WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:13.179 If you have your Bible with you, you can open it up to the Gospel of John, chapter 14. 00:00:14.099 --> 00:00:17.480 The words will also be on the screen, so you can follow along there. 00:00:17.960 --> 00:00:20.699 There's also Bibles in the seats in front of you. 00:00:20.780 --> 00:00:21.740 That's the black book. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:38.759 Some of you have been here through the whole journey that we've been making through the Gospel of John. 00:00:38.859 --> 00:00:42.600 Others of you have caught pieces of it, and some of you, this is totally new. 00:00:42.600 --> 00:00:49.100 So I'm going to just take a minute to remind you of what's happening in the story here in John, chapter 14. 00:00:50.379 --> 00:00:52.920 Jesus is in the upper room with his disciples. 00:00:53.640 --> 00:00:56.799 It's the evening of his betrayal and arrest. 00:00:56.799 --> 00:01:06.280 They've just partaken of the Last Supper together, and Judas, the betrayer, has left the building to put his plan into motion. 00:01:08.319 --> 00:01:19.959 And so now Jesus has been telling his disciples what's soon to happen, and he's been giving them words of comfort and offering them hope. 00:01:21.200 --> 00:01:22.259 They are troubled. 00:01:22.260 --> 00:01:28.520 We'll pick up the conversation in John, chapter 14, verse 25. 00:01:32.060 --> 00:01:33.100 Jesus says, 00:01:33.260 --> 00:01:36.580 All this I have spoken while still with you. 00:01:37.540 --> 00:01:46.040 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, 00:01:46.600 --> 00:01:50.380 and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 00:01:50.379 --> 00:01:53.039 We talked about this a couple weeks ago. 00:01:53.479 --> 00:02:01.439 It's as though Jesus is saying, yes, I am going to be leaving you, but there's no need to worry or be anxious. 00:02:02.459 --> 00:02:03.599 Everything's taken care of. 00:02:03.640 --> 00:02:07.379 You're not going to be left all by yourselves just to figure this out on your own. 00:02:07.379 --> 00:02:15.560 God, my Father, will send his Holy Spirit, and he will be to you like I have been to you. 00:02:16.759 --> 00:02:17.639 A counselor. 00:02:18.599 --> 00:02:19.379 A teacher. 00:02:20.680 --> 00:02:24.479 And you won't have to worry about forgetting any of the things that I've said to you, 00:02:24.680 --> 00:02:28.579 because when he comes to you, he will remind you of everything that I said. 00:02:28.580 --> 00:02:33.820 Jesus goes on in verse 27 and says, 00:02:34.940 --> 00:02:36.960 Peace I leave with you. 00:02:38.000 --> 00:02:40.700 My peace I give you. 00:02:42.120 --> 00:02:45.360 I do not give to you as the world gives. 00:02:46.860 --> 00:02:49.620 Do not let your hearts be troubled. 00:02:50.640 --> 00:02:51.960 And do not be afraid. 00:02:51.960 --> 00:02:56.960 Jesus speaks of giving them peace. 00:02:57.879 --> 00:03:02.560 Now, peace can mean many different things depending on the context. 00:03:03.600 --> 00:03:07.140 So what kind of peace is Jesus talking about here? 00:03:08.260 --> 00:03:12.960 Well, it seems clear enough from the context that he's not talking about the kind of peace between nations, 00:03:13.700 --> 00:03:14.939 like a peace treaty, 00:03:15.439 --> 00:03:17.960 or the ceasing of hostility or conflict, 00:03:19.240 --> 00:03:21.400 like happens in relationships, 00:03:21.960 --> 00:03:25.200 the next thing that Jesus says is, 00:03:25.320 --> 00:03:28.100 Do not let your hearts be troubled. 00:03:29.320 --> 00:03:30.680 And do not be afraid. 00:03:31.900 --> 00:03:36.540 And so this context suggests that Jesus is talking about inward peace. 00:03:37.920 --> 00:03:39.620 Peace for the heart. 00:03:40.700 --> 00:03:41.800 And for the mind. 00:03:43.860 --> 00:03:46.680 It's obvious that the disciples are deeply troubled. 00:03:47.379 --> 00:03:48.219 And worried. 00:03:49.340 --> 00:03:50.260 They're afraid. 00:03:50.259 --> 00:03:52.560 As we've talked about before, 00:03:52.699 --> 00:03:54.039 Jesus is about to leave them. 00:03:54.099 --> 00:03:55.359 And so this is on their minds. 00:03:55.759 --> 00:03:59.919 They're also thinking about how they're going to face the hostility of the religious leaders 00:03:59.919 --> 00:04:01.859 with Jesus gone. 00:04:03.560 --> 00:04:04.959 They're troubled about this. 00:04:05.179 --> 00:04:06.379 How is this all going to go? 00:04:07.039 --> 00:04:08.500 They have uncertainties. 00:04:08.500 --> 00:04:13.560 And it's pretty obvious that they're quite worried about this, 00:04:13.620 --> 00:04:18.779 because this is now the second time in the same evening that Jesus has said these very words. 00:04:19.600 --> 00:04:21.459 Do not let your hearts be troubled. 00:04:21.639 --> 00:04:23.819 He said that right at the beginning in verse 1. 00:04:23.819 --> 00:04:30.079 What is it that the disciples need here and now? 00:04:31.379 --> 00:04:38.180 This very night as they watch and witness Jesus being torn away from them 00:04:38.180 --> 00:04:42.839 and abused and slandered. 00:04:42.839 --> 00:04:48.560 What they need is peace of heart. 00:04:50.399 --> 00:04:55.399 They need a settled confidence that God is in control. 00:04:56.279 --> 00:05:00.539 They need a deep assurance deep in here 00:05:00.539 --> 00:05:03.839 that everything is going to go as it should 00:05:03.839 --> 00:05:07.799 and that it will turn out for good. 00:05:09.659 --> 00:05:10.839 Peace of heart. 00:05:12.019 --> 00:05:13.279 Peace of mind. 00:05:14.899 --> 00:05:16.639 Now where does that come from? 00:05:17.939 --> 00:05:21.639 How do we get that in moments like these? 00:05:23.399 --> 00:05:28.500 Jesus tells the disciples that the world offers peace. 00:05:28.500 --> 00:05:34.379 He doesn't go into details about what kind of peace the world offers, 00:05:34.540 --> 00:05:38.819 but I think we kind of know, we have a sense of that from our own experience, 00:05:39.040 --> 00:05:40.120 from our own lives. 00:05:40.560 --> 00:05:43.660 The world has its comforts and promises 00:05:43.660 --> 00:05:47.980 which are aimed at settling our fears 00:05:47.980 --> 00:05:51.240 and quieting the troubles of our hearts. 00:05:52.860 --> 00:05:56.180 But the problem with the peace that the world offers 00:05:56.180 --> 00:05:58.079 is that it doesn't work. 00:05:59.240 --> 00:06:02.160 It doesn't really settle our hearts 00:06:02.160 --> 00:06:04.420 and quiet our fears. 00:06:07.100 --> 00:06:10.220 When the world's peace comes in the form of entertainment 00:06:10.220 --> 00:06:12.180 or experience, 00:06:12.480 --> 00:06:15.100 it may distract us from the trouble 00:06:15.100 --> 00:06:19.639 or the fear or the worry temporarily. 00:06:21.939 --> 00:06:24.660 Or when it comes in the form of a pill 00:06:24.660 --> 00:06:26.779 or a drink, 00:06:26.779 --> 00:06:30.259 it may alter the hormonal balance in our bodies 00:06:30.259 --> 00:06:34.179 and affect how we feel temporarily. 00:06:36.799 --> 00:06:40.639 But eventually these forms of peace wear off. 00:06:40.639 --> 00:06:45.279 And the deep troubles and fears of the soul are still there. 00:06:47.599 --> 00:06:50.079 It's like putting a band-aid on an infectious sore. 00:06:51.279 --> 00:06:53.479 Or like sticking our head in the sands, 00:06:54.180 --> 00:06:58.360 trying to forget the real troubles that are going on all around us 00:06:58.360 --> 00:07:00.399 and pretend for a moment that they're not there. 00:07:00.399 --> 00:07:06.699 At other times our world offers peace in the form of a promise. 00:07:08.459 --> 00:07:10.799 Maybe you've heard somebody say something like this to you. 00:07:10.859 --> 00:07:11.419 Don't worry. 00:07:12.879 --> 00:07:14.079 Everything's going to be all right. 00:07:14.079 --> 00:07:19.219 The problem with this promise is that it has no basis. 00:07:20.419 --> 00:07:21.699 It has no foundation. 00:07:22.359 --> 00:07:24.000 How do you know if it's going to be all right? 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:29.420 What does it even mean for things to be all right? 00:07:30.240 --> 00:07:32.759 Does it mean that nothing bad is going to happen to me? 00:07:34.139 --> 00:07:37.120 Does it mean that you won't go through suffering 00:07:37.120 --> 00:07:39.420 or pain or hardship? 00:07:42.259 --> 00:07:44.040 And if so, how do you know that? 00:07:44.040 --> 00:07:49.160 These promises of peace that the world gives 00:07:49.160 --> 00:07:52.379 ring hollow and empty. 00:07:54.319 --> 00:07:57.720 And we kind of know that when people say things like this to us, 00:07:58.780 --> 00:07:59.820 you know, don't worry. 00:07:59.920 --> 00:08:01.100 Everything's going to be all right. 00:08:02.480 --> 00:08:05.020 We know that many say it just to make us feel better. 00:08:07.040 --> 00:08:09.620 If they really believe that nothing bad is going to happen, 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:12.680 we kind of know that they can't really be sure of that. 00:08:14.040 --> 00:08:17.620 They're not in control of all the factors of our lives. 00:08:21.400 --> 00:08:22.600 Jesus says, 00:08:23.160 --> 00:08:29.820 I do not give you peace like the world gives. 00:08:32.200 --> 00:08:35.200 I'm not offering you empty and hollow promises 00:08:35.200 --> 00:08:37.600 or just mere wishful thinking, 00:08:38.080 --> 00:08:39.240 temporary distractions, 00:08:39.879 --> 00:08:43.379 medication to alter your feelings. 00:08:44.039 --> 00:08:46.019 Jesus says, 00:08:46.019 --> 00:08:47.079 my peace, 00:08:47.399 --> 00:08:49.360 I give you. 00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:51.099 It's a different kind. 00:08:52.299 --> 00:08:53.519 What do you mean, Jesus? 00:08:55.139 --> 00:09:01.419 How does Jesus give peace to the men here in this room this night? 00:09:02.159 --> 00:09:03.159 Inward peace. 00:09:03.159 --> 00:09:06.459 When we hear this, 00:09:06.519 --> 00:09:09.759 we might be tempted to kind of fill in the details of the story, 00:09:09.879 --> 00:09:11.559 the rest of it with our imaginations. 00:09:11.779 --> 00:09:13.279 We imagine maybe Jesus saying, 00:09:13.759 --> 00:09:14.379 my peace, 00:09:14.459 --> 00:09:15.039 I give you. 00:09:16.699 --> 00:09:19.699 And then Jesus went around the room to each person 00:09:19.699 --> 00:09:21.860 and laid his hand on their heart. 00:09:22.500 --> 00:09:24.519 And there was a glowing flash of light 00:09:24.519 --> 00:09:26.839 that emanated from his hand as he did so. 00:09:26.840 --> 00:09:28.139 And one by one, 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:29.940 Jesus gave his peace 00:09:29.940 --> 00:09:32.700 to each person there in the room. 00:09:35.060 --> 00:09:36.519 Is that what John records? 00:09:38.240 --> 00:09:38.740 No. 00:09:39.620 --> 00:09:40.700 That's not what happened. 00:09:41.800 --> 00:09:43.379 The peace of Jesus is not something 00:09:43.379 --> 00:09:45.680 that just comes through some magical touch 00:09:45.680 --> 00:09:47.620 or through the laying on of hands. 00:09:47.620 --> 00:09:52.940 How does Jesus give his peace to them? 00:09:53.019 --> 00:09:55.399 How does he give his peace to us? 00:09:57.419 --> 00:09:59.240 Where does that settledness of heart 00:09:59.240 --> 00:10:02.379 that we long for in the midst of trials come from? 00:10:04.279 --> 00:10:07.399 What is it that really silences the whispers 00:10:07.399 --> 00:10:09.899 that we hear from our fears? 00:10:12.960 --> 00:10:17.120 Jesus' peace comes to them in this way. 00:10:17.620 --> 00:10:18.539 He gives it to them 00:10:18.539 --> 00:10:20.620 by reminding them of the truth, 00:10:21.539 --> 00:10:24.279 by giving them promises 00:10:24.279 --> 00:10:26.899 that aren't empty but certain. 00:10:28.700 --> 00:10:30.039 And he gives it to them 00:10:30.039 --> 00:10:32.700 by reminding them of who really is in control, 00:10:33.500 --> 00:10:34.960 of their lives, 00:10:35.080 --> 00:10:38.039 of all the factors in the story. 00:10:38.519 --> 00:10:41.519 Let's see this as we read what Jesus says next. 00:10:44.120 --> 00:10:45.360 Peace I leave with you. 00:10:45.519 --> 00:10:47.200 My peace I give you. 00:10:47.620 --> 00:10:50.159 I do not give to you as the world gives. 00:10:51.539 --> 00:10:54.320 Do not let your hearts be troubled 00:10:54.320 --> 00:10:56.159 and do not be afraid. 00:10:59.879 --> 00:11:01.139 You heard me say, 00:11:01.820 --> 00:11:02.980 I am going away 00:11:02.980 --> 00:11:05.360 and I am coming back to you. 00:11:05.360 --> 00:11:09.960 Jesus tells them the truth. 00:11:10.840 --> 00:11:12.800 We talked about this a couple weeks back. 00:11:12.899 --> 00:11:14.019 He said, I am going away 00:11:14.019 --> 00:11:15.519 but I am coming back. 00:11:18.200 --> 00:11:19.379 Jesus doesn't say, 00:11:19.740 --> 00:11:21.399 don't worry, I am not going anywhere. 00:11:21.860 --> 00:11:22.620 I am not leaving. 00:11:22.820 --> 00:11:23.800 He tells them the truth. 00:11:24.180 --> 00:11:25.139 I am leaving. 00:11:25.139 --> 00:11:27.279 But with the truth, 00:11:27.559 --> 00:11:29.600 he gives them the certain, 00:11:29.840 --> 00:11:30.939 the sure promise. 00:11:31.519 --> 00:11:32.580 I am going away 00:11:32.580 --> 00:11:35.819 but I am coming back. 00:11:36.240 --> 00:11:38.000 Don't forget that I said that. 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:40.799 That is the certain truth. 00:11:40.940 --> 00:11:41.960 That is the promise 00:11:41.960 --> 00:11:44.379 that you can hold on to. 00:11:44.500 --> 00:11:46.600 That will silence those lying whispers 00:11:46.600 --> 00:11:48.539 rising up inside of you 00:11:48.539 --> 00:11:51.120 as you sit there and think, 00:11:51.340 --> 00:11:52.580 he is going to abandon us. 00:11:54.220 --> 00:11:55.940 Or as you look up and see, 00:11:56.539 --> 00:11:58.620 he is dead. 00:11:59.120 --> 00:11:59.840 They killed him. 00:12:00.740 --> 00:12:02.680 Maybe he wasn't the Messiah after all. 00:12:05.360 --> 00:12:06.680 Jesus' peace is given. 00:12:06.680 --> 00:12:09.980 It comes through believing his promise 00:12:09.980 --> 00:12:12.180 that yes, 00:12:13.080 --> 00:12:15.120 he will come back to them. 00:12:17.280 --> 00:12:18.639 It is trusting that. 00:12:18.740 --> 00:12:19.680 It is embracing that. 00:12:19.740 --> 00:12:21.220 That silences the fears 00:12:21.220 --> 00:12:22.800 and settles the hearts. 00:12:24.360 --> 00:12:26.820 What else does Jesus say here? 00:12:29.840 --> 00:12:32.379 He says, 00:12:32.440 --> 00:12:33.139 if you loved me, 00:12:33.200 --> 00:12:34.000 you would be glad 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:35.360 that I am going to the Father. 00:12:36.379 --> 00:12:38.080 For the Father is greater than I. 00:12:39.580 --> 00:12:41.399 I have told you now 00:12:41.399 --> 00:12:42.620 before it happens 00:12:42.620 --> 00:12:44.720 so that when it does happen, 00:12:45.100 --> 00:12:45.899 you will believe. 00:12:47.259 --> 00:12:49.100 I will not say much more to you. 00:12:49.800 --> 00:12:51.660 For the Prince of this world is coming. 00:12:52.800 --> 00:12:55.080 He has no hold over me. 00:12:56.120 --> 00:12:57.180 But he comes 00:12:57.180 --> 00:12:58.600 so that the world may learn 00:12:58.600 --> 00:13:00.659 that I love the Father 00:13:00.659 --> 00:13:02.700 and do exactly 00:13:02.700 --> 00:13:05.200 what my Father has commanded me. 00:13:07.180 --> 00:13:08.480 Now there's lots in there 00:13:08.480 --> 00:13:09.720 and I know that 00:13:09.720 --> 00:13:10.580 some of these words 00:13:10.580 --> 00:13:12.159 raise some other questions for us. 00:13:12.240 --> 00:13:13.379 But before we get to those, 00:13:13.720 --> 00:13:14.720 I just want you to notice 00:13:14.720 --> 00:13:15.840 the overall sense 00:13:15.840 --> 00:13:18.060 that Jesus gives here 00:13:18.060 --> 00:13:19.200 of what's going to happen. 00:13:20.080 --> 00:13:21.480 I'm going to the Father, 00:13:21.820 --> 00:13:22.340 he says. 00:13:22.720 --> 00:13:23.879 And it's a good thing. 00:13:25.000 --> 00:13:26.060 It's a right thing. 00:13:26.139 --> 00:13:27.500 It's an appropriate thing. 00:13:27.500 --> 00:13:30.259 It's something that you can be glad about. 00:13:32.279 --> 00:13:34.419 And I'm telling you this now 00:13:34.419 --> 00:13:35.960 before it happens 00:13:35.960 --> 00:13:38.379 so that when it does happen, 00:13:39.039 --> 00:13:40.299 you will believe. 00:13:41.200 --> 00:13:43.200 When you see me going to the Father, 00:13:43.299 --> 00:13:44.039 you're going to look back 00:13:44.039 --> 00:13:45.080 on this conversation. 00:13:45.240 --> 00:13:46.379 You're going to see that it happened 00:13:46.379 --> 00:13:48.879 just as I told you it would. 00:13:48.879 --> 00:13:52.419 So my telling you now, 00:13:52.539 --> 00:13:53.340 ahead of time, 00:13:53.799 --> 00:13:55.539 I'm doing it on purpose. 00:13:55.700 --> 00:13:57.720 I'm trying to give you confidence. 00:13:58.419 --> 00:13:59.220 I'm showing you 00:13:59.220 --> 00:14:01.179 that you can trust my word, 00:14:01.379 --> 00:14:03.299 that I keep my promises. 00:14:04.259 --> 00:14:05.820 It's going to help you believe. 00:14:05.820 --> 00:14:09.460 And then Jesus goes on 00:14:09.460 --> 00:14:10.140 to tell them about 00:14:10.140 --> 00:14:11.360 how the prince of this world 00:14:11.360 --> 00:14:11.980 is coming. 00:14:13.840 --> 00:14:15.860 But he reassures them 00:14:15.860 --> 00:14:17.540 that the prince of this world, 00:14:17.879 --> 00:14:19.820 he has no hold over me. 00:14:20.980 --> 00:14:21.600 In fact, 00:14:21.680 --> 00:14:22.560 the prince of this world 00:14:22.560 --> 00:14:23.200 is coming 00:14:23.200 --> 00:14:24.960 so that 00:14:24.960 --> 00:14:28.160 for a divine purpose, 00:14:29.160 --> 00:14:30.640 says Jesus, 00:14:30.639 --> 00:14:32.039 so that the world 00:14:32.039 --> 00:14:33.500 may learn something 00:14:33.500 --> 00:14:34.460 about me. 00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:37.199 Now just the way 00:14:37.199 --> 00:14:37.639 that Jesus 00:14:37.639 --> 00:14:39.019 says all this, 00:14:40.019 --> 00:14:41.539 it speaks loud 00:14:41.539 --> 00:14:42.399 and clear 00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:43.960 that God 00:14:43.960 --> 00:14:45.019 is in control 00:14:45.019 --> 00:14:46.319 of the whole situation. 00:14:47.480 --> 00:14:48.340 None of what's about 00:14:48.340 --> 00:14:49.460 to happen tonight, 00:14:50.600 --> 00:14:51.939 later on in the garden, 00:14:52.759 --> 00:14:54.399 or tomorrow, 00:14:55.360 --> 00:14:56.659 or in the days ahead 00:14:56.659 --> 00:14:57.860 is a surprise to me 00:14:57.860 --> 00:14:59.659 or to my father. 00:15:00.639 --> 00:15:01.600 says Jesus. 00:15:02.039 --> 00:15:03.559 It's all part of the plan. 00:15:05.419 --> 00:15:06.659 And it's what's fitting. 00:15:07.939 --> 00:15:09.019 It's what's right. 00:15:10.519 --> 00:15:11.939 Even the scary part 00:15:11.939 --> 00:15:13.519 about this coming prince, 00:15:13.600 --> 00:15:14.299 it's not as though 00:15:14.299 --> 00:15:15.720 Jesus or the father 00:15:15.720 --> 00:15:17.100 will be caught off guard here. 00:15:18.439 --> 00:15:19.559 The sense we get 00:15:19.559 --> 00:15:20.399 is that this prince 00:15:20.399 --> 00:15:21.460 will be permitted 00:15:21.460 --> 00:15:23.159 by God to come 00:15:23.159 --> 00:15:25.539 and to do what he will 00:15:25.539 --> 00:15:26.220 with Jesus 00:15:26.220 --> 00:15:28.919 so that the very plan 00:15:28.919 --> 00:15:30.120 and purpose of God 00:15:30.120 --> 00:15:31.600 will be fulfilled. 00:15:33.799 --> 00:15:35.480 So this is another way 00:15:35.480 --> 00:15:36.379 that Jesus gives 00:15:36.379 --> 00:15:38.060 his kind of peace 00:15:38.060 --> 00:15:38.940 to his disciples. 00:15:39.519 --> 00:15:41.179 It's kind of implied 00:15:41.179 --> 00:15:41.639 in everything 00:15:41.639 --> 00:15:42.700 that he says here. 00:15:44.080 --> 00:15:44.639 Look, 00:15:45.100 --> 00:15:46.419 God is in control. 00:15:47.720 --> 00:15:49.200 This is all happening 00:15:49.200 --> 00:15:50.580 according to his plan 00:15:50.580 --> 00:15:52.320 and his purpose. 00:15:52.320 --> 00:15:59.720 He is in control. 00:15:59.720 --> 00:15:59.740 He is in control. 00:15:59.740 --> 00:16:03.760 He is in control. 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:04.940 He is working out 00:16:04.940 --> 00:16:05.500 his plan. 00:16:05.760 --> 00:16:06.940 He is going to bring 00:16:06.940 --> 00:16:08.280 about something good 00:16:08.280 --> 00:16:09.940 through all this. 00:16:09.940 --> 00:16:10.040 peace. 00:16:13.880 --> 00:16:14.780 This is one of the 00:16:14.780 --> 00:16:15.360 big differences 00:16:15.360 --> 00:16:16.300 between the peace 00:16:16.300 --> 00:16:17.240 that Jesus gives 00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:18.360 and the kind of peace 00:16:18.360 --> 00:16:19.260 that the world offers. 00:16:20.400 --> 00:16:21.480 Jesus doesn't say, 00:16:22.140 --> 00:16:22.480 don't worry, 00:16:22.760 --> 00:16:23.340 nothing bad 00:16:23.340 --> 00:16:24.220 is going to happen. 00:16:25.900 --> 00:16:26.780 That's often 00:16:26.780 --> 00:16:27.540 the kind of peace 00:16:27.540 --> 00:16:28.440 that the world offers. 00:16:29.860 --> 00:16:30.060 You know, 00:16:30.140 --> 00:16:30.920 be optimistic. 00:16:31.800 --> 00:16:32.600 Think positively 00:16:32.600 --> 00:16:34.139 and it will come true 00:16:34.139 --> 00:16:34.560 for you. 00:16:36.220 --> 00:16:36.720 No, 00:16:36.860 --> 00:16:38.060 Jesus speaks the truth. 00:16:38.259 --> 00:16:39.620 There is something bad. 00:16:40.620 --> 00:16:41.899 There is something dark 00:16:41.899 --> 00:16:42.680 coming. 00:16:44.200 --> 00:16:45.680 The prince of this world 00:16:45.680 --> 00:16:46.259 is coming. 00:16:46.399 --> 00:16:47.560 That's the devil. 00:16:49.820 --> 00:16:51.500 But Jesus' peace comes 00:16:51.500 --> 00:16:53.399 when we believe 00:16:53.399 --> 00:16:54.200 the truth 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:55.960 that God is in control 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:56.779 and working 00:16:56.779 --> 00:16:57.940 even through 00:16:57.940 --> 00:16:59.740 the bad stuff 00:16:59.740 --> 00:17:01.160 that comes. 00:17:02.600 --> 00:17:03.940 it's going to look 00:17:03.940 --> 00:17:04.500 for a moment 00:17:04.500 --> 00:17:05.279 like the devil 00:17:05.279 --> 00:17:07.120 has triumphed 00:17:07.120 --> 00:17:07.900 and won. 00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:10.559 Jesus, 00:17:11.019 --> 00:17:12.019 the son of God, 00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:13.079 will be hanging there 00:17:13.079 --> 00:17:15.000 dead on the cross. 00:17:16.839 --> 00:17:18.480 His body will be lying there 00:17:18.480 --> 00:17:19.640 lifeless in the tomb. 00:17:21.279 --> 00:17:22.599 But Jesus says, 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:23.779 rest assured, 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:25.779 the coming prince 00:17:25.779 --> 00:17:27.480 has no hold 00:17:27.480 --> 00:17:28.779 over me. 00:17:28.779 --> 00:17:32.119 I love the way 00:17:32.119 --> 00:17:32.980 Jesus says this. 00:17:33.059 --> 00:17:33.579 Quite literally, 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:34.180 it reads, 00:17:34.359 --> 00:17:35.160 on me, 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:36.700 he has nothing. 00:17:38.539 --> 00:17:39.420 He comes 00:17:39.420 --> 00:17:41.019 to fulfill 00:17:41.019 --> 00:17:42.279 God's purpose. 00:17:43.740 --> 00:17:44.619 It's almost like 00:17:44.619 --> 00:17:45.039 he's saying, 00:17:45.119 --> 00:17:46.160 he's just a pawn 00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:47.740 the prince 00:17:47.740 --> 00:17:48.420 of this world. 00:17:49.259 --> 00:17:49.960 In fact, 00:17:50.019 --> 00:17:50.460 his coming 00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:51.700 is going to glorify 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:52.160 Jesus. 00:17:52.879 --> 00:17:53.920 It's going to show 00:17:53.920 --> 00:17:54.899 the whole world 00:17:54.899 --> 00:17:55.559 just how much 00:17:55.559 --> 00:17:56.460 Jesus loves 00:17:56.460 --> 00:17:57.039 the father 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:58.700 and how far 00:17:58.700 --> 00:17:59.579 the son 00:17:59.579 --> 00:18:00.079 is willing 00:18:00.079 --> 00:18:00.659 to go 00:18:00.659 --> 00:18:02.519 to obey 00:18:02.519 --> 00:18:03.899 his father. 00:18:04.899 --> 00:18:05.220 It's like 00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:05.960 the devil's plan 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:06.720 to take Jesus 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:07.319 out is just 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:08.259 going to backfire 00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:09.599 and instead 00:18:09.599 --> 00:18:09.940 he's going 00:18:09.940 --> 00:18:10.259 to find 00:18:10.259 --> 00:18:10.619 that all 00:18:10.619 --> 00:18:10.920 along 00:18:10.920 --> 00:18:11.480 he's played 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:11.799 the role 00:18:11.799 --> 00:18:12.539 of a spotlight 00:18:12.539 --> 00:18:13.720 that illuminates 00:18:13.720 --> 00:18:14.660 the worthiness 00:18:14.660 --> 00:18:15.720 of the true 00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:16.099 king 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:17.779 of the world. 00:18:20.339 --> 00:18:21.519 So true peace, 00:18:21.799 --> 00:18:23.319 it doesn't come 00:18:23.319 --> 00:18:24.640 from empty promises 00:18:24.640 --> 00:18:25.440 that everything's 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:26.140 going to be okay 00:18:26.140 --> 00:18:27.319 or that nothing 00:18:27.319 --> 00:18:27.839 bad's going 00:18:27.839 --> 00:18:28.240 to happen. 00:18:28.680 --> 00:18:29.420 True peace, 00:18:29.960 --> 00:18:30.420 the peace 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:30.900 of Jesus 00:18:30.900 --> 00:18:31.579 comes when 00:18:31.579 --> 00:18:32.440 we believe, 00:18:33.680 --> 00:18:34.140 when we 00:18:34.140 --> 00:18:35.539 trust Jesus, 00:18:35.779 --> 00:18:36.079 when we 00:18:36.079 --> 00:18:36.900 trust God. 00:18:38.259 --> 00:18:39.759 when we 00:18:39.759 --> 00:18:40.319 put our faith 00:18:40.319 --> 00:18:40.640 in him 00:18:40.640 --> 00:18:42.059 that when 00:18:42.059 --> 00:18:42.559 the bad 00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:43.319 things happen, 00:18:43.660 --> 00:18:44.519 God is at 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:45.579 work for good 00:18:45.579 --> 00:18:46.579 through them. 00:18:48.660 --> 00:18:49.559 When we 00:18:49.559 --> 00:18:50.200 trust that 00:18:50.200 --> 00:18:50.859 in the end 00:18:50.859 --> 00:18:51.640 he will 00:18:51.640 --> 00:18:52.220 triumph, 00:18:53.299 --> 00:18:54.319 he will 00:18:54.319 --> 00:18:54.779 bring 00:18:54.779 --> 00:18:55.339 something 00:18:55.339 --> 00:18:55.980 wonderful 00:18:55.980 --> 00:18:58.099 out of 00:18:58.099 --> 00:18:58.720 the heartache, 00:18:59.200 --> 00:19:00.319 the pain, 00:19:01.039 --> 00:19:01.720 the loss, 00:19:02.440 --> 00:19:03.420 the struggle, 00:19:03.420 --> 00:19:03.480 the struggle, 00:19:03.480 --> 00:19:03.539 people. 00:19:09.019 --> 00:19:09.759 So how 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:10.000 do we 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:10.660 receive this 00:19:10.660 --> 00:19:11.099 peace of 00:19:11.099 --> 00:19:11.440 Jesus, 00:19:12.819 --> 00:19:13.740 this peace 00:19:13.740 --> 00:19:14.039 that he 00:19:14.039 --> 00:19:14.420 offers? 00:19:15.519 --> 00:19:16.360 It's not 00:19:16.360 --> 00:19:17.640 a crazy 00:19:17.640 --> 00:19:18.519 magical formula, 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:19.339 it's not a 00:19:19.339 --> 00:19:20.140 hard thing, 00:19:20.240 --> 00:19:20.740 it's not 00:19:20.740 --> 00:19:21.640 always easy 00:19:21.640 --> 00:19:22.000 to do, 00:19:22.079 --> 00:19:22.519 but it is 00:19:22.519 --> 00:19:22.900 simple. 00:19:23.880 --> 00:19:24.880 We receive 00:19:24.880 --> 00:19:25.440 it simply 00:19:25.440 --> 00:19:26.220 by believing 00:19:26.220 --> 00:19:27.980 the truth 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:29.299 that Jesus 00:19:29.299 --> 00:19:29.819 speaks, 00:19:30.940 --> 00:19:31.420 the word 00:19:31.420 --> 00:19:31.900 of God. 00:19:31.900 --> 00:19:34.620 by trusting 00:19:34.620 --> 00:19:36.780 the truth 00:19:36.780 --> 00:19:37.060 that he 00:19:37.060 --> 00:19:37.660 has spoken, 00:19:38.060 --> 00:19:38.740 the promises 00:19:38.740 --> 00:19:39.340 that he's 00:19:39.340 --> 00:19:40.019 given us, 00:19:41.259 --> 00:19:43.380 that specific 00:19:43.380 --> 00:19:44.040 truth that 00:19:44.040 --> 00:19:44.720 God is in 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:45.060 control, 00:19:45.180 --> 00:19:45.620 it's when we 00:19:45.620 --> 00:19:46.280 believe that, 00:19:46.340 --> 00:19:46.740 it's when we 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:47.360 trust that, 00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:47.940 that that 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:49.360 unsettledness 00:19:49.360 --> 00:19:50.560 melts away. 00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:53.000 It can't 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:53.360 stand. 00:19:58.400 --> 00:19:59.100 Now one of 00:19:59.100 --> 00:19:59.560 the questions 00:19:59.560 --> 00:20:00.280 that sometimes 00:20:00.280 --> 00:20:01.580 comes up here 00:20:01.579 --> 00:20:02.240 in this passage 00:20:02.240 --> 00:20:02.779 and I don't 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:03.259 want to skip 00:20:03.259 --> 00:20:03.679 over it 00:20:03.679 --> 00:20:04.119 completely, 00:20:04.639 --> 00:20:05.039 we've been 00:20:05.039 --> 00:20:05.379 trying to 00:20:05.379 --> 00:20:05.779 work through 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:06.419 and capture 00:20:06.419 --> 00:20:06.839 as much 00:20:06.839 --> 00:20:07.339 as we can 00:20:07.339 --> 00:20:07.619 here in 00:20:07.619 --> 00:20:08.019 the gospel 00:20:08.019 --> 00:20:08.519 of John, 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:09.759 comes from 00:20:09.759 --> 00:20:10.679 verse 28, 00:20:12.379 --> 00:20:14.299 Jesus says 00:20:14.299 --> 00:20:14.779 this, 00:20:15.879 --> 00:20:16.519 I'm going 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:16.879 to the 00:20:16.879 --> 00:20:17.439 father for 00:20:17.439 --> 00:20:17.960 the father 00:20:17.960 --> 00:20:18.619 is greater 00:20:18.619 --> 00:20:19.179 than I. 00:20:20.779 --> 00:20:21.559 Why does 00:20:21.559 --> 00:20:22.220 Jesus say 00:20:22.220 --> 00:20:22.559 that the 00:20:22.559 --> 00:20:23.220 father is 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:23.839 greater than 00:20:23.839 --> 00:20:24.079 him? 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:26.220 Some of you 00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:26.659 may have 00:20:26.659 --> 00:20:27.480 wondered that 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:27.939 when you get 00:20:27.939 --> 00:20:28.279 to this 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:28.699 place. 00:20:28.700 --> 00:20:29.819 if Jesus 00:20:29.819 --> 00:20:30.620 is God, 00:20:31.580 --> 00:20:32.059 isn't he 00:20:32.059 --> 00:20:32.720 equal to 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:33.180 the father? 00:20:34.880 --> 00:20:35.500 There's been 00:20:35.500 --> 00:20:36.000 all kinds of 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:36.720 discussion and 00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:37.259 debate over 00:20:37.259 --> 00:20:38.500 this back in 00:20:38.500 --> 00:20:38.819 the first 00:20:38.819 --> 00:20:39.440 centuries of 00:20:39.440 --> 00:20:40.140 church history. 00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:41.340 People pointed 00:20:41.340 --> 00:20:41.980 to this verse 00:20:41.980 --> 00:20:42.480 and said, 00:20:43.100 --> 00:20:43.319 see, 00:20:44.100 --> 00:20:44.799 Jesus wasn't 00:20:44.799 --> 00:20:45.160 God. 00:20:45.539 --> 00:20:46.000 He even 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:46.720 acknowledged that 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:47.100 God was 00:20:47.100 --> 00:20:47.580 greater than 00:20:47.580 --> 00:20:48.100 he was. 00:20:48.460 --> 00:20:48.940 He was just 00:20:48.940 --> 00:20:49.340 a man. 00:20:51.039 --> 00:20:51.240 Well, 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:51.680 I'm going to, 00:20:51.840 --> 00:20:52.519 I could probably 00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:53.120 preach a whole 00:20:53.120 --> 00:20:53.840 sermon on this, 00:20:53.920 --> 00:20:54.240 but I'm going to 00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:55.059 try to condense it 00:20:55.059 --> 00:20:55.640 down into a 00:20:55.640 --> 00:20:56.160 couple minutes 00:20:56.160 --> 00:20:56.440 here, 00:20:57.160 --> 00:20:57.559 give you the 00:20:57.559 --> 00:20:58.200 short answer. 00:20:59.159 --> 00:20:59.779 Jesus was 00:20:59.779 --> 00:21:00.960 most certainly 00:21:00.960 --> 00:21:02.000 God. 00:21:02.500 --> 00:21:03.159 He is the 00:21:03.159 --> 00:21:03.899 divine son. 00:21:04.379 --> 00:21:05.019 He claimed to 00:21:05.019 --> 00:21:05.579 be one with 00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:06.019 the father. 00:21:06.139 --> 00:21:06.639 We saw that 00:21:06.639 --> 00:21:07.099 in John. 00:21:08.159 --> 00:21:09.019 He claimed to 00:21:09.019 --> 00:21:09.639 have the father 00:21:09.639 --> 00:21:10.599 in him and 00:21:10.599 --> 00:21:11.740 to himself be 00:21:11.740 --> 00:21:12.659 in the father. 00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:13.579 We heard that 00:21:13.579 --> 00:21:14.299 in John. 00:21:14.659 --> 00:21:15.539 He took the 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:16.200 name of God 00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:16.859 upon his own 00:21:16.859 --> 00:21:17.119 lips. 00:21:17.220 --> 00:21:17.500 He said, 00:21:17.859 --> 00:21:18.339 before Abraham 00:21:18.339 --> 00:21:19.139 was, 00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:20.399 I am. 00:21:23.159 --> 00:21:23.779 And there 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:24.319 are many other 00:21:24.319 --> 00:21:25.079 passages which 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:25.879 point clearly to 00:21:25.879 --> 00:21:26.519 the truth that 00:21:26.519 --> 00:21:27.680 Jesus is God. 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:29.259 So why does 00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:29.639 he, 00:21:29.839 --> 00:21:30.519 being God, 00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:32.180 claim that the 00:21:32.180 --> 00:21:32.660 father is 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:33.000 greater? 00:21:34.779 --> 00:21:35.839 In what sense 00:21:35.839 --> 00:21:36.519 is the father 00:21:36.519 --> 00:21:38.119 greater than 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:38.599 the son? 00:21:39.559 --> 00:21:40.440 I can think 00:21:40.440 --> 00:21:41.259 of two senses. 00:21:42.980 --> 00:21:43.900 Number one, 00:21:44.559 --> 00:21:45.259 the father is 00:21:45.259 --> 00:21:45.799 greater than 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:47.720 the son with 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:48.799 regard to the 00:21:48.799 --> 00:21:49.799 son's humanity. 00:21:51.900 --> 00:21:52.799 Jesus was 00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:53.599 truly God, 00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:54.599 man. 00:21:54.599 --> 00:21:55.959 But also, 00:21:56.159 --> 00:21:56.740 at the same 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:57.119 time, 00:21:57.259 --> 00:21:58.059 he was truly 00:21:58.059 --> 00:21:58.799 man, 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:00.819 truly human. 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:03.059 The divine 00:22:03.059 --> 00:22:03.519 word, 00:22:03.659 --> 00:22:04.079 as we read 00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:04.599 back at the 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:04.980 beginning, 00:22:05.519 --> 00:22:06.019 took upon 00:22:06.019 --> 00:22:06.819 himself a 00:22:06.819 --> 00:22:07.579 human nature 00:22:07.579 --> 00:22:08.519 and became 00:22:08.519 --> 00:22:10.119 a man. 00:22:12.379 --> 00:22:13.339 And God 00:22:13.339 --> 00:22:13.859 is greater 00:22:13.859 --> 00:22:14.639 than man. 00:22:15.919 --> 00:22:16.740 God is the 00:22:16.740 --> 00:22:17.159 creator. 00:22:18.379 --> 00:22:19.139 Man is the 00:22:19.139 --> 00:22:19.439 creature. 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:21.480 God is the 00:22:21.480 --> 00:22:22.140 ruler of all 00:22:22.140 --> 00:22:22.720 and man's 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:23.960 role in all 00:22:23.960 --> 00:22:24.480 of that is to 00:22:24.480 --> 00:22:25.320 be subservient 00:22:25.320 --> 00:22:27.080 to him under 00:22:27.080 --> 00:22:27.460 his good 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:27.940 authority. 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:29.660 And so, 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:30.380 with regard to 00:22:30.380 --> 00:22:30.680 Jesus' 00:22:31.039 --> 00:22:31.480 humanity, 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.259 God is 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:32.940 greater than 00:22:32.940 --> 00:22:33.279 Jesus. 00:22:35.059 --> 00:22:35.759 Maybe you've 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:36.380 read that in 00:22:36.380 --> 00:22:37.500 1 Peter where 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:38.160 it talks about 00:22:38.160 --> 00:22:38.640 Jesus, 00:22:39.860 --> 00:22:40.920 refers to God 00:22:40.920 --> 00:22:41.620 as the God 00:22:41.620 --> 00:22:42.660 and father of 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:43.059 our Lord 00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:43.400 Jesus. 00:22:43.600 --> 00:22:44.320 He is the 00:22:44.320 --> 00:22:44.759 God of 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:45.539 Jesus too. 00:22:45.539 --> 00:22:50.500 Jesus' 00:22:50.720 --> 00:22:50.960 true 00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:51.779 humanness 00:22:51.779 --> 00:22:52.720 stands in 00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:54.200 contrast to 00:22:54.200 --> 00:22:54.859 God's divine 00:22:54.859 --> 00:22:55.279 nature. 00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:57.139 So that's the 00:22:57.139 --> 00:22:57.659 first way. 00:22:58.059 --> 00:22:58.539 The second 00:22:58.539 --> 00:22:59.599 way that the 00:22:59.599 --> 00:23:00.039 father is 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:00.500 greater than 00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:01.319 Jesus has to 00:23:01.319 --> 00:23:01.819 do with the 00:23:01.819 --> 00:23:02.500 humble and 00:23:02.500 --> 00:23:03.839 lowly role 00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:05.039 or state 00:23:05.039 --> 00:23:06.019 that Jesus 00:23:06.019 --> 00:23:06.599 is in. 00:23:07.480 --> 00:23:08.059 It's not 00:23:08.059 --> 00:23:08.639 just that 00:23:08.639 --> 00:23:09.460 Jesus is 00:23:09.460 --> 00:23:09.839 human. 00:23:10.839 --> 00:23:11.619 The Bible 00:23:11.619 --> 00:23:12.420 tells us that 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:13.500 Christ was in 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:14.139 very nature 00:23:14.139 --> 00:23:15.299 God and yet 00:23:15.299 --> 00:23:15.960 he chose 00:23:15.960 --> 00:23:16.460 to lower 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:17.039 himself, 00:23:17.659 --> 00:23:19.180 to humble 00:23:19.180 --> 00:23:19.740 himself, 00:23:20.159 --> 00:23:20.980 to lay 00:23:20.980 --> 00:23:22.039 down or 00:23:22.039 --> 00:23:22.879 put aside 00:23:22.879 --> 00:23:23.639 some of 00:23:23.639 --> 00:23:24.579 his glory. 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.319 We'll see in 00:23:25.319 --> 00:23:26.039 John 17. 00:23:27.139 --> 00:23:27.819 Some of his 00:23:27.819 --> 00:23:28.700 divine rights 00:23:28.700 --> 00:23:29.440 and privileges. 00:23:31.759 --> 00:23:32.059 And so, 00:23:32.159 --> 00:23:32.720 even though 00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:33.460 Jesus is 00:23:33.460 --> 00:23:34.819 equally worthy 00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:35.579 of glory, 00:23:35.639 --> 00:23:36.180 along with 00:23:36.180 --> 00:23:36.819 God the 00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:37.119 Father, 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:37.659 he has 00:23:37.659 --> 00:23:38.720 taken up 00:23:38.720 --> 00:23:39.399 for a time 00:23:39.399 --> 00:23:40.240 this lowly 00:23:40.240 --> 00:23:40.779 position. 00:23:42.299 --> 00:23:43.039 He has 00:23:43.039 --> 00:23:43.399 come to 00:23:43.399 --> 00:23:44.700 serve the 00:23:44.700 --> 00:23:45.400 very ones 00:23:45.400 --> 00:23:45.980 that he 00:23:45.980 --> 00:23:46.460 created. 00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:47.980 And this 00:23:47.980 --> 00:23:48.759 position does 00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:49.519 not allow 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:50.000 him to 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:51.240 exalt and 00:23:51.240 --> 00:23:51.819 glorify 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:52.240 himself. 00:23:53.940 --> 00:23:54.620 That's why 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:55.259 we read that 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:55.620 it's the 00:23:55.620 --> 00:23:56.140 Father who 00:23:56.140 --> 00:23:57.120 must glorify 00:23:57.120 --> 00:23:57.900 and exalt 00:23:57.900 --> 00:23:58.860 the Son. 00:23:59.500 --> 00:23:59.920 It's the 00:23:59.920 --> 00:24:00.420 Father who 00:24:00.420 --> 00:24:01.460 gives authority 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:02.539 to the 00:24:02.539 --> 00:24:02.799 Son. 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:06.059 So, 00:24:06.140 --> 00:24:06.740 the Father is 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:07.539 greater than 00:24:07.539 --> 00:24:07.940 the Son 00:24:07.940 --> 00:24:09.220 with regard to 00:24:09.220 --> 00:24:10.000 role or 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:11.779 status for 00:24:11.779 --> 00:24:12.279 the time 00:24:12.279 --> 00:24:12.779 being. 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:14.619 This is 00:24:14.619 --> 00:24:15.059 why Jesus 00:24:15.059 --> 00:24:15.579 speaks in 00:24:15.579 --> 00:24:16.720 verse 31 00:24:16.720 --> 00:24:18.480 of the 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:18.740 Father 00:24:18.740 --> 00:24:19.440 commanding 00:24:19.440 --> 00:24:19.740 him to 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:19.920 do 00:24:19.920 --> 00:24:20.379 things 00:24:20.379 --> 00:24:22.180 and of 00:24:22.180 --> 00:24:23.019 himself as 00:24:23.019 --> 00:24:23.539 obeying 00:24:23.539 --> 00:24:25.319 those commands. 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:28.039 Jesus 00:24:28.039 --> 00:24:28.720 himself said 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:29.200 it this way 00:24:29.200 --> 00:24:29.680 back in 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:30.500 John 13 00:24:30.500 --> 00:24:31.639 verse 16. 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:32.099 He said, 00:24:32.579 --> 00:24:33.059 no servant 00:24:33.059 --> 00:24:33.759 is greater 00:24:33.759 --> 00:24:34.879 than his 00:24:34.879 --> 00:24:35.359 master, 00:24:35.779 --> 00:24:37.160 nor is a 00:24:37.160 --> 00:24:37.480 messenger 00:24:37.480 --> 00:24:38.139 greater than 00:24:38.139 --> 00:24:38.779 the one 00:24:38.779 --> 00:24:39.200 who sent 00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:39.440 him. 00:24:39.440 --> 00:24:40.779 In other 00:24:40.779 --> 00:24:41.059 words, 00:24:41.380 --> 00:24:41.820 the master 00:24:41.820 --> 00:24:42.259 is greater 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:42.640 than the 00:24:42.640 --> 00:24:42.980 servant, 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:44.200 and the 00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:44.460 one who 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.980 sends the 00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:45.559 messenger is 00:24:45.559 --> 00:24:46.000 greater than 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:46.519 the messenger. 00:24:48.500 --> 00:24:48.980 Well, 00:24:49.019 --> 00:24:49.539 we know from 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:50.220 the story of 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:50.779 the Gospels 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:51.279 that Jesus 00:24:51.279 --> 00:24:51.940 has come 00:24:51.940 --> 00:24:53.820 both to 00:24:53.820 --> 00:24:54.140 be the 00:24:54.140 --> 00:24:55.700 servant of 00:24:55.700 --> 00:24:56.340 his master, 00:24:56.660 --> 00:24:57.080 the Father, 00:24:57.880 --> 00:24:58.299 and the 00:24:58.299 --> 00:24:58.900 messenger of 00:24:58.900 --> 00:24:59.340 the one who 00:24:59.340 --> 00:24:59.840 has sent 00:24:59.840 --> 00:25:00.059 him, 00:25:00.799 --> 00:25:01.299 his Father. 00:25:02.380 --> 00:25:02.660 So, 00:25:02.740 --> 00:25:03.039 these are 00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:03.880 two ways 00:25:03.880 --> 00:25:04.160 that the 00:25:04.160 --> 00:25:04.640 Father is 00:25:04.640 --> 00:25:05.140 greater than 00:25:05.140 --> 00:25:05.480 Jesus. 00:25:06.019 --> 00:25:06.220 And, 00:25:06.440 --> 00:25:06.640 you know, 00:25:06.680 --> 00:25:07.080 we might be 00:25:07.080 --> 00:25:07.500 tempted to 00:25:07.500 --> 00:25:07.720 think, 00:25:07.799 --> 00:25:07.880 well, 00:25:07.940 --> 00:25:08.320 who really 00:25:08.320 --> 00:25:08.820 needs to 00:25:08.820 --> 00:25:09.360 know this? 00:25:10.140 --> 00:25:11.279 Except theologians 00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:12.340 and Bible 00:25:12.340 --> 00:25:13.299 scholars and 00:25:13.299 --> 00:25:13.820 pastors. 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:14.360 This all 00:25:14.360 --> 00:25:14.940 sounds kind 00:25:14.940 --> 00:25:15.640 of heady and 00:25:15.640 --> 00:25:16.420 quite mysterious. 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:18.799 But notice 00:25:18.799 --> 00:25:19.240 what Jesus 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:19.820 says right 00:25:19.820 --> 00:25:20.140 here in 00:25:20.140 --> 00:25:20.779 John chapter 00:25:20.779 --> 00:25:21.880 14, 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:22.559 verse 31. 00:25:23.860 --> 00:25:24.259 He says, 00:25:24.360 --> 00:25:25.000 the prince of 00:25:25.000 --> 00:25:25.600 this world is 00:25:25.600 --> 00:25:26.620 coming so 00:25:26.620 --> 00:25:27.080 that the 00:25:27.080 --> 00:25:27.960 world may 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:29.140 learn that 00:25:29.140 --> 00:25:29.740 I love the 00:25:29.740 --> 00:25:31.240 Father and 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:31.920 do exactly 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:32.340 what my 00:25:32.340 --> 00:25:33.019 Father has 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:33.740 commanded me. 00:25:34.799 --> 00:25:36.019 God wants 00:25:36.019 --> 00:25:37.039 not just the 00:25:37.039 --> 00:25:37.980 Bible scholars 00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:38.799 and theologians, 00:25:38.799 --> 00:25:39.200 he wants 00:25:39.200 --> 00:25:39.659 the whole 00:25:39.659 --> 00:25:40.759 world to 00:25:40.759 --> 00:25:41.700 understand this 00:25:41.700 --> 00:25:42.740 subservient 00:25:42.740 --> 00:25:44.419 role and 00:25:44.419 --> 00:25:45.379 relationship that 00:25:45.379 --> 00:25:46.579 Jesus has had 00:25:46.579 --> 00:25:46.980 with his 00:25:46.980 --> 00:25:48.220 Father as a 00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:48.500 man. 00:25:49.819 --> 00:25:50.759 This is part 00:25:50.759 --> 00:25:51.339 of the plan 00:25:51.339 --> 00:25:52.119 of God to 00:25:52.119 --> 00:25:52.859 bring glory 00:25:52.859 --> 00:25:54.000 to his 00:25:54.000 --> 00:25:54.619 son Jesus. 00:25:56.079 --> 00:25:57.000 It may not 00:25:57.000 --> 00:25:57.539 be fully 00:25:57.539 --> 00:25:58.359 apparent now 00:25:58.359 --> 00:25:59.139 how that will 00:25:59.139 --> 00:25:59.680 all work, 00:26:00.180 --> 00:26:00.940 but one day 00:26:00.940 --> 00:26:01.460 it will be. 00:26:02.419 --> 00:26:03.339 He wants the 00:26:03.339 --> 00:26:04.000 whole world to 00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:04.539 see this 00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:05.599 about Jesus, 00:26:05.599 --> 00:26:06.279 that Jesus 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:06.799 in both 00:26:06.799 --> 00:26:07.399 his deity 00:26:07.399 --> 00:26:08.339 and in 00:26:08.339 --> 00:26:09.079 his humanity 00:26:09.079 --> 00:26:10.139 is worthy 00:26:10.139 --> 00:26:10.819 of glory 00:26:10.819 --> 00:26:12.219 and honor 00:26:12.219 --> 00:26:13.099 and praise, 00:26:13.539 --> 00:26:14.480 is worthy 00:26:14.480 --> 00:26:15.279 to be exalted, 00:26:16.059 --> 00:26:16.619 is worthy 00:26:16.619 --> 00:26:17.379 to wear the 00:26:17.379 --> 00:26:18.799 crown and 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:19.419 be the king 00:26:19.419 --> 00:26:20.799 of the whole 00:26:20.799 --> 00:26:22.019 world over 00:26:22.019 --> 00:26:22.419 all the 00:26:22.419 --> 00:26:22.839 nations. 00:26:24.119 --> 00:26:24.839 So yes, 00:26:24.939 --> 00:26:25.699 the Father is 00:26:25.699 --> 00:26:26.279 greater than 00:26:26.279 --> 00:26:26.639 Jesus, 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:28.099 and no, 00:26:28.779 --> 00:26:29.439 it doesn't 00:26:29.439 --> 00:26:30.419 diminish his 00:26:30.419 --> 00:26:30.859 divinity. 00:26:30.859 --> 00:26:30.939 humanity, 00:26:31.219 --> 00:26:32.119 it's just 00:26:32.119 --> 00:26:32.659 the reality 00:26:32.659 --> 00:26:33.019 of his 00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:33.859 true humanity 00:26:33.859 --> 00:26:35.259 and his 00:26:35.259 --> 00:26:35.979 humble role 00:26:35.979 --> 00:26:36.919 and service 00:26:36.919 --> 00:26:37.439 that he has 00:26:37.439 --> 00:26:37.799 come to 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:38.099 offer. 00:26:41.399 --> 00:26:42.059 So what 00:26:42.059 --> 00:26:42.619 can we take 00:26:42.619 --> 00:26:43.279 from all 00:26:43.279 --> 00:26:43.859 this part 00:26:43.859 --> 00:26:44.419 of the story 00:26:44.419 --> 00:26:44.839 here in 00:26:44.839 --> 00:26:45.579 John for 00:26:45.579 --> 00:26:45.979 ourselves 00:26:45.979 --> 00:26:46.419 today? 00:26:47.500 --> 00:26:47.839 Well, I 00:26:47.839 --> 00:26:48.199 want to come 00:26:48.199 --> 00:26:49.379 back to the 00:26:49.379 --> 00:26:49.899 talk of 00:26:49.899 --> 00:26:50.559 peace. 00:26:55.719 --> 00:26:57.299 Maybe you 00:26:57.299 --> 00:26:57.740 are going 00:26:57.740 --> 00:26:58.439 through something 00:26:58.439 --> 00:26:59.279 right now. 00:27:00.859 --> 00:27:01.659 in your 00:27:01.659 --> 00:27:03.519 life where 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:03.779 you can 00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:04.539 honestly say, 00:27:05.399 --> 00:27:06.819 I feel 00:27:06.819 --> 00:27:07.439 troubled in 00:27:07.439 --> 00:27:07.740 heart, 00:27:08.899 --> 00:27:11.159 or I'm 00:27:11.159 --> 00:27:11.619 afraid, 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:13.799 or I'm 00:27:13.799 --> 00:27:15.559 worried about 00:27:15.559 --> 00:27:16.059 something, 00:27:17.459 --> 00:27:18.000 struggling. 00:27:20.519 --> 00:27:21.339 Maybe you've 00:27:21.339 --> 00:27:21.859 been wrestling 00:27:21.859 --> 00:27:22.919 in your 00:27:22.919 --> 00:27:23.179 heart, 00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:24.599 not just a 00:27:24.599 --> 00:27:24.979 little bit, 00:27:25.099 --> 00:27:25.679 but for a 00:27:25.679 --> 00:27:25.979 while. 00:27:28.479 --> 00:27:29.339 Maybe you've 00:27:29.339 --> 00:27:29.759 been looking 00:27:29.759 --> 00:27:30.199 for that 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:30.920 inward peace 00:27:30.920 --> 00:27:32.259 that Jesus 00:27:32.259 --> 00:27:32.940 offers here 00:27:32.940 --> 00:27:33.360 to his 00:27:33.360 --> 00:27:33.900 disciples. 00:27:36.860 --> 00:27:37.580 A true 00:27:37.580 --> 00:27:38.220 peace that 00:27:38.220 --> 00:27:39.360 will just 00:27:39.360 --> 00:27:40.080 settle it. 00:27:43.819 --> 00:27:44.500 Maybe you've 00:27:44.500 --> 00:27:44.880 been trying 00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:45.279 some of the 00:27:45.279 --> 00:27:45.900 world's offers 00:27:45.900 --> 00:27:46.480 of peace, 00:27:47.039 --> 00:27:48.340 and you've 00:27:48.340 --> 00:27:48.819 been finding 00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:49.819 that they are 00:27:49.819 --> 00:27:50.180 empty, 00:27:50.660 --> 00:27:51.400 and they don't 00:27:51.400 --> 00:27:51.819 last, 00:27:52.360 --> 00:27:52.720 they don't 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:53.259 deliver on 00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:53.539 what they 00:27:53.539 --> 00:27:53.980 promise. 00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:58.099 whatever it 00:27:58.099 --> 00:27:58.380 is that 00:27:58.380 --> 00:27:58.779 you're going 00:27:58.779 --> 00:27:59.440 through today, 00:28:00.980 --> 00:28:02.440 Jesus 00:28:02.440 --> 00:28:03.860 offers you 00:28:03.860 --> 00:28:05.779 his peace. 00:28:12.440 --> 00:28:13.319 How do we 00:28:13.319 --> 00:28:14.019 receive that? 00:28:14.019 --> 00:28:20.639 believe. 00:28:20.639 --> 00:28:20.680 Believe. 00:28:22.980 --> 00:28:24.160 Trust him. 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:28.160 Look again 00:28:28.160 --> 00:28:28.799 on his 00:28:28.799 --> 00:28:29.240 words. 00:28:30.400 --> 00:28:31.059 Look again 00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:31.460 at his 00:28:31.460 --> 00:28:31.960 promises. 00:28:31.960 --> 00:28:32.140 promises. 00:28:35.019 --> 00:28:36.100 It's there 00:28:36.100 --> 00:28:36.460 that we 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:38.500 find our 00:28:38.500 --> 00:28:40.019 hearts truly 00:28:40.019 --> 00:28:43.140 settle, and 00:28:43.140 --> 00:28:44.759 fears dissipate. 00:28:46.539 --> 00:28:47.740 When we see 00:28:47.740 --> 00:28:48.660 again that God 00:28:48.660 --> 00:28:49.940 is in control, 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:52.299 that he has a 00:28:52.299 --> 00:28:56.400 plan, that he's 00:28:56.400 --> 00:28:56.940 going to bring 00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:59.200 good, that the 00:28:59.200 --> 00:28:59.799 end of this 00:28:59.799 --> 00:29:01.759 story is triumph, 00:29:01.960 --> 00:29:03.539 for Jesus and 00:29:03.539 --> 00:29:04.079 his people. 00:29:06.360 --> 00:29:07.759 Let me remind 00:29:07.759 --> 00:29:08.400 you of that. 00:29:09.019 --> 00:29:09.819 Same thing 00:29:09.819 --> 00:29:10.980 that Jesus 00:29:10.980 --> 00:29:12.059 said to his 00:29:12.059 --> 00:29:12.559 disciples. 00:29:13.539 --> 00:29:14.500 Jesus is 00:29:14.500 --> 00:29:15.660 coming back. 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:22.360 And again, 00:29:22.480 --> 00:29:23.019 there will be a 00:29:23.019 --> 00:29:23.759 showdown between 00:29:23.759 --> 00:29:24.380 the prince of 00:29:24.380 --> 00:29:26.400 this world and 00:29:26.400 --> 00:29:27.079 the Lord Jesus. 00:29:28.480 --> 00:29:29.279 And again, 00:29:29.380 --> 00:29:30.240 it will be seen 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:31.539 that the 00:29:31.539 --> 00:29:32.399 prince of this 00:29:32.399 --> 00:29:33.480 world has no 00:29:33.480 --> 00:29:34.879 hold over 00:29:34.879 --> 00:29:35.399 Jesus. 00:29:40.500 --> 00:29:41.240 With these 00:29:41.240 --> 00:29:41.839 things in view, 00:29:41.920 --> 00:29:42.639 let me encourage 00:29:42.639 --> 00:29:43.539 you with whatever 00:29:43.539 --> 00:29:44.139 you're going 00:29:44.139 --> 00:29:46.720 through, do 00:29:46.720 --> 00:29:47.259 not let your 00:29:47.259 --> 00:29:47.779 hearts be 00:29:47.779 --> 00:29:48.119 troubled. 00:29:50.819 --> 00:29:51.579 Do not be 00:29:51.579 --> 00:29:52.000 afraid. 00:29:52.000 --> 00:29:59.079 lastly, I want 00:29:59.079 --> 00:29:59.599 to point you to 00:29:59.599 --> 00:30:00.319 one thing that 00:30:00.319 --> 00:30:01.140 we notice about 00:30:01.140 --> 00:30:02.920 Jesus here that 00:30:02.920 --> 00:30:03.880 really blessed me 00:30:03.880 --> 00:30:04.460 this week. 00:30:05.859 --> 00:30:06.700 You know, it's 00:30:06.700 --> 00:30:07.700 easy for us to 00:30:07.700 --> 00:30:08.700 think of Jesus as 00:30:08.700 --> 00:30:09.519 the commanding 00:30:09.519 --> 00:30:09.960 king. 00:30:11.019 --> 00:30:11.839 Just like we 00:30:11.839 --> 00:30:12.619 read back up in 00:30:12.619 --> 00:30:13.599 verse 15, if you 00:30:13.599 --> 00:30:14.960 love me, keep my 00:30:14.960 --> 00:30:15.480 commands. 00:30:17.220 --> 00:30:18.779 And Jesus is a 00:30:18.779 --> 00:30:19.559 commanding king. 00:30:19.559 --> 00:30:22.779 But do you see 00:30:22.779 --> 00:30:24.159 in these verses 00:30:24.159 --> 00:30:26.740 just how tender 00:30:26.740 --> 00:30:28.279 and gentle 00:30:28.279 --> 00:30:30.000 and sensitive 00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:31.079 Jesus is 00:30:31.079 --> 00:30:33.460 towards his 00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:34.039 disciples? 00:30:36.099 --> 00:30:37.379 He doesn't beat 00:30:37.379 --> 00:30:37.799 them down. 00:30:37.919 --> 00:30:38.519 He doesn't say, 00:30:38.819 --> 00:30:40.039 just stop worrying 00:30:40.039 --> 00:30:40.500 already. 00:30:41.019 --> 00:30:41.619 Enough. 00:30:42.359 --> 00:30:43.299 Get over it. 00:30:43.299 --> 00:30:47.519 He's gentle. 00:30:48.599 --> 00:30:49.619 He's tender. 00:30:50.519 --> 00:30:51.759 He sees their 00:30:51.759 --> 00:30:52.539 state of mind, 00:30:52.659 --> 00:30:53.220 their state of 00:30:53.220 --> 00:30:55.180 heart, and he 00:30:55.180 --> 00:30:55.899 calls them out of 00:30:55.899 --> 00:30:59.359 it to trust, to 00:30:59.359 --> 00:30:59.819 believe. 00:31:02.319 --> 00:31:03.960 He wants them to 00:31:03.960 --> 00:31:05.319 have peace in 00:31:05.319 --> 00:31:05.940 their hearts. 00:31:07.960 --> 00:31:08.480 I mean, think 00:31:08.480 --> 00:31:09.099 about that. 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:11.879 Jesus cares about 00:31:11.879 --> 00:31:12.879 how you feel. 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:15.180 that matters to 00:31:15.180 --> 00:31:15.440 him. 00:31:18.139 --> 00:31:19.440 He's not just a 00:31:19.440 --> 00:31:20.259 commanding king. 00:31:22.180 --> 00:31:24.240 He is also a 00:31:24.240 --> 00:31:25.119 sympathetic brother. 00:31:26.740 --> 00:31:27.839 He knows our 00:31:27.839 --> 00:31:29.740 weakness, our 00:31:29.740 --> 00:31:30.200 frailty. 00:31:31.500 --> 00:31:32.759 He sees those 00:31:32.759 --> 00:31:33.940 worries and fears 00:31:33.940 --> 00:31:34.759 that we carry. 00:31:37.039 --> 00:31:38.359 And he has the 00:31:38.359 --> 00:31:38.859 antidote. 00:31:39.879 --> 00:31:40.839 He has what we 00:31:40.839 --> 00:31:41.359 long for. 00:31:41.359 --> 00:31:43.199 true, lasting, 00:31:43.719 --> 00:31:44.759 inward peace. 00:31:46.919 --> 00:31:47.859 So come to 00:31:47.859 --> 00:31:50.179 him and find 00:31:50.179 --> 00:31:51.619 that in him. 00:31:54.799 --> 00:31:55.539 Let's pray. 00:31:55.539 --> 00:32:05.740 Father in heaven, we 00:32:05.740 --> 00:32:08.220 bow before you and 00:32:08.220 --> 00:32:09.420 we offer up our 00:32:09.420 --> 00:32:10.420 hearts to you. 00:32:12.960 --> 00:32:14.059 We offer up the 00:32:14.059 --> 00:32:14.480 struggles. 00:32:14.740 --> 00:32:16.579 We offer up the 00:32:16.579 --> 00:32:17.099 worries. 00:32:17.099 --> 00:32:17.219 peace. 00:32:17.219 --> 00:32:21.559 We ask that you 00:32:21.559 --> 00:32:23.059 would come deep 00:32:23.059 --> 00:32:23.919 into our hearts 00:32:23.919 --> 00:32:26.240 and give us 00:32:26.240 --> 00:32:26.679 peace. 00:32:31.039 --> 00:32:32.559 Remind us of the 00:32:32.559 --> 00:32:33.519 specific truths, 00:32:33.579 --> 00:32:34.299 each one of us, 00:32:34.359 --> 00:32:35.000 that we need to 00:32:35.000 --> 00:32:35.619 know from you 00:32:35.619 --> 00:32:36.000 today. 00:32:40.039 --> 00:32:41.039 Thank you that you 00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:42.539 are a wonderful and 00:32:42.539 --> 00:32:43.500 compassionate Savior. 00:32:43.500 --> 00:32:46.799 thank you for dying 00:32:46.799 --> 00:32:47.640 on the cross for 00:32:47.640 --> 00:32:50.259 us, for taking 00:32:50.259 --> 00:32:51.359 care of all of 00:32:51.359 --> 00:32:52.319 our sin and our 00:32:52.319 --> 00:32:54.180 guilt, and that 00:32:54.180 --> 00:32:55.759 one day we get to 00:32:55.759 --> 00:32:58.680 look forward to 00:32:58.680 --> 00:32:59.279 your glorious 00:32:59.279 --> 00:33:00.180 kingdom and life 00:33:00.180 --> 00:33:02.319 with you and with 00:33:02.319 --> 00:33:03.759 each other forever. 00:33:06.500 --> 00:33:07.559 To your name be the 00:33:07.559 --> 00:33:07.839 glory. 00:33:09.039 --> 00:33:09.359 Amen.