A Fond Farewell, pt 1 - John 14

John 14:1-27

A Fond Farewell (pt. 1)

The phrase “fond farewell” is essentially a poetic or affectionate way of saying “goodbye,” combining fond (meaning affectionate, loving) + farewell (a leave-taking or parting wish).

The word farewell comes from late Middle English faren wel (i.e. “fare well,” meaning “go well” or “travel well”) — combining fare (to go, travel) + well (in a good manner)

Over time, farewell came to be more generally a polite or formal goodbye, often implying that the separation is significant or possibly long. 

So by the time English speakers were combining “fond” and “farewell,” fond already had the meaning of “affectionate, dear, full of love/affection.” The phrase “fond farewell” therefore literally means a “goodbye said with affection.”

We’ve witnessed many cinematic fond farewells…

— “Casablanca” (1942) – Rick (Humphrey Bogart) says goodbye to Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) at the airport: “Here’s looking at you, kid.”

— “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003) – Frodo’s departure to the Undying Lands. Sam, Merry, and Pippin’s tearful goodbye as Frodo boards the ship — a tender, bittersweet parting.

— “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) – Han Solo’s carbon-freeze farewell to Leia.

Leia: “I love you.” Han: “I know.”

— “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982) – Elliott and E.T. at the spaceship.

“I’ll be right here.” (E.T., pointing to Elliott’s heart)

— “Toy Story 3” (2010) – Andy saying goodbye to his toys, passing them on to Bonnie.

Tender, nostalgic, and generationally moving.

Jesus begins to give a tender, hopeful, inspiring, intentional, caring, and thoughtful farewell to His apprentices.

John 14:1-4

Jesus is committed to union with you.

This is John’s brilliant way of talking about the last supper and communion.

betrothal language; new covenant

In ancient Jewish wedding customs, the cup of wine played a significant role in the betrothal ceremony. During the betrothal ceremony, after the marriage contract was signed, the bride and groom would drink from a common cup of wine. This symbolized the new covenant between them, with the wine representing the blood of a sacrificial animal and marking the couple’s submission to their covenant. Sharing the cup sealed the betrothal, and the groom would not drink from it again until the wedding celebration. The document they’d sign was called a Ketubah.

more like a prenup, and less romantic.

plenty of room for all who believe

John 14:10–11

— trinitarian union

John wants us to see and understand that Jesus is divine.

There is profound truth here—knowledge of Jesus leads to knowledge of the Father

KNOW: gnosko

embodied belief reinforces internal truth.

Be committed to union with Jesus.

John 14:12-15; 23-24

what greater things? it can be understood only in the light of the post-resurrection period during which the gospel would be proclaimed. It is clear that the greater things can be done only because Jesus is going to the Father. The book of Acts is evidence of the fulfilment of this prediction, and the worldwide spread of Christianity today a further sign of these ‘greater things’. The close link between the promise and the attitude of prayer needed for its fulfilment is seen in vs 13–14…not greater in significance or impressiveness, but in scope and wide impact - LOUD.

Doing reveals believing. believing motivates our doing. Doing will never result in earning.

behavior reinforces identity, it doesnt create it. Identity is always bestowed

The connection between love and obedience is twice stressed in this section (15, 21). The obedience is, therefore, no slavish attitude but a willing conformity through love.

Love isn’t earned, it’s the motive of our allegiance.

John 14:16-18; 25-27

Jesus gives us a Gift to help us be in loyal union with Him.

parakletos: advocate in the court of law.

HS is our advocate, helping us to be in union with the truth of Jesus.

Jesus is our advocate sitting in the courtroom of heaven, helping us to be justified before Father. (1 John 2:1)

HS is equally divine with Jesus and Father.

I am giving you the Holy Spirit.

reveal truth

give hope for resurrection (v. 19b)

peace (wholeness). Total well-being, prosperity, and security associated with God’s presence among his people. Linked in the OT with the covenant, the presence of peace, as God’s gift, was conditional upon Israel’s obedience. In prophetic material, true peace is part of the end-time hope of God’s salvation. In the NT, this longed-for peace is understood as having come in Christ and able to be experienced by faith

Don’t live as an orphan or with an orphaned attitude.

we feel orphaned, because we stopped yeilding to SPIRIT

we forget we’re in a family because we stopped living from love, keeping His commands…behavior reinforces our identity.

this is why we REMEMBER JESUS as come to table of the Lord.

Jesus wants communion with you.

Be committed to Him

Jesus gives you His PRESENCE.

Communion & Prayer:

Holy Spirit, hover over me.

May your breath revive what’s dead within me.

May your waters quench my thirst for you.

May your fire ignite my spirit and refine my heart,

And may your wind blow me wherever you are leading me.

May your love revive our communion.

Be my advocate.

Come, Holy Spirit.

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Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group)

The message was about the Jesus’ fond farewell to His apprentices. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you?

Read John 14 as a group. What is the Holy Spirit saying through these verses?

What does Jesus' farewell indicate about his relationship with us as believers?

How can we understand the connection between Jesus' promises in John 14 and the concept of the new covenant?

In what ways can recognizing that we are not 'orphaned' but part of God's family impact our daily lives?

What other Scriptures come to your mind as you consider the various themes discussed in the message?

What practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper union with Jesus?

How does knowing we have the Holy Spirit as our advocate change the way we approach our struggles and fears?