This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled, “Living Life Connected to CHRIST.”
Our focus scripture is John 13:36-14:6.
We can trust JESUS because HE is the way, the truth and the life.
JESUS was more than saying HE is the way, the truth and the life, HE proved it. JESUS willingly gave HIS sinless life to atone for the sins of mankind. HE always pointed to GOD, HIS FATHER. HE died and was resurrected by GOD. HE revealed Himself to HIS disciples after HIS resurrection and spent 40 days with them and over 500 people.
Has any world religion proven that their way is authentic? NO!!!
Christianity is not a religion but a relationship. A person must be born into the family of GOD by placing his or her faith in JESUS CHRIST and what HE alone did for all who will place their faith in HIM.
Faith in JESUS equals Spiritual birth in GOD’S Family.
As we study today’s lesson, we see that GOD’S Word never sugar coats anything. The Bible reveals truth and forgiveness and restoration through faith in JESUS. Let’s explore!
Let’s read John 13:36-14:1:
31 When he (Judas) had left, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him,[g] God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so now I tell you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’
One almost gets a sense of relief when Judas left the gathering. Now, this is an, I think. I get the sense that JESUS was relieved to know that HIS time had come and HIS purpose for coming to earth will be realized and fulfilled in the next few days.
Judas was on a mission to betray JESUS. JESUS knew that HIS time had come. HE would give HIS sinless life to pay, in full, for all the sins of mankind when HE shed HIS sinless blood. Yes, JESUS paid the price for sin which opened the door to the presence of GOD. Yes, JESUS opened the door to GOD but every person must accept, by faith, what JESUS did for him or her. In doing so, that person is Spiritually born into GOD’S Family, never to be unborn. Once a child of GOD always a Child of GOD.
34 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
What did JESUS mean by “just as I have loved you?” JESUS willingly gave HIS life that others might live eternally with HIM and GOD. JESUS set the example.
JESUS had stated, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’
Peter’s Denials Predicted
36 “Lord,” Simon Peter said to him, “where are you going?”
Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later.” JESUS’ disciples had followed JESUS most everywhere but now JESUS was telling them that HE is going where they cannot go. Gee, why not? JESUS disciple expressed his love and commitment to JESUS.
37 “Lord,” Peter asked, “why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
JESUS had told Peter in Matthew 16:13-20: (Amplified)
13 Now when Jesus went into the [c]region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they answered, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah, or [just] one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of the living God.” 17 Then Jesus answered him, “Blessed [happy, spiritually secure, favored by God] are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood (mortal man) did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I say to you that you are [d]Peter, and on this [e]rock I will build My church; and the [f]gates of Hades (death) will not overpower it [by preventing the resurrection of the Christ]. 19 I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth [g]will have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth [h]will have [already] been loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He gave the disciples strict orders to tell no one that He was the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).
The main question each person must answer for himself or herself is “But who do you say that I am?”
Salvation is personal and individual. Matthew 17:1-8: 17 Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John the brother of James, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. 2 And His appearance changed dramatically in their presence; and His face shone [with heavenly glory, clear and bright] like the sun, and His clothing became as white as light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. 4 Then Peter began to speak and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good and delightful and auspicious that we are here; if You wish, I will put up three [sacred] tents here—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and [a]a voice from the cloud said, “[b]This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased and delighted! Listen to Him!” 6 When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone. Peter had witnessed some astounding events in his walk with JESUS. But did Peter know the real purpose of JESUS? Had Peter defined JESUS’ ministry according to his own thoughts? When the rubber hits the road only truth survives. Peter thought he had it all figured out and was ready to fight and attempted to do so as we read in John 18:10: 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 38 Jesus replied, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly I tell you, a rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times. Peter was part of the inner circle. He witnessed that which was beyond human thought. Ooh yes, Peter was ready to fight but that was not GOD’S redemptive plan. Peter had made some false assumptions that needed to be corrected. We know that Peter witnessed JESUS being beaten and humiliated. GOD’S only SON treated like a criminal. Many of us build air castles about who GOD is and what HE will and will not do. When troubling times come, we are disappointed when GOD does not respond to an issue like we think HE should have. Peter was in this situation. We must pause and reflect and ask GOD to forgive us and to reveal truth to us. 14 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe[a] in God; believe also in me. That is the time when we must trust GOD, when times are dark. Let’s finish Peter’s journey as we read in John 18:15- 15 Simon Peter and [d]another disciple were following Jesus. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, so he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the [residence of the] high priest; 16 but Peter was standing outside at the door. So, the other disciple (John), who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter inside. 17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and the officers had made a fire of coals, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. And Peter was with them, standing and warming himself. 19 Then the high priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and about His teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in a synagogue and in the temple [area], where all the Jews habitually congregate; and I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question Me? Question those who have heard what I said to them. They know what I said.” 22 But when He said this, one of the officers who was standing nearby [e]struck Jesus [in the face], saying, “Is that how You answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus replied, “If I have said anything wrong, make a formal statement about the wrong; but if [I spoke] properly, why did you strike Me?” 24 So Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.