Light | John 14:1-14

Use this curriculum to help you further engage with the sermon, the scriptures, and each other. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring things up to encourage and guide you so that you are always growing in your faith. If the Spirit leads you away from these questions and into conversation and prayer that encourages and points you to Jesus, go for it.

scripture

Read the following scriptures together: John 14:1-14.

overview

For Jesus’ disciples, everything was beginning to feel bleak and uncertain. The One they had followed for the past three years now foretold Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, and his own departure. The time was quickly approaching when the disciples would no longer be able to follow him. What began as a celebratory Passover meal— remembering Israel’s liberation from Egyptian slavery—was shifting into uncertainty, confusion, and despair. Sensing the heavy emotions weighing on his disciples, Jesus began to comfort them. He knew the human heart—its weakness, its fears, its doubts—and in this moment he gave them what they would need to endure the difficulties ahead.

question 1

Life often confronts us with challenges: health issues, job stress, job loss, financial strain, mental illness, loneliness, relational struggles, the brokenness of the world around us, and much more. When these trials come, what does it look like practically to trust in who Jesus is and in his ultimate plan?

discussion

Read Colossians 1:15-17. God’s ultimate plan is new creation—to unite all things in heaven and on earth in the person of Jesus. After all, it was through Jesus that creation began, and through him all things will be restored. Jesus is not just a way, a truth, and a life. He is the way, the truth, and the life—God in the flesh. These words not only addressed Thomas’ uncertainty, but became the foundation that would anchor the disciples when the storms came.

question 2

Can you recall a moment when Jesus worked powerfully in your life? What did that experience reveal to you about God’s character? Has it given you ongoing assurance that he will continue to work in your life?

Read 1 John 5:14-15. When we pray in alignment with God’s heart, he answers according to his will. Although the mystery of prayer isn’t always easy to understand, we can be certain of this: he hears us. We have a God who listens. As Andrew reminded us on Sunday: “Often what brings God glory is when we move through the natural sufferings of this world with the supernatural empowerment of God’s Spirit, just as these disciples will with their lives.”

question 3

We need God’s empowerment daily to be active participants in community, loving spouses, caring parents, honest employees or employers, encouraging friends, and contributors within our cities. What does it look like to rely on his empowerment in the ordinary rhythms of life as we join in his kingdom work?

weekly application

The greater works of Jesus are still unfolding today. Let’s pray for God’s kingdom vision and rely on his empowerment to live faithfully in every part of life— especially in the ordinary. Take some time to pray for one another.