Memory Verse: And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:3).
Scripture Reading: John 13:31—14:14
Introduction:
After Judas left the Upper Room, Jesus talked freely with the eleven, speaking of His glorification which was evidently the completion of His atoning sacrifice that was near. But, saying that He was to leave them and that they could not go where He was going filled them with sadness. They did not comprehend just what His leaving meant. Peter asked about where He was going, and the answer was that Peter could not follow at that time, but later. Jesus went to the cross the next day, and about forty days later ascended to the Father. Peter did not follow Christ in His ascension to heaven, but about 35 years later, he too was crucified. Thus, he followed Him later.
The words that have meant comfort to many: I will come again, were given on the memorable night in the upper room. To relieve them of sadness and sorrow, and encourage them, Jesus said that He would not leave them as orphans but that He would return. The fulfillment of that promise has been the hope of Christians since Jesus went to the Father, and is an essential part of the Gospel message. He is personally going to return to earth to receive His people who will ever be with Him throughout eternity. Then this strife-torn world which has never known peace will have lasting peace as the earth is made new.
Christ said He was going to the Father, and that any request they made in His name while He was away would be honored. This has been a comforting thought to followers of Christ through the ages, for Jesus had in mind not only the eleven to whom He was speaking, but all who would believe through their labors (See John 17:20).
Jesus had been with His disciples in person and had comforted them in their trials; He had been seen by the world and rejected because of unbelief. The world did not know Him as a Counselor to help in time of trouble, and would not see Him again in person till He comes again in the clouds of heaven. But, with His followers it is different. Another Comforter would be sent that would abide with them forever. Through this Comforter, Christ would be with them. His final promise to the eleven when leaving them was, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20).
Study Questions:
- What did Jesus say that brought sadness to His eleven disciples, and what showed that they were interested in Him? John 13:33, 36; John 14:4-6.
- Since He was leaving them, what command did He give to them? John 13:34. What would obedience to this command prove? John 13:35; John 14:15.
- Was this command new in words, or in application? Compare John 15:12-14 with I John 2:7-8, and I John 3:11.
- How did Peter express his boldness? John 13:37. How was he reproved? John 13:38.
- What comfort may be obtained from John 14:1-4? Does this include Christ’s promise of His return to earth and the receiving of His people?
- Does the promise of Christ in John 14:3 apply only to His second coming at the end of this age, or may it also in a sense, apply to the coming of the Comforter, according to His promise? John 14:15-18.
- Discuss the thought found in John 14:6. How is Christ the only true way to eternal life and the Father?
- Since there is only one way to the Father, by what means did the righteous of old know of it?
- By what means may we continue, In Christ, and Christ in us? I John 2:24-29; I John 4:12-16; I John 3:24.
- What will be given to those who manifest the love of God in their lives? Luke 11:9-13; John 14:12-17.