More Assurances

Introduction

Read vs. 16-21

1. Another Counselor vs. 16-21

Another—of the same kind?

Paraclete—Counselor/Advocate/Helper/Intercessor

Spirit of Truth. What does this mean?

Rejection by the world because they see him or know him

Jesus again begins to talk about his departure

Assurance that when Jesus leaves that they will not be alone.

In fact… the relationships that Jesus is explaining will be clear to them after the resurrection.

John 12–21 (2) The Postresurrection Coming of Jesus (14:18–24)

The “inter-indwelling” of the Father and Son would serve as the pattern of the “inter-dwelling” of Jesus and his followers.

It’s here that Jesus reassures them that their obedience is not in vain. Their obedience is deeply connected to this inter-dwelling of Jesus and his followers.

Jesus assurance about obedience

John 14:21 NIV

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

Not enough to know the commands,they must be must kept. This Jesus says is the proof of our love for him

The result of loving Jesus is to be loved by the Father

If the Father loves them so to Jesus loves them.

Read verses 22-24

Judas (not Iscariot) asks a good question, “why reveal yourself to us and not everyone?”

The answer can be boiled down to one word…obedience.

2. Obedience = Love of Jesus vs. 22-24

The kind of question that Judas asked was an apocalyptic question. “Reveal to all this mystery.”

That seems like a good thing to do doesn’t it. But what part of the kingdom of God do the rebellious and enemies of God have?

One thing that Israel long for was that God would dwell among them

Ezekiel 37:27 NIV

My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.

Zechariah 2:10 NIV

“Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the Lord.

Jesus is offering them the assurances of this based on their obedience. Obedience to Jesus’ commands represents the fact God dwells with them.

Not only that but obedience equates to love of Jesus.

Read vs. 25-27

3. Clarity regarding the Holy Spirit vs. 25-27

Here are some assurances we can discern from Jesus regarding the HS

First the HS is given (sent) from God

2nd the HS is given in the name of the Jesus

3rd the HS will remind the disciples every thing Jesus has taught

Finally I think it’s implied that there is no expiration date on this teaching

Jesus summarizes with one word, “peace”. What amazing assurance.

It is not the kind of peace that the world gives.

The last bit of assurance may not seem like assurance at all…

Read vs. 28-31

4. Jesus’ Departure (it’s a good thing) vs. 28-31

Jesus death & resurrection have always been a part of God’s plan for rescuing his creation.

So basically he’s telling his disciples, don’t freak out! In fact be glad.

Sidebar—Do not misunderstand Jesus statement, “the Father is greater than I.” John’s gospel does not diminish nor call into question the deity of Jesus. Rather this should be understood as “God’s got this!”

Jesus is giving them a heads up. He knows their weakness of mind. When Jesus dies they scatter like chickens. But he says when you see the resurrection, you’ll know and believe.

Imagine you are hearing this for the first time, you might think “the Devil has won. Jesus is banished.” Who has ever overcome death? But Jesus assures his disciples the devil has no hold over him.

In C.S. Lewis’s book The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe the White Witch was sure she had defeated Aslan but what she didn’t know was that his death and resurrection spelled her ultimate defeat.

As this section ends, Jesus says “let’s bounce.”

APPLICATION/IMPLICATION

The Holy Spirit. Do we understand the presence and the benefits of the Holy Spirit.

Do you trust in self or the presence of the HS in your life.

The Spirit was not just for the disciples!

2. Obedience. Is there disobedience in your life that needs addressed?

3. Believing. Jesus told the disciples when they saw his resurrection they would believe. That seems pretty great. But what about us? What about everyone since then who believed but did not actually see any of this ? Well if we jump ahead a few chapters

John 20:29 NIV

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”