Finding Comfort in Trouble | John 14:1-4
Sermon Summary
In John 14, as Jesus prepares to leave his disciples for the cross, he turns his attention not to his own coming suffering but to comforting them. He tells them to not let their hearts be troubled, to believe in Him, and that there is place for them in heaven. Comfort isn't something we manufacture through busyness, or striving, but something we receive simply by trusting that Jesus is present with us and that our future with him is secure.
The Big Idea
The grace and the comfort of God are simply received, not earned by human effort. Jesus will meet each one of our needs because we were made for Him.
Key Scriptures:
Acts 9:31 (NASB): So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.
John 14:1 (NASB): “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.”
2 Corinthians 1:3 (NASB): Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort
Matthew 5:4 (NASB): Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Psalm 46:1 (NASB): God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Truths to focus on this week:
The comfort of His presence: The answer to our troubled heart is to believe in Jesus. We believe not just in an idea, but a Person. As one puritan said, "a sense of God's presence in love is sufficient to rebuke all anxiety and fears”
The comfort of knowing we have a home: We have a permanent home in our Father’s house– heaven. No matter what stage of life we’re in, we need to gaze on heaven and remember we were made for Jesus.
Reflection Questions
Where have you been looking for comfort instead of Jesus? What's on your heart right now that you need to bring to him this week, instead of numbing out on media or other comforts?
What would it look like to set aside distraction and rest in Jesus’ presence this week?