Imperishable Hope John 14_1_6

Title: Imperishable Hope

Text: John 14:1-6

Intro: A little over a month before he died, the famous atheist Jean-Paul Sartre declared that he so strongly resisted feelings of despair that he would say to himself, "I know I shall die in hope." Then in profound sadness, he would add, "But hope needs a foundation."

The world needs Hope and what an imperishable Hope is found in Christ Jesus.

Orientate: The Disciples knew who Jesus was; the Messiah sent from God the Father. But they did not understand the role of Messiah. They thought He was the conquering King who came to defeat Rome and establish His everlasting throne on Earth. THIS WAS THEIR HOPE!

13:1 Jesus knew His hour had come and that He would depart from this world. This was the night of Jesus’ arrest; the Disciples had just dinned with Jesus (Last Supper) and they had their feet washed by Jesus as He set fourth an example for them to follow, “to walk in unbroken fellowship you must cleanse yourself daily from filthiness.” How do you keep yourself unstained by the world? The washing of the Word! Can you believe the King of kings taking the place of a slave and doing the task of washing the feet of dinner guest!

That night He told them difficult things. 1) the highest rank in the power structure of the kingdom is that of servant. Jesus had not come to be served (Conquering king) but to serve and this was to be their attitude. 2) One of them would betray Him. “One of you do not belong to me but to the Devil.” 3) I am leaving, and where I am going you cannot come. The time has come for me to be glorified. “The time has come for me to die.” 4) Peter is told that he would deny Jesus 3 times before the dawn of light. Peter says, “Jesus there is no where that you can go that I will not follow. Even if that means me dying.” Jesus said “that is true, but not yet.” Peter was reminded of his weakness, cowardice, and inability to follow the Lord for even a few hours by his own power.

What the disciples understood about Jesus and their assignment was crushed. This made for a hopeless situation.

What the disciples needed 2,000 years ago was hope! What the world needs now is hope!

Hope – Feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

CPS: Jesus is the foundation of living hope, one that does not disappoint.

There is hope in knowing that Jesus has prepared an eternal dwelling place for you. vs. 1-2

The Disciples seemingly had great reason for being troubled. All they understood would be shattered as they watched or heard of Jesus’s agonizing death.

Don’t be troubled Believe

Troubled Heart

Heart = is the center of feeling and faith can be viewed as the center of the soul

With the Heart a person believes Romans 10:10

Troubled = To be disturbed

The hearts of the disciples were tossed like waves in the wind by the words of Jesus in Chapter 13.

ILL. Fishing in rough seas.

There is no need for being troubled at heart Jesus commands to have a believing heart instead!

Believing heart

Believe (verb) is the action form of faith (trusting). (indicative) Keep on believing.

As you have been taught to believe in God believe in me the same way. Keep on believing!!!

Even after you see what has happened to Me keep on believing! WE WALK BY FAITH NOT APPEARENCES!!!!!!

A Dwelling place has been prepared for you

Father’s house = Heavenly temple.

Hebrews tells us that the Temple was a shadow of what was in haven

Your prepared place

Mansions = dwelling place. Not a temporary address but a place to abide (permanent residence) Resting place in heaven with Jesus and the Father.

Runner = make a place ready for you. Customary to send one forward to find a resting place.

Numbers 10:33 - The ARK was before the people seeking out a resting place.

As Peter and John was sent to make ready a place of rest for the Passover meal (Mark 14:12 Matt. 26:17) JESUS IS OUR FORERUNNER IN HEAVEN. Preparing a place for rest... Christ the master Carpenter!!!

ILL. My address… this is temporary. My home is in heaven. My hope in this will not disappoint!

What’s not there…. Tears of anguish… Death…Sorrow or mourning… Pain

Application: Christian don’t despair at what life throws at you find Hope in the Promise of Jesus. He has prepared a place for you! PERSONAL!!!!!

There is hope in knowing that Jesus will return for you. Vs. 3

When Jesus has finished preparing the place for His prepared people, He will return in Glory to gather what is His. Regardless if you are dead or alive.

Jesus returns for the dead.

You are an eternal being.

ILL. Here lies Solomon Peas, Under the lilies and under the trees, Peas is not here only the pod, Peas has shelled out and gone home to God.

Resurrected body

Jesus returns for the living.

Jesus’ reason for returning

To receive what is His and to bring them Home.

Application: Do you live in anticipation of Jesus’s return? What Hope is found in knowing that Jesus will return for me personally. (Tony Smitherman looking up in the air)

There is Hope in knowing the way to the Father. vs. 4-6

Jesus told His disciples He was going away and they were troubled at this, but then He told them how to get where He was going.

The way

Way - Road or path - cleared and unobstructed path. (Greek word for Road) "the door" John 10:7

ILL. Romans made excellent roads

The Truth

Truth - reality light of the world John 8:12

The life

Physical

Spiritual

Gospel presentation

Exclusivity

He is the only way!

Conclusion: How do we know this is true? Jesus said so. But if you want physical evidence it is found in the resurrection. The resurrection is the assurance of Hope.

Jesus’ words were true. He died the next day but the assurance of hope found was found on that Sunday. Jesus didn’t stay dead; He broke the stronghold of death and arose the victor over sin and condemnation. He is seated at the right hand of God the father and He has prepared a place for you! He is coming again for you!

What the Bible says about this great Hope.

Living hope

Incorruptible hope

Hope that does not disappoint

What this world needs is Hope and Jesus is the only source of Hope.

LIVE IN ANTICIPATION!