Spring is finally here – at least on the calendar – and we’re thinking about Resurrection Day/Easter. It’s a time for new beginnings. Some of you are right there in the trenches of spiritual life, growth & warfare; others have been in a slumber ever since (fill in the blank: Covid, tragedy, busyness, sin, hopelessness …) derailed you. What does it take to see the kind of renewal that we see in the spring flowers, trees, and grasses?
Jesus knew tough days were coming for His disciples, and wanted to prepare them. In John 14, He began to show them many wonderful promises they would receive because of His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
The Way, Truth, & Life:
1. v. 6 Jesus is the Way – we know what to do. To get to Heaven, just follow Him; He’s there.
2. v. 6 The Truth – is not just a plan or set of facts, but a person. We look to Him for truth.
3. v. 6 The Life – Eternal life = Eternal Salvation (we’ll think about first), but also life here and now.
The Future:
4. v. 2 Promises an eternal home with Jesus – we have it today, and will see it in the future.
5. v. 3 Promises a new life, in the future, where there will be reunion with departed loved ones.
The Present:
6. v. 12 Promises greater works by those who believe. This is for the here and now.
7. vv. 13-14 Promises Prayer – we will have those things we ask for in Jesus name.
8. vv. 16-17 Promises The Holy Spirit, our Helper – for all believers, for all time. Jesus was limited in time/space.
9. v. 18 Promises He will always be with us - “I won’t leave you as orphans.”
- v. 23 The Father will love you & WE will come / make Our home with you.
10. v. 19 Promises we’ll see Jesus (by faith)
11. v. 20 Promises Knowledge – that Jesus is in the Father, you are in Jesus, and Jesus is in you.
- v. 22 Judas asks how - vv. 25-26 - the Holy Spirit will teach you / bring to remembrance.
12. v. 27 Promises Jesus’ Peace – Philippians 4, passes understanding, contrasted with the world’s peace.
- therefore, don’t be troubled /afraid. And v. 30 is a bonus – Promises the devil can’t win.
13. v. 28 Promises all these in advance – before He left – to make it easier to believe / be sure.
The Responsibilities:
14. Promises confidence to know we’ve been changed: - v. 15 - If we love Him, keep His commandments; v. 21 again; and v. 23 again - v. 24 Others won’t love Him, keep commands, have peace, or help, or prayers answered.
That sounds heavy, but here’s the really good news of John 15: Abiding in Jesus person, Word, love …
Jesus is the True Vine, pure / lasting, bringing nourishment, life, and power.
- There’s nothing wrong with the gardener, the vine, or a new Christian – v. 3 – we’re good stock.
- v. 2 He’ll take away branches that don’t bear fruit, and prune those that do, so they bear all the more.
We have everything we need, as long as we remain connected to the source of life; But without Him – vv. 5-6 – we can do nothing – fruitless, worthless & fit for the fire. The only way to mess up what Jesus has done is to become disconnected from Him - v. 4 – Break off a branch and it dies, bearing no fruit. So “abide” in Him.
The Answers:
- v. 7 We abide/remain connected through faith, prayer (speaking to God), and both reading and keeping His Word.
- v. 9 - Abide in His love. It’s about our love relationship with Jesus. He came so that His joy might remain in us, and that our joy might be full/complete/perfected. This whole relationship is why the Resurrection is so important to us. If you don’t have that love, joy, peace … if you’re struggling, come get connected; join us in worship and Bible study. The grass and trees, don't really have to "do" anything, as long as they stay connected to their source of nourishment and life. This is a wonderful time of year to start growing.
See You Sunday! Bro. Bill
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