Untitled Sermon

John 16:1

I’m going to die.

Not today. Not anytime soon that I know of. But I know that I am going to die. Are you ready to die?

If you knew you were going to die in a few days or a week from now, what would you say to those around you? What would you want them to know about you?

Aleteia ἀλήθεια - the state of being unhidden - truth

Task 1: Acknowledge the important people in your life. Task 2: Remember treasured moments from your life. Task 3: Apologize to those you love if you hurt them. Task 4: Forgive those who love you if they have hurt you. Task 5: Express your gratitude for all the love and care you have received. Task 6: Tell your friends and family how much you love them. Task 7: Take a moment to say “goodbye.”

Jesus is takin this moment to say goodbye. He’s trying to help them understand what is about to happen. Jesus has been monologuing for three chapters already.

The Context is that Jesus was washing his disciple’s feet.

— This is an example to you and you need to be servant minded and hearted and humble toward each other.

— If you wan to be great in my Kingdom then, here’s your example. He starts this in chapter 13 and then doesn’t stop until the end of chapter 17.

So were in the middle of this moment that our author, John, Jesus’ best friend, “according to John”, believes is such a critical moment that he devotes 5 chapters to it. Almost 24% of the entire book of John is this moment. John’s giving us a window into it.

I can just imagine John, writing this and just remembering this moment because right after this, the betrayal of Jesus is set into motion. Jesus knows it’s coming.

So yeah what would you say right before you knew you were going to die or if you know this was going to be the last time you saw your friends and your family?

New Living Translation Chapter 16

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.

What things?

Jesus has been monologuing for three chapters already.

Foundation of Identity and Relationship

Jesus is the way to the Father (John 14:6)

He speaks the Father's words and is in unity with the Father (John 14:10-11)

Jesus loves those who do the Father's will

John 15:11 - Jesus' joy being made complete in them, and their joy being full

The disciples are chosen and appointed for a great purpose (John 15:16)

The Love Imperative

Love one another as Jesus loved them (John 13:34-35, repeated in 15:12)

Obedience to commandments as evidence of love (John 14:15, 21)

Example of sacrificial service through foot washing (John 13:12-17)

Spiritual Resources and Connection

Need to remain connected to Jesus like branches to a vine (John 15:4-5)

Jesus' prayers and intercession for them

John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you" - Jesus' gift of peace distinct from worldly peace

Promise of the Holy Spirit as Comforter, Counselor, and Advocate (John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26)

Preparation for Hardship

Prediction of betrayal (John 13:18-30)

Warning of Jesus' departure (John 13:33)

John 14:1-3 - "Do not let your hearts be troubled" and the promise of preparing a place for them

John 14:18 - "I will not leave you as orphans" - promise of ongoing presence

Expectation of world's hatred and persecution (John 15:18-20)

Reminder that the world hated Jesus first

So yeah, those are the things that Jesus said so that they wouldn’t abandon their faith.