Introduction A. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to listen to Jesus pray? This text affords us that opportunity. B. Of all the hours that Jesus spent in prayer to the Father, this chapter is the longest excerpt of any of those prayers that is preserved today: this must have been an important prayer! I. Let’s take a look at the content of Jesus’ prayer. A. He prayed for Himself (John 17:1-5). B. He prayed for...
The Good Shepherd
Introduction A. Throughout John’s gospel Jesus introduces Himself in various ways (John 6:35; 8:12; 10:7,11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1), and yet so very few realized who He was. B. One of the most endearing portraits of Jesus is that which represents Him as the Good Shepherd. What does it mean for us? I. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. A. The good shepherd knows his sheep (John 10:3,14). B. The good shepherd leads...
“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled” (Part 2)
Introduction A. In spite of the troubling circumstances that the disciples faced, Jesus told them, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1). B. We live in troubled times, but we needn’t have troubled hearts. I. It is encouraging to know that there is room for everyone in our Father’s house. A. Jesus told His disciples that there are many dwellings in His Father’s house (John 14:2). B. Jesus went to prepare a place for us...
“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled” (Part 1)
Introduction A. Never has there been a time void of troubles. B. In spite of the troubling circumstances that the disciples faced, Jesus told them, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1). C. Even though we may be living in troubled times, there is no need for us to have troubled hearts. I. In troubled times, we must keep the faith. A. Jesus told His disciples, “You believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). B. Although...
Jesus’ Commitment
Introduction A. Both in His life and in His death, Jesus showed a firm resolution and commitment to the mission He came to fulfill. B. Jesus’ commitment should stand as an inspiration for us to remain committed to our very last breath (1 Peter 2:20-25). I. Jesus’ commitment is evident in His planning. A. Jesus said that His suffering was His very purpose for coming into the world (John 12:27; Matthew 20:28). B. Jesus...
Profitable for Instruction in Righteousness
Introduction A. A carpenter will use nails and screws to hold a wall in place once he has it positioned right where it needs to be. B. Once we get our hearts right with God, we need something to hold them in place lest they slip away (cf. 2 Peter 2:15-21). I. If we wish to stay right, we must continue in God’s Word. A. This is precisely what Paul told young Timothy (2 Timothy 3:13-4:5) as well as the church in Ephesus...
What Do You See in Jesus?
Introduction A. Throughout Jesus’ public life, people had different perceptions about Him which varied dramatically. B. What do you see when you think of Jesus? I. The people who met Jesus saw Him in very different ways. A. Some saw Him as a great teacher and as a prophet (John 3:2; 14:19; 6:14; 7:40-41; 9:17). B. Some saw Him as an impostor (John 7:12; 9:16; 12:47-49). C. Some saw Him as a serious...
Profitable for Reproof
Introduction A. When it comes to matters of faith, who can you trust when there are so many conflicting doctrines (Jeremiah 27-28)? B. If we want to be able to identify error, we are going to have to consult God’s Word (Matthew 7:15-20). I. Jesus used Scripture when He rebuked those in the wrong. A. He quoted Scripture when He cleansed the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). B. He quoted Scripture when He rebuked...
Counting the Cost of Following Jesus
Introduction A. The signing of the Declaration of Independence and the crossing of the Rubicon were both points of no return, moments when the parties involved committed their very lives to their cause. B. What did Jesus have to say about commitment to His cause? I. Instead of hiding the cost, Jesus urged everyone to count it. A. Jesus was always honest about the hardships that His disciples would have to endure (Luke...
The Day I Met Jesus
Introduction A. When Jesus came into the country of Gadara, He received varying receptions from the people who met Him (Matthew 8:28-34). B. One thing is certain: when someone meets Jesus, his life is changed forever in some way or another. I. Many lives were changed on the first meeting with Jesus. A. Meeting Jesus certainly changed the lives of the disciples (John 1:36-49). B. Meeting Jesus changed...