although we can’t really compare the losses CPC has endured recently to the crucifixion of Christ, however we can confidently say that we have walked (and continuing to walk) through difficult times. In this season, Jesus’ words to his disciples hit us all the more—“Let not your hearts be troubled.” Why?
The simple answer is we have hope. Jesus went to prepare a place and he will return. Ironically, listening to K-Love this morning, somebody wrote-in asking, “what is hope?” This got me thinking, I would define hope in Christ as the content of our longing assured through faith (see also Hebrews 11:1).
Our hope was bought through the sacrifice of Christ that Jesus taught about in John 13. The “content” of our hope is in Christ himself and his eventual return to reclaim his bride—He exclusively is the way, the truth, and the life. No one experiences the Father without accepting the Son.
Interestingly, Jesus goes on to describe the oneness he shares with the Father. There is way too much to unpack here, but through Jesus we have access to the Father. Not only relationally, but experientially. Jesus said that those who follow him will do greater things when asked in the name of Jesus so that the Son may be glorified. James 4 provides a helpful balance to this, but it’s true that Jesus planted the seeds to change the world in three years of ministry. It was those who followed him that took that message to the outer reaches of the world. We sit reading about a man who lived and died 2,000 years ago on the other side of the planet because faithful men and women carried the life changing message of the Gospel to this place in this time.
Hope encourages our hearts, but it’s also a gift meant to be shared. Suffering is a great witness to the world because so many people lack hope. Our grief is not done. Our suffering is not done. But, our hope will never end—it will last far longer than grief and suffering.
As you reflect, how would you define hope?
By: Tyler Short
6 Comments
I recently read a quote from my morning devotion by Dr. David Cloer; FBC Central Florida. "God 'establishes' our way, 'enjoys' our way and 'enables' our way. When I think of John 14 and our hope it becomes cemented in my mind and heart that my Savior is all on all no matter what our future holds. There is
no one else that can give that peace, hope and joy but Jesus. So I rest in the promise given in John 14. Come Lord Jesus!
Nice word, Ron.
I think I would define hope as "the expectation that the promises we have in Christ will (and are) being fulfilled". It gives us something to be confident in.
This is easier said than done. In this season of loss, I've felt hopeless and had to fight to keep the hope alive. This is when I run to Jesus and the truth. I believe that God will bring good out of this.
Blessings, CPC!
Thanks Courtney! I like the word "expectation." It captures the fact that our hope isn't in the same category of "wish," it is assured, the reality that we're looking forward to experiencing.
"Our grief is not done. Our suffering is not done. But, our hope will never end-it will last far longer than grief and suffering."
Very encouraging, Tyler! Thanks so much for this.
Lindsay-I was just thinking the same about that quote. Sooo encouraging and much needed! Thanks Tyler!!!