Difference between revisions of "Judas - John 14:15-31"

Latest revision as of 17:02, 19 December 2024

LESSON NOTES AND QUESTIONS

Summary: In John 14:15–31, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who is described as the Advocate or Comforter. This passage emphasizes the intimate relationship believers can have with God through the Spirit, who teaches, reminds, and empowers them in their faith. The Holy Spirit is not just a theological concept but a real presence that dwells within believers and is actively involved in their lives. Understanding this can transform your relationship with God and enhance your spiritual growth. The indwelling Holy Spirit creates a personal, transformative relationship with God that empowers believers to navigate life in faith and love.

Application: Christians should cultivate a deeper, personal relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. Relying on the Spirit's guidance and comfort in facing life’s challenges is incredibly important and we must remember that those who follow Christ are never alone.

Background on Disciple: In John 14:22 (not John 15:22), a disciple named Judas (not Iscariot) asks Jesus a question. This Judas is distinct from Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. That being said, we don’t know a lot about this disciple. What we do know is that He is one of the twelve apostles mentioned in Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13. In some translations and traditions, he is called Jude (e.g., in the King James Version) or Thaddaeus in other Gospels like Matthew 10:3 and Mark 3:18. Some believe that Judas to be the author of the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament. However, Jude 17 is sometimes used to refute this identification. The identification of Judas (not Iscariot) with Thaddaeus arises from a comparison of the lists of the Twelve Apostles in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts. While each Gospel provides a slightly different list, they refer to the same group of individuals using different names or epithets. Early Christian writers, such as Jerome and Eusebius, also identified Judas son of James with Thaddaeus. This tradition has been accepted by both the Western and Eastern Churches.

1. Promise of the Paraclete

John 14:15-21

Jesus's promise of the Holy Spirit reflects God's desire for a lasting relationship with His followers. This is where the promise of the Holy Spirit as an Advocate begins, offering guidance and comfort directly from God. The command to love and obey, as a response to this divine presence that resides within believers should encourage us to align our actions with God's will.

QUESTION:

• When have you been in a situation where you needed nothing short of encouragement from God? What did you do? How did you position yourself to get this encouragement? What was the result? What would you do differently in the future?

2. Presence Amidst Uncertainty

John 14:22-24

Jesus reassured His disciples of His presence through the Spirit when faced with uncertainty or doubt. By understanding the Spirit's role in keeping Jesus' teachings alive, believers can be reminded of the necessity of maintaining love and obedience to God, reinforced by this divine companionship.

QUESTION:

• When have you been in a position where you felt like nobody could understand your decision to obey God? How did you draw strength from your relationship with God? What reminders were you given to remind you that you needed to remain faithful?

3. Peace Through the Spirit

John 14:25-31

The peace Jesus offers through the Holy Spirit is a unique peace, not as the world gives. This peace empowers believers to not be troubled or afraid but to face challenges with assurance. Connecting this to Christ’s own peace can help believers understand the deep, abiding comfort and courage they have through the Spirit, urging them to live boldly in faith.

QUESTION:

• When have you felt peace that can only be described as a peace that comes through Christ?