Reasons to Trust Jesus Christ
Introduction
Example from a book: "When God Doesn’t Fix It"
God had prepared a place for her
In John 14 – we read that Jesus Christ has prepared a place in heaven for us
We should not be troubled (John 14:1-2)
Beginning a new series [Jesus‘ Discourse in the Upper Room]
We have finished looking at ‘Questions in John’s Gospel’
To look at the longest (continuous) discourse by Jesus in the New Testament
Like a mini-sermon: not to the crowds, not to the 12 apostles (Judas is not there) – to the 11
Precious and comforting truths
His longest discourse and His longest prayer (John 17)
Called the ‘Upper Room Discourse’
Precious things have happened in upper rooms
Example of Elijah, Paul, Jesus coming into a locked room in His resurrected body
The night before the crucifixion
Judas has gone out
Jesus begins in 13:31
We will start in chapter 14:1-6 and return to 13:31-38 later
Can you detect when people are worried?
John 13:22
Jesus started to speak about His departure – John 13:33
Jesus states that Peter would deny Him – John 13:36-38
"Let not your heart be troubled"
Overview: four reasons to trust Jesus Christ
Jesus is God
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me" – John 14:1
This was a big deal for a Jew: who were taught to never trust in human beings but God alone
Jesus was putting Himself on the level of God
The Jews understood this – John 5:18
He often used the title ‘Son of Man’ but there were indications of His God-hood
Jesus said He can come from heaven – John 3:13
Jesus performed many miracles – proving His divinity
Jesus seven "I AM" statements
Whatever your circumstances/troubles – you can trust in Jesus
Do you see your cure to anxiety as faith in Jesus Christ?
"The just will live by faith" – Habakkuk 2:4, Hebrews 10:38
Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us
How?
By praying for us
Not a physical construction
By dying for us on the cross – securing our salvation
The Greek word is not "mansions" – but Revelation tells us it will be a spectacular place
Prepared for us through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross – His death and resurrection
My Father’s House
The Temple – where the special Shekinah glory of God dwelt
Why is heaven called ‘His Father’s House’?
God is everywhere
It is the immediate, glorious, comfortable presence of God
A place of safety, beauty and peace
Where people have gone before
Jesus is giving His disciples words of assurance and comfort
Are you ready to meet God?
Not everyone is saved
Have you come to Christ and confessed your sin?
Have you repented of your sin?
Jesus is coming again
"I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." – John 14:2-3
Not just speaking of a Christian on the death bed
Also speaking of the Second Coming
Where the dead in Christ will rise (first)
A second resurrection of those who rejected Christ with the final judgment of God
An awesome day – but to be longed for
Are you looking forward to this day?
Psalm 84:10
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life
(v4-7)
Jesus is the way to the Father
There is no other way
Jesus is the truth
He reveals God – His character, His image
Jesus is the life
Spiritual life
Abundant life in Christ
Do not be worried and tied down
Trust in Jesus
He is a tender Saviour – He understands us
We are like the disciples – often troubled and worried
We take our eye off Jesus
Look to Him