A study of John 14:25-31 reveals the name and function of the Holy Spirit, the peace that Jesus gives, and the coming ruler of this world.
A study of John 14:25-31 reveals the name and function of the Holy Spirit.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (ESV, John 14:26)
Jesus ends John 14 by reviewing things he said earlier. Likely to emphasize their importance. First, he repeats what he said in V.15. Only this time he uses two descriptive words when he says the Helper and Holy Spirit will come. The Greek word for “Helper” is Parakletos, which means one called alongside to help and speak on another person’s behalf. It also means advocate, counselor, comforter, and intercessor.
The Greek word for Holy Spirit is pneuma, which means spirit, breath, and wind, depending on the context. John uses Paraklētos to highlight the Spirit’s personal ministry after Christ’s departure. And that is to teach them in their continued training as disciples and recall what they have learned as they minister in the name of Jesus. And the rest of the New Testament uses Pneuma. The difference between the two is that pneuma identifies his person and paraklētos, his office or ministry. But other New Testament scripture passages describe other functions of the Holy Spirit as well. It includes: comforting, teaching, convicting of sin, and illuminating God’s truth.
A study of John 14:25-31 reveals the peace that Jesus gives.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (ESV, John 14:27)
Jesus sees that the disciples are fearful. And rightly so from their perspective. Jesus is talking about going away and back to the father. But they expected the Messiah to overthrow Roman rule and set up his kingdom on earth. An absent Jesus was not part of their ministry plan. So Jesus assures them by saying he will leave them with his peace that is different from the world’s peace.
The Greek word for “peace” is ĕirēnē, which means peace, quietness, and rest. It is the New Testament equivalent of the Old Testament Hebrew word shalom which conveys wholeness, well-being, soundness, harmony, safety, and covenant blessing under God.
How is Jesus’ peace different than the world’s peace?
The Greek word for “world” is kosmos and means the universe, created order, humanity, and, as in this verse, fallen humanity in rebellion against God. In other words, non-believers who reject Jesus Christ. What does peace look like for that person? Since there is no relationship wth God, it’s a peace limited to earthly circumstances. And seeks comfort through control, possessions, social approval, political stability, or the absence of conflict externally and internally.
The world cannot obtain Jesus’ peace because it is something he gives us. And is first and foremost, peace with God. Our sinful rebellion positions us against God, but we are reconciled through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And this includes eternal life which means our earthly conflicts are temporary and our wellbeing in heaven secured. It is a peace that confronts fear and anxiety, but doesn’t mean we always feel calm, avoid hardship, or escape sorrow. But that we live in union with Christ and are kept by Him.
A study of John 14:25-31 reveals the coming ruler of this world.
I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. (ESV, John 14:30-31)
Jesus says their communication will be sparse going forward. And then delivers an important news flash. The ruler of this world is coming. And that is Satan, the fallen angel, who was cast out of heaven. His name means adversary or accuser who stands against another in hostility. Here’s how Peter describes him.
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (ESV, 1 Peter 5:8)
The Greek word for “devour” is katapinō, which means to drink down, gulp entire, devour, and swallow up. It describes Satan’s predatory intent to destroy the faith, witness, joy, holiness, and even the souls of God’s people. Peter compares him to the savage power of a lion as it stalks, pounces, crushes, and completely consumes its prey. We should expect the same ruthless, ferociousness from Satan toward us.
But he has no claim on Jesus.
Why? Because as the Son of God, Jesus was without sin, despite Satan’s efforts to tempt him into it. Therefore, Satan had no hold on him. And while Satan was active in the events leading up to the crucifixion, it was God’s divine plan to redeem humanity from sin. So we should not give Satan undue credit.
The main point is Jesus’ obedience in following the father’s will by sacrificing himself on the cross. And V.31 states the reason for his willing submission. “So that the world may know that I love the Father.” Satan’s murderous plans are real, but subordinate to God’s sovereign redemptive purpose. What others intended for evil, God used to save his people. Therefore, the disciples should not despair in the coming crucifixion but trust the sovereign, obedient, and victorious Savior.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 14:20-24 reveals the coming of an indwelling Spirit, those who love Jesus keep his commandments, and a Father and Son who make their home with us.
A study of John 14:20-24 reveals the coming of an indwelling Spirit.
In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. (ESV, John 14:20)
In the midst of his Last Supper discourse to the disciples, Jesus tells them in V.15 about the Helper who comes when he is gone. And he goes on to explain. In V.19 he says that because he lives eternally so will they and in V.20, he connects these eternal relationships with three “in’s”. He is “in” the Father, they are “in” him and he is “in” them.
Jesus and the Father are united as the divine, eternal God. The disciples are in a saving relationship with Jesus. And strive to remain in that relationship as faithful followers. However, their new relationship will no longer be Jesus’ physical presence, but his spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit who dwells in them.
This was new information for the disciples at the time and they probably didn’t fully understand it. But the same relationship is true for Chistt-followers today. We recognize Jesus Christ as the Son of God. And a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior comes with the gift of eternal life and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
A study of John 14:20-24 reveals that those who love Jesus keeps his commandments.
Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him. (ESV, John 14:21)
All the “in” relationships discussed above are important. But Jesus expects more from his followers. The Greek word for “love” is agape and its meaning helps explain his answer. It is not love defined as feelings, romantic attraction, or sentimental affection. But as devoted, self-giving concern for another’s good expressed through action. In this case, keeping Jesus’ commands.
We don’t keep his commands perfectly, of course. Or out of duty or expectation that obedience earns us eternal life. But we do so joyfully to please God because we have eternal life through the saving work of Jesus Christ. Obedience is our response of trust and gratitude.
But even better? That same love is returned to us by both the Father and Son. The Father acts to send his Son as a sacrifice for our sins and the Son acts in obedience to the father to willingly sacrifice his life for us.
A study of John 14:20-24 reveals a Father and Son who make their home with us.
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (ESV, John 14:23)
In V.22, Judas–not Iscariot but likely the son of James–asks a question. Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world? He likely expressed a confusion the other disciples shared. And it represented a general belief among the Jews. They expected the Messiah to appear openly, defeat their enemies, and establish a physical kingdom on earth. So for Jesus to appear to the disciples and not the rest of the world didn’t make sense to them. But the kingdom they expected was not the one Jesus came to establish. He affirms this when Pontius Pilot questions him about it.
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is not of this realm.’” (ESV, John 18:36)
However, rather than answer Judas, Jesus repeats what he said earlier. Anyone who loves him will keep his word. And he and the Father will make their home with him. The Greek word for “home” is mŏnē, and means a staying, residence, abode and mansion. It is the same word translated “abide” in John 15:5: Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit. Both suggest the idea of a loving, personal God whose presence stays with us. In other words, God is not aloof and distant. But close, personal, and welcomes all into His Kingdom.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
Three essentials of Biblical discipleship include intentionality, teaching scripture, and Godly relationships. It’s purposeful on God’s part and ours. But first, let’s define it. Simply put, disciples are Christ-followers who desire to please God and pursue a life of righteousness by obeying his commands.
Three essentials of Biblical discipleship include intentionality.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (ESV, John 15:16)
Jesus and his twelve disciples were intentional in discipleship. Jesus personally recruited them individually as followers and they, in turn, called him Rabbi, which means teacher. Both parties agreed on the discipleship arrangement and the same is true today. Jesus taught them verbally, by example, and through practical ministry. The disciples listened and asked questions, participated in his ministry, and eventually, went on their own missionary journey.
Although the twelve disciples were his inner circle, Jesus called all new followers into discipleship and expanded his teaching to include them. He warned that genuine discipleship was not all spiritual fun and games or constant warm fuzzies. It also involved sacrifice, persecution, and testing. And we should accept that today as well. Perhaps that’s why, then and now, many new followers of Jesus drop out when things get tough and those who persevere are relatively few.
Jesus promises disciples spiritual blessings and an amazing, eternal reward. But our earthly journey can still be difficult and uncertain. And those who prevail are driven by faith and sustained by hope.
Three essentials of Biblical discipleship include teachingscripture.
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. (ESV, John 14:10)
Jesus was the divine Son of God who didn’t merely speak off the top of his head. His words were the very words of the Father. Today, we have not only Jesus’ words, but all the inspired words of God recorded in scripture.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. (ESV, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Therefore, when Jesus commissions us to make disciples and teach all his commands, it includes teaching the entire Bible.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (ESV, Matthew 28:19)
What’s the best teaching method?
For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. (ESV, 1 Corinthians 2:11-12)
A church development in recent years is the decline of Sunday School and rise of weekday small groups. What’s the difference? Sunday School focuses specifically on teaching, but small groups lean more towards community. This is because small group leaders often function as facilitators rather than teachers and disciple makers. And want curriculum they can lead without the study preparation that goes into teaching. So the level of teaching has slowly declined.
Instead, many churches now use sermon-based study guides and teaching videos through Right Now Media for small groups. As a small groups pastor I used them too. And I appreciate how technology offers many ways for us to learn from scripture and encourage their use. But directly reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word under the illumination of the Holy Spirit and exegetically teaching scripture should be our primary approach. Both individually and with other disciples.
Three essentials of Biblical discipleship include godly relationships.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (ESV, Acts 4:13)
Discipleship is relational and occurs over time. Rubbing off godliness little by little. It’s not a single evangelistic encounter, dump the gospel, lead unbelievers in a prayer of salvation and check off a weekly discipleship quoto. It requires authenticity about your strengths and weaknesses. Humbly confessing your sins, confidently proclaiming the grace and faithfulness of God, and faithfully pursuing righteousness while encouraging others to do the same.
An example of Jesus’ affect on the disciples
In Acts 3, Peter and John healed a lame man who begged outside the entrance of the Jewish temple. Jesus had ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit arrived in Acts 2 and filled all the believers gathered during Pentecost. Religious leaders demanded an explanation from them about the miracle and Peter responded by proclaiming the Gospel.
Amazed at their boldness, the religious leaders remembered Peter and John had been with Jesus. The two rough, uneducated, and common men had been radically transformed by the divine presence of Jesus who invested in their spiritual growth during his three year ministry.
It works in the opposite direction too.
Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character. (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:33)
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. (ESV, Proverbs 12:26)
Who you spend your time with matters. Of course, disciple making requires contact with unbelievers. But disciples should guard their close friendships carefully. And seek to build healthy, godly relationships within the body of Christ. Where we give and receive encouragement, affirmation, support, and accountability. So that our godliness rubs off on others and theirs to rubs off on us.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 14:12-19 reveals the disciples will do greater works than Jesus, the coming of another Helper, and spiritual transformation through the indwelling Spirit.
A study of John 14:12-19 reveals the disciples will do greater works than Jesus.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. (ESV, John 14:12)
Jesus surprised his disciples with the news of his impending crucifixion on a cross, resurrection, and ascension to the father in heaven. But then encouraged them by saying they will do greater works. What does he mean? A natural impulse is to wonder if they will demonstrate greater miraculous, divine power. Or speak God’s truth with greater eloquence. Hard to imagine since Jesus spoke words directly from the father and they had no such divine connection.
However, the Greek word for “greater” is mĕgas, which means exceedingly, great, large and in a very wide application. Jesus conducted his earthly ministry primarily in the Roman provinces of Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. And we are reminded what he told the disciples during the time after his resurrection, but before his ascension.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (ESV, Acts 1:8)
In other words, the disciples will accomplish greater Kingdom expansion geographically and numerically as the Gosepel spreads globally to all people. And the reason why is because Jesus is going to the father.
The formula for prayer
“And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” “If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.”
The spiritual engine that drives greater things is prayer. Specifically, praying in Jesus name. Does this mean tagging on the words “in Jesus’ name” at the end of a prayer like a spiritual stamp to invoke divine action? No. But it begins in heart of the person praying. And earnestly praying for God’s purpose and for his glory. Submitting to his will rather than seeking personal benefit.
A study of John 14:12-19 reveals the coming of another Helper.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever. (ESV, John 14:15-16)
After describing what it means to love him, Jesus introduces the third person of the trinity–the Holy Spirit. The greek term for “Helper” is Paraklētos, whichmeans Advocate, Helper, Counselor, and Comforter. The Greek word for “another” is allon and is further clarifying because it means another of the same kind. It suggests that Jesus has served as the disciples’ advocate during his earthly ministry and the Helper will fulfill the same role.
Paraklētos is only used five times in the New Testament. Four times are in John’s gospel and the fifth in 1 John 2:1 that names Jesus Christ as our Advocate with the Father. The other Greek word most commonly used for Holy Spirit is pneuma, whichmeans spirit, breath, and wind, depending on the context. The difference between the two is that pneuma identifies his person and paraklētos, his office or ministry. John uses Paraklētos in his gospel to highlight the Spirit’s personal ministry after Christ’s departure. And the rest of the New Testament uses Pneuma as the word that identifies him.
A study of John 14:12-19 reveals spiritual transformation through the indwelling Spirit.
Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (ESV, John 14:17)
Something new and different is about to happen. God will become more than a supreme being we worship. When the Holy Spirit comes he will spiritually transform every believer into a new creation by actually dwelling within us. His arrival occurs on the Day of Pentecost and is recorded in Acts 2:1-4. Therefore, every believer is now filled with the Spirit after confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord. And the Apostle Paul confirms it.
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” (ESV, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Jesus assures the disciples they will know the Holy Spirit when he comes because they know him. But the world cannot see or know him because it doesn’t know Jesus. The Greek word for “world” is kosmos and commonly refers to unbelievers. As our new advocate the Holy Spirit continues the ministry of Jesus in our lives. Among other things, he comforts and teaches, convicts of sin, and guides us into truth.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals Jesus presenting an eternal perspective, his exclusive claim on eternal life, and the divine distinction between father and son.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals Jesus presenting an eternal perspective.
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (ESV, John 14:2-3)
Jesus delivered troubling news to the disciples during the Passover meal. One of them would betray him, he was leaving soon and they couldn’t follow him until later, and Peter would deny him three times before the morning rooster crowed. It was a lot to take in and you can imagine the concern and confusion they felt. Jesus offers reassurance by telling them to believe in him.
The Greek word for “believe” is pistĕuō, which also means trust. Simple to say but hard to do when you are emotionally upset. It reminds us today that we don’t have to figure things out when we’re frightened, confused and uncertain. But can trust God because he has everything under control. Then Jesus makes a statement that remains a cherished promise for Christ-followers today.
The promise of a forever home
Jesus was returning to his father’s many roomed house where he would prepare a place for the disciples and return to take them to it. The Greek word for “rooms” is monai, which literally means a place to stay. And it’s used again in V.23 for “home.”
If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
And its use in V.23 suggests not just a place, but God’s presence. In other words, heaven is more than a perfect paradise of beauty and splendor that we call our forever home. It’s where we abide with God.
This promise frames a believer’s worldview with the most powerful concept on earth. The hope of eternal life with Christ. Rather than a hopeless nothingness at the end of this life, believers anticipate a life that extends forever. Therefore, all of life’s circumstances and experiences, both good and bad, are measured within an unending time frame. And it lowers their level of importance and ultimate impact on us because our eternal wellbeing is secure.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals Jesus making an exclusive claim on eternal life.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (ESV, John 14:6)
Critics of Christianity call it intolerant because of its exclusive claim. With so many religions in the world how can it be right and the rest wrong? And the answer is Christians don’t make the claim. Jesus did. He begins with “I am” the Greek word Egō eimi, which is his self-identification as God. The same way God identified himself to Moses when he spoke to him from the burning bush.
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” (ESV, Exodus 3:14)
You can accept or reject Jesus’ claim. But you shouldn’t ignore it. He is the way. Not a trail blazer who shows us the path to follow. But the one we submit to in confession and repentance as we seek his forgiveness for our sins. He is the truth. The supreme revelation of the father and whose words and actions completely represent the father’s words and actions. And the life. God’s Son who defeated death through his resurrection and possesses eternal life in himself.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals the divine distinction between father and son.
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” (ESV, John 14:1)
Philip was either not present, not listening, or forgot what Jesus said in John 10:30: I and the father are one. He still doesn’t understand Jesus’ relationship with the father even though Jesus addressed it in earlier chapters. In Philip’s defense, theological teaching on the trinity was not present in Judaism. It was introduced when Jesus was baptized in Matthew 3:16-17.
So Jesus gently rebukes Philip and reviews what he said before. Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the father.” And then he follows with, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?”
Jesus does not say he IS the father, but that he reveals the father. And yet, Jesus is in the father and the father in him. He makes a distinction between father and son, but affirms there is only one God. How do we explain it? By recognizing that God exists in three distinct persons–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who equally share one divine essence.
It is a truth that is difficult for us to comprehend, but that we believe on faith..
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
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