There is Only One Way to My Father's Home
Seeing Jesus Through the Eyes of a Friend • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction -
Introduction -
This time of year I get kinda nostalgic. I remember loving November and December! Jumping into leave piles, eventually building snow forts and all of that kind of stuff. But I really remember enjoying when all the family got together for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My parents always put on a huge meal for both occasions and we would fill the house with family, extended family and friends. It was a grand celebration and as a kid, I just loved it! Other than the joy of the festivities and the great food I think that time around the table with family and friends gave me a sense of comfort and security. And it’s this time of year, now that life has changed so much, that I look back and miss those days at Mom and Dad’s home.
Today we look at a passage of Scripture that might be familiar to some here. If not, that’s okay because you will know it well after we leave. It is a passage that deals with what is to come for those who believe. Future nostalgia? Looking forward to the day when we will enjoy everlasting comfort, peace and security. That day when the family of God will sit around the table, together, unified and full of joy! What a glorious day that will be!
But there is only one way to this dinner. There is only one way to the Father’s home and this is what we will focus on this morning...
Main Idea - There’s Only One Way to the Father’s Home
Transition - There are three questions that need to be addressed from this passage.
Where is the Path?
Who is the Father?
What is the Plan?
1. Where is the Path? (vs. 1-6)
1. Where is the Path? (vs. 1-6)
1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
2 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?
3 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.
4 And you know the way to where I am going.”
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
For the believer, these words are some of the most comforting words in the entire Scriptures. For those of us who have walked with the Lord for a while have often turned to the promises here for solace and hope when faced with the extraordinary challenges that life can bring.
But I want you to think of hearing these words for the very first time. Hearing them when the realization that your teacher whom you have given your life to follow, has been betrayed by one of your own and will be leaving you soon! They were discouraged and dismayed! What was happening? They had gone from celebration to the somber reality of great change...
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
Verse 1 - He is so gentle and empathetic when He encourages them to direct their hearts away from being “troubled” (Stirred, agitated). Again, John uses this same word when he described Jesus’ attitude standing outside of Lazurus’ tomb, and when Judas was about to betray him. Do you notice the remedy for a troubled heart according to Jesus? It is a believing heart! A believing heart is one that truly trusts in God - The Triune God of the Bible! Jesus once again clearly and unequivocally claims to be God! And their belief leads to hope...
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?
Verse 2 - The way one truly trusts God is to trust the promises of God. Jesus tell His disciples what “the other side” looks like. He informs them of the reality of Heaven. And while He doesn’t pull back the entire curtain and show them every nuance and aspect of the Heavenly realm, He does give them a glorious glimpse!
“In my Father’s house are many rooms.” What a tease of information. I’m sure their disciples minds were running rampant with ideas what what this must be like! Even the translators of the King James bible translates this verse with great grandure and opulence in mind...
2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John
Rooms, mansions, whatever the case, Jesus is purposely vague in part because to describe what God has prepared for those who are in Christ Jesus to finite and clouded minds is virtually impossible. In other words what God has for believers is absolutely mind blowingly, indescribable!
The apostle Paul had the privilege of going to Heaven and seeing it in all of its glory...
2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—
4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.
3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—
Paul, quoting Isaiah says in,
9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—
1 co
Look at verses 2-3 again...
2 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?
3 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.
The disciples are given a measure of clarity on the next life. The Father had rooms! Rooms signify shelter, comfort, peace and safety! And in the Father’s house there are many rooms and those rooms were promised for them. His disciples!
Follow Jesus’ logic here - My Father has a house with many rooms. If this wasn’t true, why would I bother telling you about it? Not only does He have these rooms, I am going to leave you and I am going to get these rooms ready for you. And because I am doing this, I will come back and get you so you can be with Me!
What a comfort this must have been to the ears of the disciples! Jesus, the truth teller just told them, just promised them what they had to look forward to! A guaranteed place in the Father’s Kingdom. What an amazing promise from the Lord...
“Nothing is more often misdiagnosed than our homesickness for Heaven. We think that what we want is sex, drugs, alcohol, a new job, a raise, a doctorate, a spouse, a large-screen television, a new car, a cabin in the woods, a condo in Hawaii. What we really want is the person we were made for, Jesus, and the place we were made for, Heaven. Nothing less can satisfy us.” ― Randy Alcorn, Heaven
But look in the text how Jesus throws them an interesting “by the way”.
4 And you know the way to where I am going.”
Fellas, you do know what I am talking about, right? You do know where I am going?
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
You have to admire Thomas’ candor. “Um, Jesus? Yeah, we’re really not sure about this. Where are you going?” Just when you think they are starting to understand, someone opens their mouth and demonstrates their ignorance!
Now, I’m not sure if Jesus did a face-palm to his head or if He simply took Thomas’ words in stride, but seemingly without missing a beat, Jesus gives, what has become one of the most quoted verses in the Scriptures...
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
These words of Jesus pack a punch and there has been much ink spilt regarding this verse. But there is one thing the disciples could not miss and we dare not miss either. Whether you like it or not Jesus makes it abundantly clear regarding the exclusive nature of faith in Christ. In other words, Christ is our ONLY hope to get to those rooms He promised. The heaven you are looking forward to has only one path. And that path is Jesus.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
Jesus is the door! Jesus is the path!
I can picture Him looking in the eyes of Thomas and saying, “You want me to show you the way? You already know the way, Thomas! I am the way!” I am the path to the Father’s home! I am the exclusive way to eternal life. I am the true path. There is only one true path to my Father’s house that leads to life!”
This exclusive claim is off-putting to people outside the faith.
Dr. Bruce Ware, in his artical titled - Only One Way? The Exclusivity of Jesus Christ and the Gospel Discusses two questions and three positions...
Well, that preaches nice and it feels good and it all but promises that no matter what you believe, as long as it incorporates some aspects of morality, well then you are on your way to the middle of the wheel! As long as you are sincere in what you believe, you are on your own path to God! It sounds nice, but it’s a lie!
Jesus Himself says, “I am THE way!” Not “I am A way!” He is THE truth. And as THE truth He will give the CORRECT way to God. He is THE life. In Him is eternal life. It is not in Him and Buddha, and Allah and Krishna and, and, and...”
Eternal life is found ONLY in Christ. It is the hard but good reality of the exclusivity of Christ! And in case the disciples missed it He says, quite dogmatically, “NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME!
Folks, This is not popular in a world that has bumper sticker that challenge us to COEXIST. But Jesus didn’t come to earth to win a popularity contest! He came to rescue us from HELL! And there is only ONE WAY that is even possible. And the WAY is through Christ!
Dr. Bruce Ware, in his artical titled - Only One Way? The Exclusivity of Jesus Christ and the Gospel Discusses two questions and three positions...
Only One Way? The Exclusivity of Jesus Christ and the Gospel- Two Questions, Three Positions.
Two Questions...
- Two Questions, Three Positions.
Pluralism, Inclusivism and Exclusivism...
First, Is Jesus the only Savior? More fully: Is the sinless life of Christ and his atoning death and resurrection the only means by which the penalty of sin is paid and the power of sin defeated? Second, Is faith in Christ necessary to be saved? More fully: Is conscious knowledge of Christ's death and resurrection for sin and explicit faith in Christ necessary for anyone to become a recipient of the benefits of Christ's atoning work and so be saved?
Pluralism - The pluralist (e.g., John Hick) believes that there are many paths to God, Jesus being only one of them. Since salvation can come through other religions and religious leaders, it surely follows that people do not have to believe in Christ to be saved.
Three Positions...
The pluralist (e.g., John Hick) believes that there are many paths to God, Jesus being only one of them. Since salvation can come through other religions and religious leaders, it surely follows that people do not have to believe in Christ to be saved.
Pluralism - The pluralist...believes that there are many paths to God, Jesus being only one of them. Since salvation can come through other religions and religious leaders, it surely follows that people do not have to believe in Christ to be saved.
Inclusivism - To the inclusivist…,although Jesus has accomplished the work necessary to bring us back to God, nonetheless, people can be saved by responding positively to God's revelation in creation and perhaps in aspects of their own religions. So, even though Christ is the only Savior, people do not have to know about or believe in Christ to be saved.
Inclusivisim - Inclusivism
To the inclusivist (e.g., Clark Pinnock), although Jesus has accomplished the work necessary to bring us back to God, nonetheless, people can be saved by responding positively to God's revelation in creation and perhaps in aspects of their own religions. So, even though Christ is the only Savior, people do not have to know about or believe in Christ to be saved.
Exclusivism answers both questions, ‘Yes.' The exclusivist...believes that Scripture affirms both truths, first, that Jesus alone has accomplished the atoning work necessary to save sinners, and second, that knowledge of and faith in Christ is necessary for anyone to be saved. - http://www.christianity.com/god/jesus-christ/only-one-way-the-exclusivity-of-jesus-christ-and-the-gospel-11602124.html
All three can be detected by how each answers these two fundamental questions: First, Is Jesus the only Savior? More fully: Is the sinless life of Christ and his atoning death and resurrection the only means by which the penalty of sin is paid and the power of sin defeated? Second, Is faith in Christ necessary to be saved? More fully: Is conscious knowledge of Christ's death and resurrection for sin and explicit faith in Christ necessary for anyone to become a recipient of the benefits of Christ's atoning work and so be saved?
Apply - You see, when you are confident on where something is. When you are confident in the path that you are taking, there is no need to be troubled. I am not sure what you are facing this morning, but if you know the path to the Father’s house, this knowledge should give you confidence as you live from day to day.
Apply
All three can be detected by how each answers these two fundamental questions: First, Is Jesus the only Savior? More fully: Is the sinless life of Christ and his atoning death and resurrection the only means by which the penalty of sin is paid and the power of sin defeated? Second, Is faith in Christ necessary to be saved? More fully: Is conscious knowledge of Christ's death and resurrection for sin and explicit faith in Christ necessary for anyone to become a recipient of the benefits of Christ's atoning work and so be saved?
- http://www.christianity.com/god/jesus-christ/only-one-way-the-exclusivity-of-jesus-christ-and-the-gospel-11602124.html
http://www.christianity.com/god/jesus-christ/only-one-way-the-exclusivity-of-jesus-christ-and-the-gospel-11602124.html
Illustrate - I recently was following a discussion online that an acquaintance of mine was having. He was standing up for morals and wishing that our society would be more godly. And I was like, “Yeah! Go get um!” “But then he started waxing theological and it went downhill from there...” He said, “I believe faith is like a wagon wheel...”
Well, that preaches nice and it feels good and it all but promises that no matter what you believe, as long as it incorporates some aspects of morality, well then you are on your way to the middle of the wheel! As long as you are sincere in what you believe, you are on your own path to God! It sounds nice, but it’s a lie!
Jesus Himself says, “I am THE way!” Not “I am A way!” He is THE truth. And as THE truth He will give the CORRECT way to God. He is THE life. In Him is eternal life. It is not in Him and Buddha, and Allah and Krishna and, and, and...”
Eternal life is found ONLY in Christ. It is the hard but good reality of the exclusivity of Christ! And in case the disciples missed it He says, quite dogmatically, “NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME!
Folks, This is not popular in a world that has bumper sticker that challenge us to COEXIST. But Jesus didn’t come to earth to win a popularity contest! He came to rescue us from HELL! And there is only ONE WAY that is even possible. And the WAY is through Christ!
Apply - You see, when you are confident on where something is. When you are confident in the path that you are taking, there is no need to be troubled. I am not sure what you are facing this morning, but if you know the path to the Father’s house, this knowledge should give you confidence as you live from day to day.
Give examples...
Review - There is only one way to the Father’s house!
First of three questions
Where is the path? It is found exclusively in Christ!
2. Who is the Father? (vs. 7-11)
2. Who is the Father? (vs. 7-11)
7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”
9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
10 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.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
Explain - It is the relationship within the Triune Godhead that uniquely qualifies Jesus to be the way to God the Father. Jesus is not declaring that He is the Father, but He is saying that He is so united with the Father in regard to His will, mind and so forth that when you look at the Son, you are seeing the Father as well. They are one!
Remember? This has been His claim throughout His ministry...
I and the Father are one.”
And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.
John
There is a beautiful linguistic irony here.
Philip is a good monotheistic Jew! He believes what Moses writes in his swan song letter, Deuteronomy...
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
And God claims His oneness!
But there is also another, legitimate way to look at the Hebrew word for “one” (echad) used in . It can also be understood as “a unity”.
For example, “The football team was determined to win the championship game. They were ONE!” They were united in purpose.
Throughout the Old Testament there are subtle hints to the plurality of God...
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
26-
We can also see a glimpse of the plurality / trinity in...
16 Draw near to me, hear this:
from the beginning I have not spoken in secret,
from the time it came to be I have been there.”
And now the Lord God has sent me, and his Spirit.
17 Thus says the Lord,
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you to profit,
who leads you in the way you should go.
Isa
Mike Oppenheimer (Let Us Reason Ministries) explains this passage for us...
:“From the beginning from the time that it was, I was there: (1st person) and now the Lord GOD (2nd person) and His Spirit, (3rd person) hath sent me (1st person).” Here we have three individuals existing together, the one speaking who states that He was there from before time (). He refers to the Lord and states that both Yahweh and His Spirit have sent me, (the speaker). This goes perfectly in line with God, speaking to Isaiah: “Who shall I send, who will go for us.” Both the singular and the plural are used in the same verse.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my Spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
Isa
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Jesus even quoted this verse at the beginning of His earthly ministry!
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.
Philip simply said what the other disciples were thinking. Yes, they were slow on the uptake. While it’s true these clues of the Triunity of the Godhead were found in the Old Testament, it wasn’t until Christ came and began to expound more fully that it became more and more clear. And to be fair to the Disciples, it still hard for us to wrap our minds around. Theological concepts like he Trinity and the hypostatic union are the difficult meat of the Word. Jesus wasn’t changing monotheism, He was expanding their idea of it!
Philip simply said what the other disciples were thinking. Yes, they were slow on the uptake. But remember this was very new theological territory for them. To think that God would come in the flesh was so hard to grapple with especially because the Law, prohets and writings, werent’ crystal clear on this concept. They were when it came the the idea of monotheism...
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
But as far as God being three seperate persons? A much more challengeing concept.
But as far as God being three seperate persons? A much more challengeing concept.
This is why Jesus continues to beat this drum with them. They needed to understand the importance that while God is one, He is three persons. Why is this so important? Why is the trinity a big deal? Because of the Trinity you can be saved, you can have a right relationship with God
Because of the Trinity you can be saved, you can have a right relationship with God
You can be saved -
You can have a right relationship with God
Yet Jesus challenges Philip in His response to him.
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.
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Over and over Jesus has explained His relationship with the Father...
And now, He point blank asks Philip and the disciples where they stand on Jesus’s relationship with the Father.
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. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
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.
Do you see the three proofs or reasons of Jesus and the Father’s relationship? Philip and the gang should believe...
What does this mean? Does the Father dwell in the Son and the Son in the Father? Why is this significant?
a. Because Jesus’ character is the same as the Father’s - The Son exudes the same values of the Father...
b. Because Jesus’ words are the same as the Father’s - The Son speak the same things as the Father. He never contradicts the Father.
c. Because Jesus’ works are the same as the Father’s - The Son’s works are the same as the Father’s
What does the next part mean?
What are the Father’s works? W
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
The point is, Jesus is reorienting the prevailing Jewish mindset and saying, if you want to know the Father, you simply must know me.
A call to believe that Jesus is in the Father and that the Father is in Jesus. Why is it so important to Jesus that His disciples believe this?
And the logical conclusion Jesus gives is if you want to get to the Father, you must go through me.
Illustrate - In the aftermath of 9/11 President Bush made a statement that Allah and the Christian God were one in the same. Is this true?
Apply - Do you know the Father? You cannot have a right relationship with the Father without the Son. They are inextricably linked.
Review -
Where is the path? Exclusively in Jesus
Who is the Father? He is the one who desires to save you though His Son, Jesus.
3. What is the Plan? (vs. 12-14)
3. What is the Plan? (vs. 12-14)
12 “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. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
John 14
Explain - Now that Jesus has made Himself as clear as He can about the Heavenly Father and His relationship with the Son (Theology 101), He casts a vision for His disciples. He lets them know what He will accomplish through them.
Now remember, when Jesus says, “Truly, truly...”, He is about to say something profound! Something that his disciples should pay attention to.
What is so important? What does He want them to know? That belief is not mere lip service, but will result in authentic service!
Look at the text again. “…whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do...” What? How is this possible? I mean, Jesus did some pretty amazing things! Raised the dead, fed thousands, healed the lame, gave sight to the blind! Amazing works, to say the least. All of which gave credibility to His message.
And, there is no question that the Apostles had already and would do amazing, miraculous works.
But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.
And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.
And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.
Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking.
And these are pretty cool and again, these acts bring credibility to the message of the gospel. But were these works greater than the works that Jesus performed? I don’t think so. So what did the Lord mean when He said this?
John MacArthur has a helpful explanation...
Illustrate
Jesus did not mean greater works in power, but in extent. They would become witnesses to all the world through the power of the indwelling and infilling of the Holy Spirit () and would bring many to salvation because of the Comforter dwelling in them. The focus is on spiritual rather than physical miracles. The book of Acts constitutes the beginning historical record of the impact that the Spirit-empowered disciples had on the world (cf. ). - John MacArthur Jr., ed., The MacArthur Study Bible, electronic ed. (Nashville, TN: Word Pub., 1997), 1613.
John MacArthur Jr., ed., The MacArthur Study Bible, electronic ed. (Nashville, TN: Word Pub., 1997), 1613.
And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,
The apostles turned the world upside down. Not so much with the miracles they performed but rather with the miraculous message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus started the message and preached the message and taught the message to His twelve. But He did not reach the masses with the message. The twelve would, however! It would be the twelve, plus Paul that would reach Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the outer most parts of the earth. It would be His disciples that would see the church grow from 120 to 3000, to 5000 seemingly overnight. It would be His disciples that would carry the message, empowered by the Holy Spirit, down the centuries to today.
Because He was going to the Father, He left them with the most important task of all time. Spreading the message that would give lost people hope, sick people cure, dead people life!
And it is in this context that we must read verses 13-14.
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Anything that has to do with the genuine and authentic promulgation of the gospel. Anything that has to do with the message going forth! I’ll do it!
Yes, Jesus would leave them. But He would never leave them nor forsake them! He promised to be with them always, even to the end of the age.
And from my perspective and my understanding of the history of the first church and missionary movement, it appears that Jesus made good on His promise.
Even though Jesus was leaving them physically, He would be with them every step of the way to provide them with the necessary resources to accomplish the seemingly impossible task He would give them - to make disciples of all nations!
Remember, to ask Jesus for anything in my Name means automatically that we ask according to His will...
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
1 John
Jesus isn’t playing games with His disciples, rather, He wants to use His disciples for the most important task ever. The rescue of His beloved creation. And He will spare no expense, He will hold back no resource to ensure it is accomplished.
Illustrate - Let’s say I am a man of tremendous resources (I’m loaded financially). And one day Trevor proposes to me that he would like to open a barber shop here in Allendale...
I will gladly give my recourses to see this project accomplished. I will not gladly give my resources to things unrelated to the project...
God wants to give His recourses to this project!
Apply - Folks, I’m afraid we’ve lost sight of this. We’ve lost sight of God’s plan for His disciples…His church! I think we think that “turning the world upside down” was for the first century church but not for us. As least, is seems like that’s what we think because the church has retreated. At least the American church. But why? Do you think verses 13-14 were just for the twelve?
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Do you think the Lord just wants us to sit around and wait for His return? I don’t! And I don’t want to be a part of a church that thinks this way!
I want to be a part of a movement! I want to be a part of something bigger than myself. I don’t want to sit and wring my hands because of “how bad it is out there!” Every generation of Christians have experienced “how bad it is out there!” Big deal! He promises us that “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me ANYTHING in my name, I will do it!”
What?!
What if we ask that the Lord make this church a disciple making machine?
What if we ask the Lord to give us an undying hunger and thirst for the Scriptures?
What if we ask the Lord to give each of us a passion to reach the lost for Jesus?
What if we ask the Lord to purify us and make us holy?
What if we ask the Lord to so move in our midsts that we would be as bold as the first century church?
What if we ask the Lord to make us so loving, kind, good and truth filled that we become a magnet of hope to this township?
What if?
What is the only think that can stop Christ working through us? A lack of Faith. But with faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains!
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Will you seek Him with me? Will you pray through the things I have listed?
Review - There’s Only One Way to the Father’s Home
Where is the path? Through Jesus ONLY!
Where is the path? Through Jesus ONLY!
Who is the Father? He is the one who desires to save you though His Son, Jesus.
Who is the Father? He is the one who desires to save you though His Son, Jesus.and What is the plan?
and What is the plan? To do GREAT things for the KINGDOM! To help others find the Father’s home!
and What is the plan?
Concluding Thought
There is coming a day when our Heavenly Father will hold a great feast. It will be more grand and glorious than you can possibly imagine. And He wants you there. I want you there. But there is only one road to the Father’s home. There is only one way to lasting peace, joy and security. And that way is Jesus. Please take this road! Please take Jesus as your only hope for everlasting life!