JOHN 14-17 SHOWS US THE VERY HEART OF JESUS: IN THE MIDST OF HIS OWN SORROW, HE COMFORTS HIS OWN

1. Judas was on his way to betray Jesus, Apostles were pledging their faithfulness -hah!
2. Jesus had instructed them regarding some serious problems, they had troubled spirits-v.21
3. Now the time had arrived to comfort their worries, to give them some encouragement -and to strengthen them for the ordeal ahead by giving them the "Blessed Hope"

I.- COMFORT IS FOUND IN CHRIST John 14:1-6

Peter had caught the hint that Jesus was going away- 13:36 he was told- you can't come now- later

A.- JESUS GAVE THEM THE COMFORT OF FAITH v. 1 "YE BELIEVE IN GOD, BELIEVE ALSO IN ME"

1. Both "Believe"s are imperative commands, very important; basis of religious faith
2. Belief in existence of God is not enough- Jesus urges their faith in Him!
3. It takes faith to lift troubled spirits- but not Aristotle's faith- but faith in Jesus Christ

B.- JESUS GAVE THEM WORDS OF COMFORT THROUGH HOPE v. 2,3 THE VERY CENTER OF CHRISTIAN'S HOPE

1. The Jews believed in many ranks of glory- many levels, so apostles argued for rank- work?
2. These mansions are all in the Father's house! & Jesus, Creator is preparing -Imagination?
3. Since I go I will come back to get you! -Rapture, not Glory; & no uncertainty about it

C.- JESUS GAVE THEM WORDS OF SURE KNOWLEDGE v. 4-6 BASED ON FAITH IN THE ONE THEY KNEW!

1. Jesus had taught these men for 3 years; was it presumption -v. 4? These dead heads didn't
2. Thomas asked- Where? and How? -Jesus answered only the How! The only way to the Father!
3. Plainly- the only way worth going; truth worth knowing; or life worth living. All found in Him

People today want to be big hearted -say all ways OK, Do your own thing!- to do so means death

II. ASSURANCE IS FOUND IN CHRIST John 14:7-11

The crossfire of questions opens the way for all of us as Jesus instructed the Apostles

A.- "IF YE HAD KNOWN ME, YE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN MY FATHER -FROM NOW ON YOU KNOW HIM & SEE HIM v.7

1. They had traveled with Jesus for 3 years- but yet needed instruction- mystery of trinity!
2. The more we know about Jesus- the deeper our knowledge of the Father- Study Life of Christ
3. Jesus promised that they would soon KNOW Him and SEE Him- (past tense) great knowledge!

B.- PHILIP JUMPED AT THE WORDS OF JESUS, AND EXPECTED A VISION AND EXPERIENCE WITH FATHER-v8-10

1. "If we can see we will have assurance" - today- it is if we can see miracles- speak in tongues
2. Jesus explained the mystery of the Trinity- John 1:18, No man hath seen,- Col 2:9 -In Christ
3. The Spirit words Jesus physically spoke- came from the Father within- He speaks, works 10

C.- THE WORDS OF JESUS ARE PROVED BY THE WORKS OF JESUS, AND THEY HAD SEEN HIS WORKS! v.11

1. The miracles of Jesus offered objective truth that God was doing something special
2. With every great transition in History- miracles have occurred to get attention -
3. The greatest Vision would be to see the message of the spirit- greater than "seeing Jesus"

Our assurance is not in our own senses- visions, but in the Word and Work of Jesus the Christ

III.- PROMISES ARE FOUND IN CHRIST John 14:12-15

To have the Blessed Hope- one must have comfort and assurance in Christ- it is only in Him!

A.- THE PROMISE OF A DIVINE POWER GREATER THAN ANYTHING THAT CHRIST PERFORMED - v. 12

1. Double "Verily" -ATTENTION! -Startling promise of tremendous divine power given here!
2. People still cry to see Miracle Healing, Tongues, Snake handling,-physiological pacifiers
3. The real proof is in changed hearts, lives, moods, - from people Born Again! -No tricks

B.- JESUS TOLD HIS DISCIPLES THE REASON WHY WE CAN HAVE SUCH POWER "BECAUSE I GO" v.12b

1. 8:12 "I am the light of the World" 9:5 "As long as I am in the World"- Matt 5:14-"We are lights"-
2. While Jesus was present- they had his Hand to help! -But later- His Spirit in every heart!
3. Peter soon denied Him- later stood before councils- preached to thousands- lives changed!

C.- JESUS PROMISED A NEW POWER IN PRAYER, STRANGELY DIFFERENT HEARTS IN THE MEN OCCURRED v.13-5

1. They had been asking for plenty- and He refused them! But now an open ended promise-
2. For after Jesus left- & His Holy Spirit entered their hearts- they were changed!
3. The only condition- Ask in His name! Trinity- Ask Father; In name of Son; motivated by Spirit

V.15 adds the capstone to the change -plainly stated!- If ye love me! -Way of Prayer- LOVE.

THE POWER OF THE FATHER IS IN YOU IN A DIRECT RELATIONSHIP TO YOUR LOVE FOR THE SON!- TRY IT!

1. If your heart is troubled- then come to the Father through the Son- Let Him help you
2. If you will let Him- He will change your heart and give you great power of obedience 
3. Be faithful -seek the Son- and this Power of the Father is yours!- We need Him Today!