“COMFORT FOR TROUBLED HEARTS”
Dr. Dennis Deese - www.dennisdeese.com
JOHN 14:1-31
There has never been any more powerful statements of comfort given in history than the words we have just read in this passage. One of the reasons being is that they are eternal truths. They will never change regardless of how excruciating the circumstances are that we face. These are eternally reliable!
“Just before him was Gethsemane, the denial, the mock trial, the scouring and the cross; but with these in full view, such are the wonders of his love that he does not think of himself. He does not ask comfort, but he gives it. His heart is full of the sorrow of his disciples over his departure.” (Peoples New Testament Notes)
There are five eternal reassuring truths for every Christian that Jesus mentions in this passage. In other words, He turns their thoughts towards the coexisting spiritual realm. This was the perspective the Apostle Paul gained that led him to turn to God (II Cor 1:1ff) during his time of suffering (See II Cor. 4:8-10, 17-18) We can take comfort in:
I. THE REALITY OF JESUS 14:1
There are only two options in life: you believe in Him or not. If you do, then consider all that your faith encompasses.
A. His Position Col 1:15-19
Colossians 1:15-19 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell;
B. His Power Matt 28:18
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
C. His Presence Matt 28:20
Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
D. His Provisions II Peter 1:3; Romans 8:32
2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
E. His Promises II Cor 1:20
2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
F. His Purpose Romans 8:28
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
II. THE REALITY OF HEAVEN 14:2
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2Co 5:1)
III. THE REALITY OF THE JESUS’ RETURN 14:3 (See I Thess. 4:13-18)
IV. THE REALITY OF ETERNAL LIFE 14:6, 19 (See I John 5:12-13)
V. THE REALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 14:16-17 (See II Cor. 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14)
The Holy Spirit is the one who enabled the Apostles to experience comfort by the words that Jesus had given them in John 14. After Jesus crucifixion, they went fishing. The message Jesus gave them did not make a personal significant impact until the Holy Spirit came and reminded them of what He had said. This is the major role of the Holy Spirit today reminding (John 14:26) us of Jesus’ eternal unchanging message of comfort here in John 14.
