A Not So Final Farewell (Part 2)
4th and 1
A Not So Final Farewell (Part 2)
A Source of Comfort (14:1-3)
The
disciples need not worry, for they should trust that Jesus is leaving for good
reason. What is that reason? Most have taken Jesus’ next words to be a
reference to Jesus presently preparing mansions for us in heaven. Others,
however, suggest that Jesus is referring to God coming to dwell with people
through the Spirit. Both interpretations have their strengths and weaknesses.
So
will I get a mansion or not?
Why
is it taking Jesus so long to prepare things?
The
Confusion of Thomas (14:4-6)
Thomas
spoke up for the confused disciples. He insisted ignorance about the nature of
Jesus’ departure plans. Jesus had suggested that they would follow Him later
(13:36b), but how could they do that if they didn’t know the destination or the
way? Jesus boldly answered that He was the (only) way to the Father.
What
does it mean that Jesus is the way/truth/life?
What
about those who have never heard?
The
Request of Philip (14:7-11)
When
Jesus suggests that they have seen the Father, Philip seems baffled and asks
for another showing! But Jesus clarifies that seeing Him is equivalent to
seeing the Father. There is a unity between the Father and the Son. They had
every reason to believe Jesus and His claims.
The
Blessings of Belief (14:12-14)
Jesus’
coming departure seemed like an end for the disciples, but Jesus suggests that
it is actually an exciting new beginning! Jesus is going to the Father, and
from there will authorize their work requests when they are Christ-like.
How
could they/we do greater works than Jesus?
How
come we don’t get whatever we ask for in prayer?
Another
Source of Comfort (14:15-31)
One
thing Jesus promised to authorize (after His resurrection and return to the
Father) was the sending of the Spirit. Just as Jesus had counseled them in the
truth, soon the Spirit would do the same. The Spirit would be an invisible yet
experienced reality for believers, teaching and remind the disciples of
everything they needed to know.
Why
so much repetition on love/obedience?
Does
this passage teach the doctrine of The Trinity?
In
real terms, how do we know the Spirit is in us?
_____________________________________________
Quick
Recap: Why is it good that Jesus left?
1. It’s good for us because it
means Jesus is working for us from a place of power.
2. It’s good for us because it
means the Holy Spirit can inhabit multiple vessels.
3. It’s good for Jesus because
it means that He is restored to His rightful place with the Father.
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