The Story of Jesus Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled (Lesson 81)
Introduction:
1. Growing in the knowledge of Christ is an important responsibility (2 Peter 3:18). 2. Searching the Scriptures is the key to achieving this growth (John 5:39). 3. This lesson is a study of the Lord's teaching in John 14:1-6 with special emphasis on His statement in vs.1 -- "Let not your heart be troubled." 4. Let us first determine . . .
Discussion:
I. WHY JESUS MADE THIS STATEMENT TO HIS DISCIPLES
A. According to John 13:1-2, Jesus had just eaten the Passover meal with His disciples. B. On that occasion Jesus gave instructions for His Supper (Luke 22:19-20). C. Jesus also informed His disciples that He was leaving them (John 13:33). D. Peter's response in vs.36-37 indicates that he was troubled. E. Jesus did not want His followers to remain in their troubled state, so He said, "Let not your heart be troubled" [He repeated this statement in John 14:27]. F. We understand why Jesus made this statement to His disciples -- they were upset after Jesus told them He was leaving and they could not go with Him. G. We have something in common with the disciples -- we also face circumstances that cause our hearts to be troubled (2 Corinthians 4:8a). H. We need to listen carefully to the instructions and the information that Jesus gave to His disciples to help their troubled hearts.
II. JESUS GAVE HIS DISCIPLES SOME INSTRUCTIONS TO HELP THEIR TROUBLED HEARTS
A. First, He said in vs.1b, "Believe in God." 1. As the Bible begins, it declares the existence of God (Genesis 1:1). 2. The Bible also provides evidence for God's existence (Psalm 19:1-6). 3. How does believing in God help us when our hearts are troubled? a. During times of trouble God provides help (Psalm 46:1). b. God also provides comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4a). c. Those who believe in God can say with Paul, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair" (2 Corinthians 4:8). B. Second, Jesus said in vs.1c, "Believe also in me." 1. The Bible declares that: a. Jesus came to earth (John 1:14) 1) While on earth Jesus faced the same trials we face (Hebrews 4:15). 2) Consequently, He provides assistance to His followers (Hebrews 4:16). b. We know that Jesus is God's Son on the basis of His miracles (John 20:30-31). 2. Satan uses trouble to try to prevent us from believing in God and Christ. 3. Jesus said, "Believe in God, believe also in me."
III. JESUS PRESENTED SOME INFORMATION TO HIS DISCIPLES TO HELP THEIR TROUBLED HEARTS
A. (vs.2) Jesus spoke about His Father's house [heaven]. 1. He indicated that there is plenty of room in His Father's house. 2. He said He was going there to prepare a place for His followers. 3. Heaven is prepared in such a way that things which cause our hearts to be troubled will not be there (Revelation 21:4, 27). 4. Jesus assured His disciples that they could eventually be there with Him. 5. Thomas was confused, but we can know the way to the Father -- Jesus is the only way. B. (vs.3) Jesus also spoke about His return. 1. Earlier, Jesus connected the resurrection and the judgment with His return (John 5:28-29). 2. Those who are prepared for His return will be blessed with eternal life.