Explore: Believe exclusively

 • The Explore the Bible lesson for Dec. 15 focuses on John 14:1-14, 27-29.

No one likes to receive bad news. Often those moments come as quite a shock to our system.

Many times, pastors are called in to help people find ways to deal with difficult situations. In today’s Bible study lesson, Jesus gave the disciples some “bad news.” Interestingly, Jesus was positive in the points he made. If you were able to hear this from Jesus’ perspective, it would not seem negative at all. However, the disciples knew what Jesus was saying ultimately meant he was going away. I am not really sure they heard the rest of what Jesus was trying to say because of their shock over his impending departure.

However, we have the benefit of hearing Jesus’ words many years later. I believe Jesus was trying to provide the disciples words of encouragement they would be able to use as a foundation as they began their future journey of faith. The words Jesus gave his disciples also can be useful for us as we surrender our lives to him and his work. There are at least four points of comfort Jesus was trying to get across to the disciples.

Promise of eternal life

Jesus, their friend who was going away, began by telling them he had great plans for their future. He was going away, but he was not going to forget them. Instead, he would be preparing a place for them.

That is a pretty amazing concept. This is one of the Scriptures we have read so many times we can lose the richness of the meaning. So, think about this concept for just a moment. Right now, Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for his followers, and he is the Builder. He did not hire an architect or a contractor. He is doing all the work himself.

In addition, he promised he would come back personally and get them. He was not going to send somebody else to do it. These are very comforting words from Christ. I imagine when Jesus was crucified, the disciples thought all hope was lost. Christ’s resurrection reaffirmed these promises. As Jesus went on to say in verse 19, “Because I live, you also will live.” Here, Jesus promises the disciples eternal life in a wonderful relationship with God. They would have to say “goodbye” to Christ for a moment, but their eternal reward would be worth it.

Promise of successful work

Jesus goes on to promise the disciples something else. They would do even greater works than Christ had done. For a moment, let’s not worry about how to understand that statement—we will get back to that in a moment. For now, we just need to see this great promise from Christ. Jesus had called these men to come and follow him. Jesus was calling them to change the world. Their task was going to be difficult, seen as impossible at times, frustrating and grueling. These men still were willing to step up and do what Christ called them to do.

Anyone who would be willing to make that kind of commitment probably only wanted one assurance—that the work was going to matter in the end. They would hate to have worked so hard and have accomplished little. So, Jesus assures them they would do great things. What did Jesus mean by “greater things?” It seems impossible for them to do greater things than Jesus—walk on water, raise the dead, feed 5,000 people with a young boy’s lunch, etc. The “greater things” Jesus referred to had to do with the gospel. While Jesus had done so many wonderful things for people in order to demonstrate and authenticate who he was, the disciples were going to have the opportunity to take the finished work of the gospel to the world. Jesus is promising them success.

Promise of the Holy Spirit

Next, Jesus offers his disciples the gift of what he called “another advocate” (v. 15). This is not in our focal passage, but certainly is one of the most significant promises Jesus made. When you and I are in trouble or having difficult times, to know help is on the way is comforting indeed.

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would come, and he would help the disciples in at least two ways. He would teach the disciples all they would need to know, and the Holy Spirit also would remind them of the many things Jesus had taught them along the way. Ultimately, we know the Holy Spirit dwelled within these believers and empowered them to make the impact on this world they were destined to make. Jesus no longer was going to be with them the way he had been to this point, but he was not going to leave them alone either. The promise of the Holy Spirit was a gift the disciples eventually would take advantage of fully.

Promise of peace

Finally, Jesus tells his followers he will give them the gift of peace. The peace Jesus offered was not the absence of conflict. These followers of Christ actually were going to have a more difficult life because of their dedication to Christ than they would have if they had just remained in their regular, everyday lives. What Jesus gave to these men was wholeness—an offer to be complete in him as well as with each other. Even though their worlds would be turned upside-down, their hearts would be full of peace and confidence.

All these promises were gifts to Christ’s disciples as they prepared for life without their friend. The important thing for us to remember is we still have these promises. We have the promise of eternal life and being with God forever in that place he is preparing for us. We have the assurance the work God has called us to can and will be accomplished through us if we remain faithful.

Just like those early disciples, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives: showing us the way and empowering us to do the work of Christ. Finally, we have the promise of peace. I do not know if we always take advantage of this promise, but it is there. Even though we will go through struggles in this world, we can know God loves us, God is in control and he will work through our circumstances to accomplish his greater plan.