Without Jesus The Journey Never Ends
Without Jesus, The Journey Never Ends
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read Jn. 14:1-21.
2. Perhaps one of the most well known and most comforting texts of the entire Bible.
(1) Yet, it comes amidst a swirling tide of emotions (from Jesus as well as apostles).
(2) Jesus was troubled / deeply distressed (13:21).
(3) Still, there is no denying that Jesus spoke these words of comfort to apostles.
3. Jesus was certain, amidst their uncertainties. Jesus guided the apostles to look beyond the present turmoil and be guided by His certainty about the future.
4. Jesus wants you to be guided by His certainty about the future, and not just your future here on the earth, but beyond it all to that of heaven in the end.
(1) As we journey through life with it’s trouble and strife, I’ve a glorious hope who gives cheer on the way, so my toils will be oer as I rest on that shore…
(2) We are on a journey, a sentimental journey, but may I direct you to the reality that without Jesus Christ, that journey will never end…
A. Someone might say, Hey that’s good news!
B. You miss my point. For a Christian This journey will end in reward. For one separated from God, the journey of spiritual death will never end.
DISCUSSION: Jesus Christ Desires To Lead Your Life --
I. Where Does He Lead?
1. To the Father 14:6 – “No man comes to the Father except by me”.
(1) Jesus would teach that if you had seen Him, you have seen the Father.
(2) Jesus would teach his opponents that He and the Father were One.
2. To the “Father’s Blessings”
(1) Forgiveness of sins (cf. Mt. 6).
(2) Read Eph. 3:20-21. = Life that gives glory to God.
(3) To inherit a kingdom (Mt. 25:34).
II. How Important Is It For Me To Follow His Leadership?
· “No one comes to the Father, except by me” (Jn. 14:6).
1. This was an idea counter to the idea of His Jewish opponents. Nevertheless true. (cf. Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Denominationalism).
2. This is an idea that cuts against the grain of Political correctness. Nevertheless it is true.
3. This is an idea that opposes the thinking of modern relativism that basically says, “There is no such thing as absolute wrong or right.” Many paths.
4. Not a Bible view of this matter.
(1) Acts 4:12.
(2) 1 Cor. 3:11
(3) READ -- Eph. 2:16-18.
III. How Should I View His Leadership.
1. The WAY.
(1) Way = means of passage from one place to another.
(2) “I’m looking for a way to solve this puzzle.” I don’t know the way to your house.
(3) POINT = you cannot move from this world to God’s dwelling place in heaven without Jesus assistance.
A. Compare - Heb. 9:1-8 AND Heb. 9:12.
B. Now notice Heb. 10:19-23.
(4) Notice 2 Pet. 1:11.
2. The TRUTH.
(1) What is truth? ANS = rather simple… = truth is the reality of a situation, compared to what is not true.
(2) How can I be saved? Ask men and you will find thousands of flavors of answer with slight to great variances. Ask Jesus Christ and you will find pure and reliable instruction.
A. Jesus is the true light (Jn. 1:6).
B. Jesus alone possesses the glory of the Father, full of grace and truth (Jn. 1:14).
C. Everyone that is of truth hears my voice (Jn. 18:37)
(3) The truth provided by Christ will make you free (Jn. 8:32).
A. You can rely completely upon Jesus and the evidence He presents. It will save you.
B. I cannot say the same about mankind
3. The Life.
(1) Jesus lived… Jesus died… Jesus was buried. IF the story ended there, there would be no reason for us to meet here and discuss the matter today.
(2) Jesus was raised!
A. The grave could not keep Him.
B. He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures.
C. When Jesus rose the devil declined.
D. I am he that lives, and was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore, Amen. And I have the keys of death and Hades (Rev. 1:18).
(3) Jewish leaders did all they could and then some to get Him crucified, BUT then they had a larger problem… WHAT IF HE RISES THE THIRD DAY!
(4) Truth of our Lord’s resurrection traveled back to the city… His deity could not be denied! Yet, the Jewish leaders will find more blood money to pay off guards to say, the body was stolen while we slept.”
(5) Their resistance was like a tumble weed in a windstorm. Powerless to stop what was going on around them. God’s plan of redemption was coming to bear.
(6) Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Now, Jesus is raised from the dead.
CONCLUSION:
1. The truth about Jesus stands the test of time. He lived, He died, He was buried, and up from that grave He arose.
2. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Provided by God for your soul’s sake.