Summary Thoughts on John Chapter 14

Read John chapter 14.

• What a comforting chapter!
• This chapter is structured around Jesus' responses to questions from Thomas, Philip and Judas.
• Jesus challenged their immaturity but didn't demean them for their ignorance.
• Jesus was thorough and direct in His responses.  He didn't stop at giving answers.  He imparted revelation.
• "Deep" truth is discovered by simple questions.
• This chapter is chock full of favorites and promises.
• This chapter is loaded with Trinitarian content.

Hindrances To Pentecost (Part 5) (Ac. 1:4-2:13)

THERE IS THE HINDRANCE OF PERSEVERANCE (1:14).

Many people fail to experience all that the Holy Spirit has designed for them, simply because they give up.

• Anyone can pray once. Will you keep on praying?
• Anyone can wait a little while. Will you wait a long while or until the answer comes?
• Anyone can be in unity for a moment. Will you remain in unity until the promised power and blessing falls?

May we become people whose minds are stayed upon the Lord (Isa. 26:3). Let there be continuity, consistency and conviction in our seeking!

THERE IS THE HINDRANCE OF POLITY (1:12-26).

Judas had to be replaced, according to two verses quoted from the Psalms. The number of apostles had to be twelve, since Jesus gave a promise based upon that number (Mt. 19:28).

It wasn't that there was no occasion for a business meeting. The issue concerned what happens in a business meeting. In this business meeting, as in most, there was both selection and election. Two names were selected and then the people voted. Can you imagine the hurt, suspicion and division that business meeting could have caused?

There is nothing like a business meeting to test the spirituality of people!

Jesus Chooses His Betrayer (Mk. 3:19)

Jesus didn't will for Judas to become a traitor.  No, Jesus chose Judas to give him the same privilege (to be with Him) and same ministry (proclamation and pardon) as the other eleven.

Jesus knew, however, the choice Judas would make.  The issue here isn't Jesus' intending but His foreknowing.  He is the Son of God, after all, and spent much time in prayer.  Knowing that the ultimate purpose for His life was to die (Mk. 10:45), Jesus left no detail of Passion Week to chance. Judas had to be among the twelve.

While Judas was responsible for his choice to betray, Jesus was responsible for the choice to include him among the twelve.  Never will we comprehend such divine logic.  This is an example of Isaiah 55:9.

Aren't you glad that, when Jesus chooses you (Jn. 15:16), He takes you imperfections and all?

Jesus and Judas (Jn. 13:1-30)

We're continuing to read through the Gospel of John. Today's reading is John 13:21-38.

Consider the various ways in which Jesus extended Himself to Judas.

Jesus washed Judas' feet (Jn. 13:1-11). Perhaps Jesus' gentleness and humility would get through.

Jesus spoke of the betrayal out loud (Jn. 13:21). Perhaps Judas would realize he'd been caught. Perhaps he'd repent.

Jesus showed favor to Judas (Jn. 13:26). Judas was offered a favored portion. He was given grace.

Jesus could've exposed Judas but didn't (Jn. 13:28-30). Instead, Jesus let him make a choice. At all times Jesus' intention was to rescue and save, not condemn.

When the mob arrived to arrest Jesus, Jesus called Judas "Friend" (Mt. 26:50). Jesus kept reaching out.

Never underestimate the length to which Jesus will go to draw someone to Himself. Keep praying for those unsaved loved ones.