Please Don’t Leave Us
John 13:36–14:24
Setting
Before Passover, Jesus—knowing His hour had come—washed the disciples’ feet, modeling the servant-heart He desired for them. After Judas left to carry out his betrayal, Jesus warned them:
“I am with you a little while longer… where I am going, you cannot come.”
“If you love each other, men will know you follow Me.”
Peter Reacts
I have spent three years following a Man whose words and love surpass anything I have known. I left my business, my family, and my plans. I watched Him feed 5,000 with a boy’s meal, restore a tormented man to his right mind, and raise Lazarus after four days.
And now… He says this part of the journey is over, and He is leaving us.
Lord, where are You going? This sounds like a farewell.
“Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.” (13:36)
Lord, I would die for You!
“Will you lay down your life for Me?” (13:38)
Wait—are You actually going to die? Where can You possibly go where we cannot come?
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” (14:1)
I do believe… but this is troubling.
“He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (14:9)
You said it again—dangerous words—and yet… I’m beginning to understand.
“He who believes in Me will do the works that I do—and greater works… because I go to the Father… If you ask anything in My name, I will do it… If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (14:12,15)
Greater works? Without You?
“I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper… the Spirit of truth.” (14:16–17)
Another Helper? Someone else? We want You.
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you… Because I live, you also will live.” (14:18–19)
About Me (Rate 0–10)
____ 1. I hate change.
____ 2. I want a clear path ahead.
____ 3. I like being close to power and action.
____ 4. I love being with someone who loves and speaks truth.
____ 5. I want to do great things.
____ 6. I dislike lacking resources.
____ 7. I need direction from trusted people.
____ 8. I fear abandonment.
____ 9. I wrestle with expectations.
____ 10. I am open to God shifting the plan.
About God
- He wants us to have peace. (14:1)
- He wants us to believe. (14:1)
- He has a plan. (14:2–3)
- He promises to return. (14:3)
- Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. (14:6)
- God is accessible through Jesus. (14:6)
- God is knowable in Jesus. (14:7)
- God is glorified when prayers in Jesus’ name are answered. (14:13)
- He promises to answer such prayers. (14:14)
- Obedience is evidence of love. (14:15)
About the Holy Spirit
- Sent by the Father at Jesus’ request. (14:16)
- Another Helper. (14:16)
- The Spirit of truth. (14:17)
- With us forever. (14:16)
- Unknown to the world. (14:17)
- Known to believers. (14:17)
- Not only with us—in us. (14:17)
- Jesus returns to us through the Spirit. (14:18)
- The Spirit reveals Jesus to obedient believers. (14:21)
- Father, Son, and Spirit make their home in believers. (14:23)
- Sent by the Father in Jesus’ name. (14:26)
- He teaches us all things. (14:26)
- He brings Jesus’ words to remembrance. (14:26)
Old Testament Promise
The Spirit would be poured out on all His people.
Paul: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (See Appendix 1)
Questions
- When ministry changes unexpectedly, are you willing to let God change direction? How do you react?
- Of the 13 statements about the Spirit:
a. Most precious?
b. Most difficult to remember?
c. Most important?
d. Most incredible? - Recall a time Scripture surfaced unexpectedly. What did you think?
- Could the disciples have planned worldwide mission without Jesus or the Spirit? Do we try this today?
- “I go away and I will come to you” (14:28)—post-resurrection or the Spirit’s indwelling?
Notes: