Can God Still Use Me After I Fail? | John 18:15-27, 21:15-17 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: Can God Still Use Me After I Fail?

Scripture: 📖 John 18:15-27; 21:15-17

Preacher: Darien Roger Gabriel

Bottom Line: Jesus restores Peter not just to relationship but to responsibility—because shepherding the flock is how Jesus continues His mission in the world.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
📖 SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Illustration: Chuck Colson—The Question That Haunted Him

When Chuck Colson, one of President Nixon’s top advisors, was arrested during the Watergate scandal, he went from the Oval Office to a federal prison cell almost overnight.

Before he entered prison, he wrote in his journal:

“Everything I’ve built is gone.

My reputation is destroyed.

My family is ashamed.

And God can’t possibly use me now.”

He later said the most painful moment wasn’t the trial—

it was the first night in prison.

He sat alone in a cold cell, staring at concrete walls, and whispered the question that haunted him:

“Lord… is my life over?

Can You still use me after what I’ve done?”

That is the question of a man who has failed.

That is the question of a man who believes he is disqualified.

And that is the same question Peter carried after denying Jesus three times.

Colson thought his future was finished.

But God met him in prison with grace, forgiveness, and a new mission.

When he was released, he founded Prison Fellowship, which today is the largest prison ministry in the world—impacting thousands of inmates and families with the gospel.

He said near the end of his life:

“My greatest failure became God’s greatest assignment.”

Bottom Line: Jesus restores Peter not just to relationship but to responsibility—because shepherding the flock is how Jesus continues His mission in the world.

CONTEXT

It's the night before the cross. The last supper has passed. The betrayal has happened in Jesus and his disciples are separated. Jesus is being interrogated, and Peter awaits outside by the fire.

Bottom Line: Jesus restores Peter not just to relationship but to responsibility—because shepherding the flock is how Jesus continues His mission in the world.

SERMON OUTLINE (with help from ChatGPT and Kent Hughes)

I. PETER’S FAILURE AND JESUS’ GRACE (John 18:15–27; 21:9–14)

A. The charcoal fire of denial

• Night, cold, fear

• Standing with the wrong crowd

• “I am not” vs. Jesus’ “I AM”

B. The charcoal fire of restoration

• Morning, warmth, grace

• Jesus initiates breakfast and fellowship

• Grace confronts the place of failure

Key idea: Jesus breaks Peter to heal Peter, not to shame him.

II. JESUS RESTORES PETER TO A SHEPHERDING MISSION (John 21:15–17)

(Each “Do you love Me?” is followed by a mission task.)

This is the heart of the text.

III. THE FIVE SHEPHERDING TASKS JESUS CALLS PETER (AND US) TO

These reflect Jesus’ own mission in John:

1. Calling the Flock

“Do you love Me?” → “Feed my lambs.”

• Shepherds help others recognize Jesus’ voice (John 10:3–4).

• Jesus calls Peter to invite, gather, initiate discipleship with those who are young in the faith.

Application:

We call people to Jesus out of love for Jesus, not guilt or pressure.

2. Feeding the Flock

“Feed my lambs… feed my sheep.”

• Feeding = teaching truth, giving spiritual nourishment (John 6:35; 8:31–32).

• A church can’t thrive without a steady diet of Jesus’ words.

Application:

We teach the Word—at home, in groups, in relationships—because sheep starve without it.

3. Leading the Flock

“Shepherd my sheep.” (poimaínō)

• Shepherding includes guiding, setting direction, helping people follow Jesus.

• Jesus led His disciples toward obedience, mission, service, and sacrifice.

Application:

Leadership in the church is never about control, but direction toward Jesus.

4. Protecting the Flock

(Implied in poimaínō + the contrast with wolves in John 10.)

• Shepherds guard the sheep against false teaching, spiritual danger, sin patterns, and discouragement.

• Love protects (John 10:12–13).

Application:

Shepherding means stepping in, warning, correcting, and caring.

5. Gathering the Flock

Echo of John 10:16 — “I have other sheep… I must bring them also.”

• Shepherding isn’t only nurture; it’s mission.

• Jesus is still gathering sheep through the shepherding of His people.

Application:

Mission flows from shepherding—a healthy, discipled church becomes a reproducing church.

IV. WHY SHEPHERDING ADVANCES JESUS’ MISSION

Tie in John 20:21 and John 17.

A. Jesus’ mission was shepherding people into life.

B. Peter continues Jesus’ mission by shepherding His church.

C. The church continues Jesus’ mission when we shepherd one another.

Love leads to shepherding; shepherding leads to mission.

V. JESUS’ RESTORATION OF PETER IS OUR STORY (APPLICATION)

A. Jesus restores failures—not to sidelines, but to service.

Your past doesn’t disqualify you; it becomes the place of commissioning.

B. Love for Jesus expresses itself in care for His people.

Not talk, not sentiment—but shepherding.

C. Every Christian is called to shepherd someone.

• Parents shepherd children

• Mentors shepherd younger believers

• Groups shepherd one another

• Leaders shepherd the church

• The church shepherds the city

CONCLUSION

Return to the two fires:

• The first represents what we break.

• The second represents what Jesus builds.

And Jesus still asks:

“Do you love Me?”

Then shepherd My people.

Because that’s how My mission moves forward.”

Bottom Line: Jesus restores Peter not just to relationship but to responsibility—because shepherding the flock is how Jesus continues His mission in the world.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

Title: Can God Still Use Me After I Fail?

Passages: John 18:15–27; John 21:15–17

Speaker: Pastor Darien Gabriel

Grace Christian Fellowship — Charleston, SC

Failure isn’t the end of your story. In today’s message, we look at one of the most dramatic collapses and one of the most beautiful comebacks in the Bible—the story of Peter.

In John 18, Peter denies Jesus three times. Fear, shame, and pressure overwhelm him.

In John 21, the resurrected Jesus meets Peter—not with condemnation—but with restoration, recommissioning, and a renewed call to shepherd God’s people.

If you’ve ever wondered:

Can God still use me after I fail?
Does Jesus still want me—after I blew it?
Is my calling gone?

Peter’s story gives hope. Jesus isn’t finished with you. He restores us, recommissions us, and invites us back into His mission.

Main Themes:

• Failure doesn’t disqualify you

• Jesus pursues and restores broken disciples

• Shepherding is the heart of following Jesus

• Restoration leads to renewed mission

Whether you’re exploring faith, returning after a fall, or seeking fresh encouragement, this message will help you see Jesus’ grace in a whole new way.

👇 Chapters

(You can add timestamps after uploading.)

👇 Connect With Us

Grace Christian Fellowship

🌐 gcfsc.org

📍 Ladson / Charleston, SC

Sundays at 10:30 AM

👍 Like, 💬 comment, and subscribe for weekly messages that help you follow Jesus where you live, work, learn, and play.

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

ChatGPT AI

Darien GabrielNovember 30, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, 29456, Signs and Glory, John 18, non-denominational church, bible-believing church

Why Does Jesus Lead Us Into Dark Places? | John 18:1-14 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: Why does Jesus lead us into dark places?

Scripture: 📖 John 18:1-14 NIV

Preacher: Darien Roger Gabriel

Bottom Line: Jesus is fully in control even when everything looks out of control. Our best response is FOLLOWING King Jesus over FIGHTing or FLEEing.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
📖 SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

"With the rise of global terrorism, world leaders have spoken a great deal about vanquishing evil.

But, as one writer in the *Guardian* pointed out, ‘Their rhetoric reveals a failure to accept that cruelty and conflict are basic human traits.’

As Albert Einstein said, ‘I do not fear the explosive power of the atom bomb. What I fear is the explosive power of *evil* in the human heart.'" -Nicky Gumbel

Dark evil in the human heart is why we have murder abortion, human trafficking, genocide, rape, betrayal, abandonment, terrorismand war.

Why does Jesus lead us into dark places when he could lead us to places that are less dark because those are the very places that need his light.

Light that exposes the truth and reveals reality for what it is. Light that speaks of a Hope that comes as light, life and love. And his name is Jesus.

BOTTOM LINE: Jesus is fully in control even when everything looks out of control. Our best response is FOLLOWING King Jesus over FIGHTing or FLEEing.

Our best response is to follow Jesus into our dark circumstances instead of fighting those circumstances or fleeing those circumstances. Let me show you where that comes from in this passage today.

CONTEXT

Jesus is now moving from active obedience to passive (surrendered) obedience. But this doesn't mean he isn't still in control. He's choosing to drink from "the cup" of God's wrath out of love for his Father and compassion for us. This is the beginning of his deep drink of God's wrath for our sake and God's glory.

BOTTOM LINE: Jesus is fully in control even when everything looks out of control. Our best response is FOLLOWING King Jesus over FIGHTing or FLEEing.

The call of the passage is clear: Follow Jesus by surrendering to the Father’s will, even when it’s painful, confusing, or costly.

SERMON OUTLINE (with help from ChatGPT and several commentaries)

Why does Jesus lead us into dark places?

Because we’re in a war against the kingdom of darkness.
Because we, as children of light, are how Jesus rescues people from darkness.

⸻

1. Jesus Displays Sovereign Power and Authority in the Dark (vv. 1–9, 12–14)

What the text shows:

• He leads the disciples into the garden (18:1).

• He knows exactly what is coming (18:4).

• He steps forward, not backward (18:4).

• He declares “I AM,” and the soldiers fall (18:5–6). Strong winds (ultimate Monday night) and bright lights.

• He protects His disciples (“Let these men go”) (18:8).

• He submits to arrest not because He is overpowered but because He is obeying the Father’s plan (18:12).

• He is taken to Annas, yet remains the real authority in the room (18:13–14).

2. How We Respond in Dark Circumstances (vv. 10–11 + implied vv. 1–9)

A. Two wrong responses (the disciples):

1. Fight – Peter’s misguided zeal (vv. 10–11)

• He acts in fear, not faith.

• He tries to take control rather than trust God’s plan.

• “Put your sword away”—Jesus rebukes him.

2. Flight – the disciples’ fearful abandonment (implied v. 8; explicit in Synoptics)

• Jesus protects them… yet they still run.

• They panic and scatter in different directions.

• They trust their instincts, not their Savior.

B. One right response (Jesus):

3. Follow - by surrendering to the Father’s will

• “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (v. 11)

• Jesus models the response His disciples fail to give.

CONCLUSION

“Imagine a father walking beside a railroad track with his three-year-old son. There is danger at hand, so the father holds the child’s hand. If the boy’s safety depends on the strength of his grasp on his father’s hand, he is in grave danger—he could lose his grip and wander into the path of a train. What keeps the child from destruction is not the boy’s grip on his father’s hand but the father’s grip on the child’s hand. That is what Jesus was asking the Father to do—to keep His grip on the disciples.” -Nicky Gumbel

What a great picture of why we can feel good about following Jesus into dark places. We trust him to hold on to us no matter what.

BOTTOM LINE: Jesus is fully in control even when everything looks out of control. Our best response is FOLLOWING King Jesus over FIGHTing or FLEEing.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

When Jesus prays that believers “may be one,” He is asking the Father to create a deep, spiritual unity among His followers—a unity patterned after the perfect oneness of the Father and the Son. This unity is not primarily institutional or organizational; it is the supernatural, Spirit-given unity that flows from our shared union with Christ. Because we belong to Him, we belong to one another.

This oneness is:

1. Spiritual

Rooted in the new birth and the indwelling Spirit. All who are in Christ share one life, one love, and one purpose.

2. Relational

Marked by love, humility, forgiveness, and mutual care—the same love the Father and Son share.

3. Missional

This unity shows the watching world that Jesus truly came from God. Visible love among believers makes the invisible gospel credible.

In short:

“Being one in Christ” means sharing in the life, love, and mission of the Father and Son—so that the world sees Jesus through His people.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

Description:

What matters most to Jesus’ heart? In John 17, we overhear the Son of God praying—for His glory, for His disciples, and for every future believer. Just hours before the cross, Jesus prays that we would live for God’s glory, be sanctified by His truth, and be united in His love. This is the prayer that still shapes the world today.

Bottom Line: Jesus prayed for His glory, our sanctification, and our unity—so the world would know His love.

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction

2:45 – Jesus Prays for His Glory (John 17:1–5)

10:20 – Jesus Prays for Our Sanctification (John 17:6–19)

19:45 – Jesus Prays for Our Unity (John 17:20–26)

28:50 – How We Live as the Answer to Jesus’ Prayer

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

📖 Sermon Title: Why Can You Trust Jesus Even When Life Goes Dark?

🕊️ Scripture: John 18:1–14

🎙️ Pastor Darien Gabriel | Grace Christian Fellowship

When Jesus enters the Garden of Gethsemane, everything around Him looks out of control—an armed mob approaches, Judas betrays Him, and His closest disciples fall apart in panic. Yet John shows us something stunning: Jesus is the only one who remains calm, composed, and completely in control.

In this message, we look at how Jesus displays sovereign power in the darkness and how His followers often respond with fight, flight, or faithful surrender. When life gets confusing, frightening, or heartbreaking, this passage answers one core question:

Why can you trust Jesus even when your world feels like it’s falling apart?

Whether you’re facing uncertainty, fear, or the weight of difficult circumstances, this passage offers hope and courage for anyone learning to follow Jesus in the dark.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Jesus’ arrest wasn’t an accident—He leads the moment.
Peter fights, the disciples flee, but Jesus faithfully follows the Father’s will.
When life gets dark, we can trust Jesus because He never loses control.

If this message encourages you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for weekly sermons and teaching from GCF.

If you want a shorter or more SEO-optimized version, I can craft that too.

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

ChatGPT AI

Darien GabrielNovember 23, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipGrace Christian Fellowship, Bible believing church, Ladson, SC, Darien Gabriel, John

How Does Jesus' Prayer Still Shape the World Today? Part 2 | John 17:20-26 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: Part 2: How Does Jesus’ Prayer Still Shape the World Today?

Scripture: 📖 John 17:20-26 NIV

Genesis 11:1-7

Preacher: Darien Roger Gabriel

Bottom Line: Jesus’ prayer shapes the world today by forming a unified, loved, and mission-driven people who embody His presence in the world.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
📖 SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

Bottom Line: Jesus’ prayer shapes the world today by forming a unified, loved, and mission-driven people who embody His presence in the world.

INTRODUCTION

There's something powerful when a group of people are unified in their commitment to the vision and values of their organization.

When a college football team buys into their coaches vision, value, and philosophy, they can be very successful for a long time. We've seen this in college basketball, not to mention other sports.

The US Army has a slogan, "An Army of One." I love that. They share a common mission and values. And they train accordingly.

The Bible even has a powerful example of this in Genesis 11:1-7.

Now imagine what would happen if God supernaturally united his people around his purpose, mission and love.

Pastor Kent Hughes writes:

"Christian unity is supernatural because it comes from God's nature and is only experienced in its fullness as we draw close to him: "That they may be one even as we are one."

That unity, though, does not mean uniformity in everything. In the Trinity there exists a unity in diversity-three distinct Persons, yet they are one.

Suppose, for a moment, that we could bring some of the great Christians of the centuries together under one roof. From the fourth century would come the great intellect Augustine of Hippo. From the tenth century, Bernard of Clairvaux. From the sixteenth, the peerless reformer John Calvin. From the seventeenth century would come John Wesley, the great Methodist advocate of free will, and along with him George Whitefield, the evangelist. From the nineteenth century, the Baptist C. H. Spurgeon and D. L. Moody. And, finally, from the twentieth century, Billy Graham.

If we gathered all these men under one steeple, we would have trouble!

We would be unable to get a unanimous vote on many things. But underneath it all would be unity. And the more the men lifted up Christ and the more they focused on him, the greater their unity would be. There would be unity amid a great diversity of style and opinion.

Christ's prayer for unity does not mean we all should be the same, though many Christians mistakenly assume that. Too many think other believers should be just like them-carry the same Bible, read the same books, promote the same styles, educate their children in the same way, have the same likes and dislikes. That would be uniformity, not unity. We are not called to be Christian clones. In fact, the insistence that others be just like us is one of the most disunifying forces in the church of Jesus Christ. It engenders a judgmental inflexibility that hurls people away from the church with deadly force. One of the gospel's glories is that it hallows our individuality even while bringing us into unity. Unity without uniformity is implicit in Paul's teaching on spiritual gifts." - Hughes, pp. 412-413

Bottom Line: Jesus’ prayer shapes the world today by forming a unified, loved, and mission-driven people who embody His presence in the world.

Let’s listen in on the most powerful prayer ever prayed—and see how it still shapes our world today.

CONTEXT

• This is Jesus’ final recorded prayer before His arrest—called the High Priestly Prayer.

• It concludes His upper room teaching (John 13–17).

• The cross is just hours away.

• Jesus prays for the Father’s glory, the disciples’ protection and holiness, and the church’s unity—all for the sake of the world.

A Lutheran theologian coined this the Lord's high priestly prayer because Jesus both "consecrates himself for the sacrifice in which he is simultaneously both priest and the victim." (Bruce)

SERMON OUTLINE (with help from ChatGPT & Matt Carter)

I. United...(20-21a)

- Past and present disciples
- Around "Their message" aka the Gospel; Ex. Found in the Bible Ex. "The Message" paraphrase
- That we may be one just as we see in the Triune God
  - 1 God
  - 3 Persons unified but also diverse in role and rank
- Displays Jesus' body or people or way to a wandering world
- The Church is A Photograph
  - "The church is the visible display of God's goodness to this world. Each local church is the visible display of God's kindness to its community. We don't have any photographs of Jesus. The church is the photograph. The church is the picture of his love and mercy. There's a picture frame around each church and a sign above us that says, "Come, see what God is like."" Matt Carter, p. 349

II. Loved...(22, 24, 26) "To be with me"-- Abiding in Christ; Christ in me/me in Christ like Christ in the Father and the Father in Christ

- Jesus gave them (and us through them) his glory
- Transfiguration was a sneak peak as was the resurrection
- Also demonstrated his power, love, truth and holiness for 3 years
- His love most demonstrated on the cross
- His "desire" is to be with us and us with him; to know and be known
- Heaven is not as much a place as it is a person.
  - Long-distance relationships are hard because we're not together
  - We do what we need to do to be together; it almost doesn't matter where as long as we're together
  - Heaven is the place but what really matters is that we're together
- And to share more of his glory in the future forever
- Glory he received because of the Father's love for Jesus and is why Jesus shows it to us
- Love is the bottom line reason
- Do you love your neighbor as you love yourself?
- Do you love your brothers and sisters in Christ sacrificially?
- Jesus made the Father known to his followers (and will continue to) so that the love the Father has for Jesus may be in us and that Jesus may be in/with us forever

III. Mission-driven people,

- Why does it matter that the world know God sent Jesus? Because that's when they will believe that Jesus died for them so that they will live for him
- Jesus revealed God to us
- Jesus continues to reveal God to us through his spirit
- We're to reveal God to others like the moon reflects the sun rays to earth; it looks like the source of moonlight but it's not
- Why? Because he loves us as the Father loves him
- We are here as Christ-followers because others shared and passed on the love, truth, holiness and message of Jesus.
  - Do you realize that?
- We are still here because Jesus wants to continue to pass this on to others...through you and me.
  - Do you realize that? Are you on board with that?
- Jesus' antidote to worry was being mission-driven motivated by love.
  - "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33 NIV
- Our mission unifies us.
  - A coach of our ultimate frisbee team shared this at our debrief at the end of practice this week:
    - Illustration: A symphony—different instruments, one beautiful sound under one conductor. A symphony—different instruments, one beautiful sound under one conductor.

IV. Who embody His presence in the world. (21b, 23b)

- The NT tells us that we are "the body of Christ."
  - That means that while they cannot see him like the 12 did, the world can still see Jesus in us.
  - He is most visible when we love one another in unity of mission, truth, holiness and love.
  - Our unity is a witness to the world.
  - He is the head--we are the body. When we are in sync with him, we will be in sync with one another.
- When we are unified it will be around the things that matter most.
  - The secondary and tertiary things will not matter as much.
  - When we abide in Christ, we will not let those disagreements matter too much.
- Illustration: The most important rule in Ultimate Frisbee is called the Spirit of the Game rule. It states: "

“Spirit of the Game is a set of principles which places the responsibility for fair play on the player. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of mutual respect among competitors, adherence to the agreed upon rules, or the basic joy of play.” USAultimate.org

- This is how we're to view God's most important law--the law of love. Christ-like love. Sacrificial, unconditional love. The only debt we're to really have. The debt to love our neighbors as ourselves and to love each other as Christ loved us. This is The Way. Imagine if everyone at GCF would do this, not perfectly, but, consistently. We'd change this city.

If you've seen a military documentary, then you can probably picture scenes where battalions of soldiers line up, all wearing matching uni-forms, all standing the same way. They are faceless, nameless, and opinionless, but they're uniform. Some believe the church should be a battalion of nondescript soldiers ready to assault the world. This often happens when a leader demands everyone think like he thinks. He often uses the pulpit to bully people into his positions. He's trying to create good soldiers who think, look, and act just like him." -Matt Carter, p. 344

At the same time, we all have a uniform as well and that is the robes of righteousness that we wear in Jesus. So we actually do wear a uniform of sorts and I think that unifies us it reminds us that we're unique and in his kingdom.

"As John Stott has pointed out, the unity enjoined here is not only a unity among present believers, but a unity with the apostolic church and its teach-ing. Christ says in verse 20:

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.

Stott goes on:

It is first and foremost a prayer that there may be a historical continuity between the church of the first century and the church of subsequent cen-turies; that the church's faith may not change but remain recognizably the same; that the church of every age may merit the title "apostolic" because it is loyal to the teaching of the apostles.?

The unity for which the Savior prays is a unity that comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and grows as we draw nearer to God by being..." Hughes

Application: Our unity in love is God’s greatest apologetic—it shows the world who Jesus really is.

CONCLUSION

Illustration: A broken mirror--each shard reflects only part of the image. And we are broken shards. But when the pieces come together, the reflection becomes whole again. The Church's unity reflects Christ's full image to a watching world.

Jesus ends where he started. He came to show us his glory: his holiness, truth and love. That was his mission. Now he's handing it off to his must trusting disciples to carry-on where he left off. He leaves them equipped and trained. He leaves them with this Holy Spirit so that they are empowered and protected. He leaves them with his word so that they will remember what unifies us without getting off message.

Bottom Line: Jesus’ prayer shapes the world today by forming a unified, loved, and mission-driven people who embody His presence in the world.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Quote

“If we are distracted from real-time connection with the mercies of God, so that our hearts grow cold and our mouths become reckless and our eyes wayward and our feet wandering, we are only one misstep away from life-shattering catastrophe. We do not have to give ourselves to raw evil to end up there; we only have to unguard our hearts, we only have to stop being vigilant. Every one of us is always five minutes away from total disaster. But if we are receiving by faith the outpouring of Christ’s love in constant supply from his Throne of Grace, we cannot lose our way.”—Ray Ortlund

"Jacques Ellul, the French sociologist, in his book The Meaning of the City, says the driving force behind ancient history was the desire to come together and advance in the face of this disunity. Thus the rise of the city.

However, he points out, with the formation of cities came the practice of laying the foundation stone on the body of a human sacrifice, a practice, he maintains, we moderns have replaced with the sacrifice of millions of souls?

The world's attempts to come together without God are always at the expense of human life." Hughes

I thought this was a good picture of how God works, and how we respond to his work freely, but dependently:

"The disciples were responsible to believe, but even their belief was the result of what God said and did.

Let's say you showed up to church one morning with your beautiful, ten-month old baby, dropped him off at the nursery, and headed in to the service. The nursery worker begins to talk to your ten-month-old.

"You look so nice. Did you take a bath this morning?" He nods his head yes. "It looks like you're full. Did you eat a yummy breakfast?" Once again, he nods his head yes. "I love your outfit. Did you get dressed in your nice clothes?" Again he answers yes. So he has answered yes to all three questions. He took a bath, he ate breakfast, and he got dressed.

But that's not the whole picture. As his parent, you drew the bathwater, lathered him with soap, and rinsed him off. You fixed breakfast, fed it to him, and cleaned up his mess. You washed his clothes, changed his diaper, and then got him dressed. It's true he took a bath, ate breakfast, and got dressed but only because of what you did. You did the work he couldn't do himself. He simply responded. God does the work of calling sinners to salvation. Our responsibility is to respond to what God does.

Let's summarize two principles from verses 6-11: God did the work.

Everything the disciples did was in response to what God had done. The disciples kept the word, but who gave them the word? God. The disciples believed on Jesus, but who sent Jesus? God. And behind all of this was God's choice of them and gift of them to the Son. God not only did the work, but God used his word. The way God brought them to faith was through his words. He didn't use visions or apparitions. He didn't open the heavens or rain down fire and brimstone. He created new life in the disciples simply through his words."

Matt Carter, pp. 338-339

John Knox

"John Knox, on his death-bed in 1572, asked his wife to read to him John 17, 'where' , he said, 'I cast my first anchor." And almost

his last words show how much his mind dwelt on this chapter, with its implications for 'the troubled church of God, the spouse of Jesus Christ, despised of the world but precious in his sight.* He clearly appreciated that the church's true life is lived on a higher plane than the turbulent political stage in which he had been so much involved and with which he was by now so thoroughly disillusioned"

That’s a great quote from F. F. Bruce, and it captures both John Knox’s turbulent life and the spiritual depth that marked his final days.

Here’s the background Bruce is referring to:

1. Knox’s early life and conversion.

John Knox (c. 1514–1572) was born in Scotland and originally trained as a Catholic priest and notary. In his thirties he was deeply influenced by the reformer George Wishart, whose preaching of salvation by faith in Christ alone cost him his life. Wishart’s martyrdom in 1546 marked Knox profoundly; soon afterward Knox openly embraced the Reformation and became a fiery preacher of the gospel.

2. Years of persecution and exile.

After the fall of the Protestant stronghold at St Andrews Castle, Knox was captured by French forces in 1547 and spent nearly nineteen months as a galley slave—a brutal experience that left him ill for the rest of his life. He was eventually released and went to England, where under Edward VI he served as a royal chaplain and helped shape the Protestant Church of England. When Mary Tudor (“Bloody Mary”) came to the throne, Knox fled to the Continent, spending several years in Geneva with John Calvin. There he found a model for what he later called “the most perfect school of Christ that ever was in the earth since the days of the apostles.”

3. Return to Scotland and political storms.

Knox returned to Scotland in 1559 and became the leading voice of the Scottish Reformation. His preaching and leadership were instrumental in overthrowing papal authority and establishing the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. But his ministry was constantly entangled with the intense political struggles of his time—especially his confrontations with Mary, Queen of Scots. He championed the sovereignty of God over kings, the authority of Scripture over tradition, and the independence of the church from civil control.

All this conflict took a toll. By the time of his death in 1572, Knox was weary and disillusioned with politics and with the divisions and corruption he still saw in Scotland’s church and government.

4. Why John 17 mattered so deeply to Knox.

On his deathbed he asked his wife to read John 17—the prayer where Jesus intercedes for His disciples and all believers, emphasizing their unity, sanctification, and eternal fellowship with Him. Knox said, “There I cast my first anchor.” That chapter had been his spiritual foundation from the beginning of his ministry, reminding him that the true church lives not by political triumphs but by Christ’s intercession.

Bruce’s comment highlights that contrast: after a life of public controversy and political entanglement, Knox’s mind rested on the heavenly reality of Christ’s prayer for His people—a church “despised of the world but precious in His sight.”

Would you like me to summarize how John 17 specifically connected to Knox’s theology of the church and his hope for Scotland?

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

Description:

Bottom Line: Jesus prayed for His glory, our sanctification, and our unity—so the world would know His love.

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction

2:45 – Jesus Prays for His Glory (John 17:1–5)

10:20 – Jesus Prays for Our Sanctification (John 17:6–19)

19:45 – Jesus Prays for Our Unity (John 17:20–26)

28:50 – How We Live as the Answer to Jesus’ Prayer

Subscribe for more messages from the Signs & Glory series and other teachings from Grace Christian Fellowship.

🕊️ Watch, share, and join us as we learn to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in Him and leading others to do the same.

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

ChatGPT AI

Darien GabrielNovember 16, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, Darien Gabriel, bible-believing church, non-denominational church, Signs & Glory, Jesus' prayer, John 17

How Does Jesus' Prayer Still Shape the World Today? | John 17:1-19 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: How Does Jesus’ Prayer Still Shape the World Today? Or How does Jesus’ prayer for us change the way we live? Part 1

Scripture: 📖 John 17:1-19

Philippians 2:5-11

Preacher: Darien Roger Gabriel

Bottom Line: Jesus prayed for His glory, the Twelve's sanctification, and our unity—so the world would know His love.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
📖 SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

Bottom Line: Jesus prayed for His glory, the Twelve's sanctification, and our unity—so the world would know His love.

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever overheard someone pray for you? There’s something deeply personal about hearing your name spoken in prayer.

In John 17, we get to “overhear” Jesus praying—not just for His disciples, but for every believer who would come after them.

If you want to know what matters most to someone, listen to how they pray.

Rowing

"In the sport of rowing, unity is key. Each oar must enter and exit the water at precisely the same time if the boat wants to maintain speed. The way the rowers stay in sync is by listening to the coxswain. The coxswain doesn't row; he sits in the back of the boat and calls out the strokes. The coxswain is the only one who faces forward, so the entire crew must listen to the coxswain's commands and respond. When that happens, the boat flies over the water. Unity doesn't come from everyone rowing their hardest but from everyone submitting to a single voice.

As the disciples submit to the voice of God, they grow more and more of the same mind. (See movie/book "The Boys in the Boat")

Their thoughts, desires, and intentions begin to mirror God's, and they experience a unity unfamiliar to the world." Matt Carter, p. 340

Bottom Line: Jesus prayed for His glory, the Twelve's sanctification, and our unity—so the world would know His love.

Let’s listen in on the most powerful prayer ever prayed—and see how it still shapes our world today.

CONTEXT

• This is Jesus’ final recorded prayer before His arrest—called the High Priestly Prayer.

• It concludes His upper room teaching (John 13–17).

• The cross is just hours away.

• Jesus prays for the Father’s glory, the disciples’ protection and holiness, and the church’s unity—all for the sake of the world.

SERMON OUTLINE (with help from ChatGPT & Matt Carter)

I. How Does Jesus Reveal God’s Glory? (John 17:1–5)

• “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.” (Cf. Luke 9:23; Phil 2:5-8)

• Eternal life is defined: “that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (v.3)

• The cross is not tragedy—it’s triumph, displaying divine glory through love and obedience.

Application: Worship means living to glorify God, even when it costs us.

II. How Does Jesus Pray for Our Sanctification? (John 17:6–19)

• The disciples belong to the Father and have received His word.

• Jesus doesn’t ask for their removal from the world but for their protection from the evil one.

• “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (v.17)

- - - "Jesus prays for the Father to sanctify them (w. 17-18). To "sanctify" is to set something aside for a special use-like fine china reserved for special occasions." Matt Carter, p. 340

• He sends them into the world as the Father sent Him (v.18).

Application: We’re called to live holy lives in an unholy world—set apart for God’s mission, not away from it.

III. How Does Jesus Pray for Our Unity? (John 17:20–26)

• “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” (v.20)

• The goal: “that all of them may be one… so that the world may believe.” (v.21)

• True unity reflects the oneness of the Father and the Son.

• Jesus wants His followers to experience the same love the Father has for Him.

- - - "Unity Is Not Outlawing Any Diversity; at the time, we are more uniform than we might think; we all wear robes of righteousness.

Application: Our unity in love is God’s greatest apologetic—it shows the world who Jesus really is.

CONCLUSION

Bottom Line: Jesus prayed for His glory, the Twelve's sanctification, and our unity—so the world would know His love.

The Church is A Photograph

"The church is the visible display of God's goodness to this world. Each local church is the visible display of God's kindness to its community. We don't have any photographs of Jesus. The church is the photograph. The church is the picture of his love and mercy. There's a picture frame around each church and a sign above us that says, "Come, see what God is like."" Matt Carter, p. 349

Quote

Challenge: Live as an answer to Jesus’ prayer—glorify God, walk in holiness, and love others in unity. This leaves us overflowing with his love into a world without love apart from Christ Jesus.

Summary of Applications

Worship means living to glorify God, even when it costs us. This is 24/7.
We’re called to live holy lives in an unholy world—set apart for God’s mission, not away from it.
Our unity in love is God’s greatest apologetic—it shows the world who Jesus really is.
Jesus prays for himself. Therefore, we should pray for ourselves too.
Jesus prays for his 12 followers. Therefore, we should be praying for those we're pouring into for the kingdom too. (Starting at home)
Jesus prays all his followers. Therefore, we should pray for one another. (Pray Charleston, Pray Together, Lord's Prayer)

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

I thought this was a good picture of how God works, and how we respond to his work freely, but dependently.

"The disciples were responsible to believe, but even their belief was the result of what God said and did.

Let's summarize two principles from verses 6-11: God did the work.

Matt Carter, pp. 338-339

"Christians often take one of three different approaches to dealing with the difficulty of being in the world but not of the world.

Some practice isolation, believing the gospel needs to be protected instead of shared. They hear the call to remain faithful to God's Word, and they disengage from all non-Christians. They think, What better way to keep from falling away than to keep yourself as far as possible from any temp-tation? These Christians would love to buy forty acres of land at least fifteen miles outside of town, fashion a compound, and never set foot outside their barbed-wire fence. Their legitimate desire to remain faithful to God's truth has caused them to disregard his mission.

Some practice inoculation, believing the gospel has made them immune to temptation and worldliness. They hear the call to remain faithful to God's mission and immerse themselves fully in the world.

They ask, "What better way to reach the world than to blur any possible distinction between a Christian and a non-Christian?" These Christians minimize the biblical teaching on sin and repentance, choosing to live exactly as their non-Christian neighbors. Their legitimate desire to remain faithful to God's mission has caused them to disregard his truth.

Isolation and inoculation are not the only options. A better perspective is insulation, believing a daily focus on the gospel protects us from temptation as we seek to share the gospel with those who don't know Jesus.

Insulation means working diligently to balance faithfulness to the truth and faithfulness to our mission. We recognize Christians should live differently from non-Christians but not by removing ourselves from the world of non-Christians. We live differently in the midst of an unbelieving world, and the difference is seen in the unmistakable fruit of Jesus Christ in our lives." -Matt Carter, p. 341

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

Description:

Bottom Line: Jesus prayed for His glory, our sanctification, and our unity—so the world would know His love.

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction

2:45 – Jesus Prays for His Glory (John 17:1–5)

10:20 – Jesus Prays for Our Sanctification (John 17:6–19)

19:45 – Jesus Prays for Our Unity (John 17:20–26)

28:50 – How We Live as the Answer to Jesus’ Prayer

Subscribe for more messages from the Signs & Glory series and other teachings from Grace Christian Fellowship.

🕊️ Watch, share, and join us as we learn to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in Him and leading others to do the same.

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

ChatGPT AI

Darien GabrielNovember 9, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, Signs & Glory, Jesus' prayer, bible-believing church, non-denominational church

How Can You Have Joy in a Troubled World? | John 16:16-33 | Mikey Brannon

How Can You Have Joy In A Troubled World?

Grace Christian Fellowship

John 16:16-33

Introduction:

Today we will continue and hopefully finish John 16 from where Darien left off

last week. If you recall, we are nearing the end of what we call the farewell

discourse. It is a long section of Scripture taking place in the upper room with

Jesus and his disciples just prior to his arrest, mock trial, conviction, and eventual

crucifixion. It is in these last moments that Jesus pours into his disciples his final

thoughts, his final instructions for what is to come.

I loved the way Darien framed this last week as he talked about a coach who had

trained his team, but all of the sudden before the big game he was gone. In fact I

remember in 2017 when Alabama was playing Clemson for the National

Championship game and Nick Saban fired the offensive coordinator just days

before the game because of distractions around Lane’s newly acquired job at

Florida Atlantic. Here was Lane who was the play caller and the mastermind

behind the offense and in the biggest game of their lives he was gone. Alabama

would go on to lose that game. To a much greater degree this must be how the

disciple feel as Jesus tells them he is going away and that he is going to be killed.

But Jesus is so full of compassion in these verses. He has every right to be focused

on his own task. After all he is the one who is about to go through this agonizing

death, but his focus is on his disciples. He doesn’t want them to worry. He wants

them to have greater faith. He wants them to have true joy that is bigger than their

circumstances. So let’s pick up in verse 16 as we answer the question, How can

you have joy in a trouble world.

In verses 16-21 I want us to see that (I) the sorrow is temporary

16 "A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you

will see me."

All through the Bible we get the concept of messianic timing. It was the God

ordained time in which things were to occur. We see Jesus say things like “my

time has not yet come”. Jesus is trying to communicate to the disciples that the

time is near for his death. It is but “a little while away”.

I think it is difficult for us to really put ourselves in the place of the disciple

sometimes. These were just common men. Fishermen or tax collectors or whatever

they were. And all they have known to this point is to follow Jesus. They just

followed him. Tried to learn from him. They had no idea what is would be like

when he was gone.

In fact even that they haven’t really accepted. Their minds our clouded by

preconceptions of Judiasm. They don’t always follow what Jesus is teaching. And

they probably deep down hope that Jesus is going to establish some sort of earthly

rule that will provide them some security. We will see this in the garden when

Peter is ready to wage war to prevent Jesus from being taken.

But Jesus also says “in a little while” you will see me (again). Jesus want’s his

disciples to realize that the sorrow is only temporary. One of the things that my

wife, Brooke, always says is I can do anything as long as I know there is an end in

sight. Right, we just need some assurance that the difficult thing won’t last

forever. We need hope.

[Jhn 16:17 ESV] 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, "What is this that

he says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and

you will see me'; and, 'because I am going to the Father'?"

Now stop right here do you see something in verse 17 that was not in verse 16. We

now have this phrase “because I am going to the father”.

You see there is some debate around what the little while is. Is Jesus talking about

he is going to die, but the he is going to be resurrected in 3 days? Is that the little

while? Or is he talking about something else. I think the key to understanding is in

that phrase that we get from the disciples “because I am going to the father”. Look

back at verse 6.

[Jhn 16:7 ESV] 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go

away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will

send him to you.

So I believe the “little while and you will see me” is referring to the coming of the

Holy Spirit. That is the context of this entire chapter, the coming of what Paul

calls in Romans as “the Spirit of Christ”. So because I go away to the Father “not

his death, but his ascension”, the Holy Spirit will come like we see in Acts 2 at

Pentecost. Which really fits with the rest of the entire chapter.

Jesus wants them to know that the sorrow they will have is only temporary

18 So they were saying, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We do not know

what he is talking about." 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to

them, "Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, 'A little

while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me'?

Now I’m right on the line of being Gen X and Millennial, and sometimes when I

think back to my childhood I realize just how different we were built. I never

forget on teacher I had in shop class. Much of it was not about shop by the way.

Have you ever heard that there is no such thing as a dumb question? Well he

didn’t subscribe to that. I’ll never forget one day in class this guy in the back of

the room raised his hand and asked a question. I don’t remember what the question

was but it must have been a dumb one, because what I do remember is how that

shop teacher responded. He said real calmly, little man, did you know people

might think you’re a dummy, but they don’t really know for sure. But the moment

you open your mouth and ask a question like that, everybody knows you’re a

dummy.

Proverbs 17:28: "Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he

closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent".

Now our disciple didn’t have Mr. McCreless but maybe they did read Proverbs

because nobody wants to ask the question. But Jesus is determined to show them

the temporary nature of their sorrow so he gives them an illustration.

[Jhn 16:20 ESV] 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the

world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.

Jesus knows that these disciples are headed for sorrow. The road will not be easy.

But ultimately they will have joy. And you as a believer has this very same

promise.

[Rom 5:2-5 ESV] 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this

grace in which we stand, and we rejoice (definition find deep and abiding joy) in

hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings,

knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character,

and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's

love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given

to us.

God is not allowing us to go through difficult seasons for no reason. He is

sovereign and in control of all things. And while we may not know His exact

purpose we can be assured that He is doing something in and through our trials.

Our sorrow is temporary but our joy is everlasting. Jesus further explains it this

way.

[Jhn 16:21 ESV] 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her

hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the

anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

Jesus compares the suffering and the joy to a woman who is giving birth. Now, I

can tell you I have several children and I am somewhat of an expert you could say

in observing this phenomenon. I can tell you that the process appears from my

vantage point to be very, very difficult. But I will never forget the moment when

the first time in my life I heard the doctor say, I can see her head. It was as if in

that moment for the first time I really understood that I was about to be a Dad. I

was completely and totally responsible for another human being. I was filled with

an overwhelming amount of joy. And I remember when they handed my daughter

to my wife and she held her and she just smiled and cried these tears of joy. As

great as the pain and the suffering was, it was in that moment completely gone and

it was replaced with joy. And that joy of being a parent never goes away. Sure

there are difficult times, but it is lasting.

That brings me to my second point, (II)True Joy is Eternal

[Jhn 16:22 ESV] 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and

your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

This reunioun with Christ or the Spirit of Christ creates in us a joy that cannot be

taken from us by anyone.

Now this Jesus points to 2 characteristics of this Joy. There is joy in having direct

access to God in Prayer.

[Jhn 16:23-24 ESV] 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say

to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until

now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy

may be full.

I will admit that I got hung up a little bit here. What does Jesus mean ask nothing

of me? Is he saying don’t pray to Jesus? No, that’s not it at all. You have to think

about this in the context of the disciples. Up until this point in their lives all they

have known about following Jesus has been to follow him. And if they were in

need they would ask him. Jesus would talk to the Father for them, and then things

would happen. In fact all of John 17 is going to be exactly that, Jesus praying on

behalf of the disciples to the Father.

So Jesus now because I am going away, things are going to be different, you now

have direct access to the Father. And he gives a promise, ask it in my name and

you will receive it. And then we get a “so that”. Why does the Father answer these

prayers? So that your “JOY” may be made full!

Now, what does it mean to pray in Jesus name?

First of all, it is our identity. We recognize and declare that we are in Christ. But

more importantly is aligns our motives. That is to say that if I pray for something

in the name of Jesus I am saying, Father I am asking this because I believe it is the

thing that Jesus would also pray. Not out of selfishness or ambition, but I truly

believe it is a desire of Christ for this thing to happen.

So not only is access to God in prayer a characteristic of joy, but also true Spiritual

Discernment. (25)

[Jhn 16:25 ESV] 25 "I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour

is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you

plainly about the Father.

I think one of the most profound parts of Scripture is in comparing the disciples

that are presented in the gospels. Often they appear confused, without direction,

they don’t understand, they have no vision of the Kingdom. They are being

repremanded for being out of line. But then Acts 2 happens.

And all of the sudden, these disciples are presented in a completely different light.

Teaching with authority. Some are writing Scripture in connection with the Holy

Spirit. Preaching deep theological Kingdom truths. All of this after Jesus has

ascended!

Remember what Darien said last week in John 16:13

[Jhn 16:12-13 ESV] 12 "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear

them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth,

for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak,

and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

Not only is the Holy Spirit called the Spirit of Christ as we saw in Romans, but he

is called by John in this chapter as the “Spirit of Truth”. And knowing the truth is

a great source of our Joy.

So why does the Father want to answer our prayers, and why does he want us to

know the truth through discernment? Because he loves us. Verse 27.

[Jhn 16:27 ESV] 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me

and have believed that I came from God.

If you want to please the Father, or better yet if you want to be loved by the

Father, then he asks us to love His Son. How do you do you love the Son?

[Jhn 14:15 ESV] 15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

I want to be careful here, because I believe that you are saved by grace through

faith. Not of works lest any man should boast. There is no amount of good deeds

that can get you to heaven or earn one ounce of favor with God. But I do want to

make a connection between faith and obedience in light of John 14:15.

[2Co 13:5 ESV] 5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test

yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in

you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

How do you know if you love Christ? How do you know if you are in the Faith?

What is the test. If you love Christ, you will desire to know his Word, and you will

desire to keep his commandments. You will not do it perfectly, you will fail, just

as I fail, but in you will be a desire to love God and to love people. There will be a

desire to flee from Sin. And when you fall into sin you will be broken unto

repentance. You are not saved by obedience, but obedience is an outpouring of a

life that is in Christ.

Some of you this morning may not know if you belong to Christ. Scripture calls us

to examine ourselves. It doesn’t ever say did you pray a prayer. Did you go

through confirmation, were you baptized? None of that. It always lands right here,

is your life bearing the fruit of the Spirit. And if it isn’t then you have cause for

great concern. If this is you then scripture is clear, believe on Jesus Christ today,

and repent and place your faith in him.

[Jhn 16:28-30 ESV] 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and

now I am leaving the world and going to the Father." 29 His disciples said, "Ah,

now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know

that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we

believe that you came from God."

In these verses we can see ourselves. We see the first elements of faith in that they

have an intellectual understanding of what Jesus is saying, but their faith is very

weak. Just like us.

We can read the truth of God, we can write in our journal. We can even pray about

some Scripture that we have read and think. That’s awesome God thank you for

showing my that truth. It can be a delightful experience to have with the Lord, and

I don’t want to take away from that. BUT, when do you really understand a

passage like this?

[Jhn 15:19 ESV] 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its

own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world,

therefore the world hates you.

It’s not really when you read it. On a deeper level you understand it when you

experience it. When do you really understand a passage like “Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me”.

It’s not when you read it, when you understand it, it’s really when you live it.

I think Jesus’ tone in verse 31, is dripping with irony.

[Jhn 16:31 ESV] 31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?

In fact if I were paraphrasing this verse into modern language it might go

something like, “oh do you now?”. They do understand to a degree, but the trials

that lie ahead of them are about to take this small faith and grow it into something

that is unshakable.

Peter who not long after this very moment will go on to deny Jesus 3 times. I don’t

know that man, I never heard of him. Who will hear the rooster crow and realize

that he has failed in his own power. The failed Peter who Jesus would return to

and ask the question, Peter do you love me? Peter do you love me? Peter do you

love me? I can almost here Jesus say after all that? Now Peter, now do you believe

me? And Peter would have said, Oh Lord, now because I have gone through all of

this, now I really believe!

It is that Peter, not failed Peter, but tested Peter, the redeemed Peter who goes on

to write this:

[1Pe 1:6-7 ESV] 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary,

you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your

faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be

found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The test is coming vs 32.

[Jhn 16:32 ESV] 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you

will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not

alone, for the Father is with me.

They will fail. It doesn’t mean they aren’t believers. The test is for a purpose, to

strengthen, to grow.

Why am I telling you all this, Jesus says?

[Jhn 16:33 ESV] 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have

peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the

world."

Listen Church, Jesus doesn’t just speak these words to the disciples in the upper

room. I believe he has in mind, all of you, and me. And any disciple that would be

called to him. To believe in Jesus is to be at odds with the world. And there is a

promise here that in this world. In this evil system that you find yourself a part of.

you will have tribulation. You will have trouble. You will have sorrow.

Jesus says take heart, I have overcome the world. This is the victory. Only Jesus

can say this. Only he has the power. If I say cheer up, buck up, hang it there it is

meaningless, because I don’t have the power to do anything. Not the case with

Jesus. The creator, God himself, says, I know your trouble, but rest in me, because

I am the One that holds it all. We have nothing to worry about because of that.

 Lord’s Supper

 Invitation

o Are you going through a trial? Pray this morning that God would grow

your faith.

o Maybe this morning you know another believer who is going though

trials and God is showing you an opportunity to encourage them and

support them in the midst of it.

o Maybe this morning you have examined yourself and you have

concerns that your faith is not real.

Guest UserNovember 2, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipJohn, Mikey Brannon, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, bible-believing church, non-denominational church

Why It's Good that Jesus Went Away | John 16:5-15 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: Why it's good that Jesus went away

Scripture: 📖 John 16:5-15

Bottom Line: It's better that Jesus left his disciples when he did, because His Spirit continues and completes His work in qand through us.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
📖 SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

The Coach Who Steps Off the Field”

When Clemson football fans think about Dabo Swinney, they picture a passionate coach who seems everywhere at once — shouting encouragement, correcting mistakes, celebrating victories. But imagine if, before a national championship game, Coach Swinney told his team, “I won’t be on the sidelines today. I’m sending someone in my place — the spirit of what I’ve taught you.”

At first, players would panic. “Coach, we need you!” But what if that coach had spent years embedding his playbook, his mindset, his values into them? When he steps off the field, they finally step up. His spirit fills the team — and they play like him, think like him, and carry his mission forward.

That’s what Jesus is preparing His disciples for in John 16. He’s about to leave — not abandon them, but empower them. His leaving isn’t a setback; it’s a setup for the Spirit to come.

“Chasing Relics of the Presence”

Throughout history, Christians have gone to great lengths to hold on to something physical that connects them to Jesus.

Pilgrims have traveled thousands of miles to see what’s believed to be a fragment of the True Cross, a splinter of the manger, a nail from the crucifixion, or even the Shroud of Turin.

Whether authentic or not, these relics reveal a deep longing: “If I could just be closer to something that touched Jesus, maybe I could feel closer to Him.”

That desire is understandable — who wouldn’t want to see or touch what He touched? But in John 16, Jesus says something astonishing: “It’s for your good that I’m going away.”

Why? Because He would send the Holy Spirit.

We don’t need a relic or a sacred site to be close to Christ. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us. What many travel the world to find, God has already placed within His people.

Bottom Line: It's better that Jesus left his disciples when he did, because His Spirit continues and completes His work in us and through us.

CONTEXT

Jesus continues to prepare his disciples for a mission way bigger than themselves. He's trying to help them shift their eyes from themselves and their personal circumstances to Jesus and his global mission that starts with him and he's passing along to them.

They haven't grasped yet all that the Holy Spirit brings to the table. But they will.

In vv. 4-5, Jesus says, "I have told you THIS, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you THIS from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me." (Emphasis mine)

What is "THIS"?

THIS is him handing off his mission to them to do in the power of the Holy Spirit. THIS is his Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). THIS is us being chosen to bear fruit that will last.

In summary, Jesus says to them:

1. I'm leaving,

2. People will hate you, and

3. You still need to tell them about Me.

But they aren't ready yet. They're consumed with how this will affect them.

SERMON OUTLINE (w/ help from ChatGPT)

Bottom Line: It's better that Jesus left his disciples when he did, because His Spirit continues and completes His work in us and through us.

Why it's good that Jesus went away:

I. The Advantage of Jesus’ Departure - we get another Advicate/Helper/Counselor (vv. 5–7)

• The disciples grieve His leaving, but Jesus says His departure is for their good.

• The Spirit cannot come unless He goes.

• Application: Sometimes what feels like loss is actually God preparing us for more.

Pyramids

"They're like the traveler who visits the pyramids in Egypt, turns his camera around to get a picture of himself in front of this wonder of the world, and when he gets home, he realizes all you can see in the picture is his face. He's completely blocked the focal point. The disciples are so focused on themselves they don't even ask Jesus where he's going." -Matt Carter

II. The Holy Spirit’s Work in the World (vv. 8–11)

• The Spirit convicts the world of three things:

1. Sin – because people don’t believe in Jesus.

2. Righteousness – because Jesus is vindicated as He returns to the Father.

3. Judgment – because the ruler of this world stands condemned.

• Application: The Spirit exposes falsehood, reveals true righteousness, and declares Satan’s defeat.

III. The Holy Spirit’s Work in Believers (vv. 12–15)

• The Spirit guides believers into all truth.

• The Spirit glorifies Jesus — He never points to Himself.

• The Spirit shares what belongs to the Son and the Father with us.

• Application: The Spirit keeps Jesus’ presence and power active in His people today.

Conclusion

Applications in summary:

Sometimes what feels like loss is actually God preparing us for more.

The Spirit exposes falsehood, reveals true righteousness, and declares Satan’s defeat.

The Spirit keeps Jesus’ presence and power active in His people today.

“The Power That Stayed Behind”

Thomas Edison was one of the most creative minds the world has ever seen. People called him the Wizard of Menlo Park because of the way his ideas seemed almost magical. He didn’t just invent things — he changed the way people lived. The light bulb, the phonograph, motion pictures — these weren’t just clever gadgets; they transformed daily life around the world.

But what made Edison truly remarkable wasn’t just his inventions — it was his spirit of relentless creativity. He failed thousands of times, but he never stopped experimenting, learning, and creating. He once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

When Edison died, his lab assistants sealed a test tube containing what they believed was his final breath. They said it was “the breath of genius” — the last of his creative spirit. Of course, they couldn’t really capture what made him great. His creativity, his ideas, his influence — those couldn’t be sealed in glass. They lived on in the world he helped shape and in the people he inspired.

In the same way, when Jesus left this world, He didn’t leave us a relic or a memory. He left us His very breath — the Holy Spirit — the living presence of God Himself. Not sealed away in a museum, but alive in every believer. The same Spirit who empowered Jesus now empowers His people. That’s why it was good that He went away. His life, power, and presence didn’t end — they multiplied.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

SERMON OUTLINE (w/ help from Matt Carter)

"A good mission statement shapes the priorities of a company and provides a great framework for decision making. If an employee understands the big picture--the mission of the organization--it places his small, daily actions in the context of a grander agenda. A clear mission gives purpose to the mundane. As Christians, what is our mission? Our mission revolves around the gospel. We have been chosen by Jesus to bear the fruit of the gospel in our lives and share the message of the gospel with our lips. We are here to continue the mission of Jesus by spreading the message of Jesus." -Matt Carter

At Grace CF,

Our purpose is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. This purpose never ends. It's why we were created.

Our mission is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and people as we love ourselves. This is the mission of every church. We do this until we go home.

We believe that the key task of our mission is to make disciples who make disciples around the corner and around the world.

Everything we do runs through this filter.

This is consistent with John 15:16 where Jesus tells his disciples, "You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last."

This is another way of saying our mission as a church.

We express this mission with our lips and our lives.

I. The Disciples' Mission is Bigger Than Themselves (16:4b-6). What is "This" in 4b? In summary, 1. I'm leaving, 2. People will hate you, 3. You still need to tell them about Me.

A. He has not fully revealed his departure. (Death, burial, resurrection) He waited until Judas Iscariot left.

B. He has not fully revealed their mission. The way of the cross. How they will carry out this mission to the nations. This is WAY BIGGER than them! And it will consume their very lives!

C. He has not fully revealed the world's reaction to the Message. That the world hated him and will therefore hate and oppose them as well. They'll bear witness in the face of persecution and rejection.

II. The Disciples' Mission Requires Supernatural Help (16:7-15). It's good that Jesus is leaving. Only then will he send the Holy Spirit. And, in the context, the reason is to empower them (and us) to carry out the mission Jesus started with them.

John highlights two ways the Holy Spirit empowers them to carry out their mission:

A. The Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin (16:8-11). Of sin (9), righteousness...self-righteousness (10), that is...and judgment. (11)

- - When I visited Africa, I was invited to eat at the home of one of the local men. We sat in his backyard and ate a dinner of boiled yams and peanuts. At one point one of his daughters brought out a pitcher of water and began to pour us glasses. He stopped her, took my glass, and poured it out on the ground. She was doing her best to be kind to me, but her best wasn't good enough. He knew if I drank that water, I'd get sick. Her gift of water was a polluted offering.
  - God calls our best efforts to please him "polluted" (Isa 64:6). They're unacceptable. They're tainted by sin and will be poured out as worth-less. No one can come to God based on good works.
  - "The word translated 'convict' (8) has the goal of convincing a person to turn from his or her sin." -Carter
  - How does the Holy Spirit convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment? Through his disciples--agents of the Holy Spirit.
    - In John 15, Jesus tells his disciples to join him in his mission followed by his reminder that the Holy Spirit will bear witness through them.
    - In John 16, Jesus warns them of the opposition and persecution that they will face that will be so difficult they'll need the power of the Holy Spirit to bear witness in the midst of that.
    - In summary, "The Spirit convicts the world by empowering the disciples to bear witness about Jesus. The Spirit brings conviction to the world through the message of the disciples." -Carter
    - Our role is to "faithfully bear witness to Jesus, and the role of the HOly S;Iris is to make that witness spiritually effective." - Carter
  - Maybe we don't realize that the Spirit's power is in you because we're not busy doing things that only he can accomplish. Things like:
    - Love people who are like you
    - Go to church
    - Go to home group or bible study
    - Give some money
  - Maybe try something that requires the Spirit's power like
    - Love someone antagonistic to the gospel
    - Be on call 24/7 for a person in need
    - Meet weekly with a brother or sister to help bear their burdens
    - Plead with your unbelieving friends or family to repent and believe
    - Give your hard-earned money when there's not much left
    - Move your family around the world for the sake of the gospel
  - We need the Holy Spirit to carry out his mission!

B. The Holy Spirit will guide the disciples into truth (16:12-15). "Jesus describes a mission that will take an entire lifetime and might require them to give their lives. He unfolds a new community unique in the way it lives together." -Carter

- - They have many questions. Jesus doesn't give them answers.
  - Jesus gives them a promise. The Holy Spirit will guide them (12-15). That's where their answers will come from.
  - The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Truth.
    - He only speaks the truth.
    - He only speaks what God wants spoken.
    - He passes the truth on to his disciples on mission with him.
    - He will guide his disciples with the truth that sets us free.

C. It's good that Jesus is leaving to go to work at his Father's side...

“It’s like a newly elected president saying on election night, ‘This is great — let’s just stay at the party forever.’ His supporters would respond, ‘No, you have to go to Washington — that’s where the real work begins!’ In the same way, Jesus had to go—not to a capital city, but to the right hand of God—so He could send His Spirit to us. His leaving wasn’t the end of His ministry; it was the beginning of ours.”

“All of us, even the most pious Christians among us, are overwhelmingly influenced by the cultural customs and conventions of the societies in which we live. It starts in school, where popularity means “being with it,” that is, being in line with the morality of the society, even if that morality includes things of which God does not approve. That’s what our innate struggle with sin is all about. We listen every day to the voices of the culture around us that tell us what’s politically correct and what isn’t, what is socially acceptable and what isn’t. Then, for a few minutes on Sunday morning, we hear the law of God. We know they don’t match up, but unless or until the Holy Spirit takes the law and pierces our souls with it and convicts us of sin, we don’t really pay attention to it.Real conversion is an experience of repentance and forgiveness before God. It is not merely praying a prayer, joining a Christian church, or receiving a sacrament. It is being brought to our knees by the conviction of God the Holy Spirit. The Spirit then convinces us of what true righteousness is and shows us we[…]”

Excerpt From

John - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul

This material may be protected by copyright.

“Just imagine if he were to say: “Hey, this is great. Let’s stay here. This celebration is so much fun, I don’t think I’ll ever go to Washington.” The candidate’s supporters would be sure to say: “Oh, yes, you will. That’s why we elected you. We want you in Washington to work for us.”Jesus was going to a much more important place than Washington. He was going to the right hand of God. It was far better for Him to go there than to stay in Jerusalem. There He would be in a position of power, and one of His first acts would be to send the Holy Spirit to minister to the disciples.” -RC Sproul

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

ChatGPT AI

Darien GabrielOctober 26, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, non-denominational church, bible-believing church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Signs and Glory, John, Jesus

What to do When You're Canceled for Being a Christian | John 15:18-16:4 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: What to Do When You’re Canceled for Being a Christian

Scripture: 📖 John 15:18-16:4 NIV

Cf. Matthew 10:16-25

Bottom Line: Because the world hated Jesus, it will also hate & oppose his followers. But the Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm and bear witness in the face of persecution & rejection.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
📖 SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

“The Student Who Spoke Up”

A few years ago, a high school student in California stood up during a class discussion on morality. The teacher asked what determines right and wrong, and the student quietly said, “For me, I believe what Jesus teaches in the Bible.”

The class went silent. Then came laughter. Someone videoed it and posted it online. Comments poured in — “bigot,” “brainwashed,” “religious nut.”
The student didn’t argue back. He just said later, “It hurt, but I’d rather be known for following Jesus than for fitting in.”

We live in a world where you can be canceled just for believing what Jesus said.
That’s not new — Jesus told His disciples 2,000 years ago, “If the world hates you, remember it hated Me first.”

Transition: Jesus wasn’t shocked by this. He prepared His disciples for it. The night before His crucifixion, He told them what to do when the world turns against them.

So the question for us today is: What do we do when the world turns against us for following Jesus?

Bottom Line: Because the world hated Jesus, it will also hate & oppose his followers. But the Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm and bear witness in the face of persecution & rejection.

CONTEXT

In the wake of teaching the disciples about the coming community of faith he was building in and through them, he warned them that the world would hate and oppose them because they hated and opposed him. This would rattle them but also prepare them from what was to come. This was why Jesus was telling them.

SERMON OUTLINE (w/ help from ChatGPT, Matt Carter, Hughes, Johnston)

What do we do when we're being canceled for following Jesus Christ?

1. Expect Opposition, Not Acceptance 📖 John 15:18–20

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first… If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”

➡️ Jesus prepares His followers by showing that persecution is not a sign of failure but of faithfulness. The world’s hatred is rooted in its rejection of Him.

2. Remember Your Identity and Mission 📖 John 15:19

“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”

➡️ Our calling and identity come from Jesus’ choice of us, not the world’s approval. This gives courage to stand firm when we’re misunderstood or opposed.

3. Rely on the Holy Spirit for Strength and Witness 📖 John 15:26–27

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father… he will testify about me. And you also must testify.”

➡️ The Spirit empowers believers to bear witness even in hostile conditions. We are never alone in our suffering or mission.

4. Persevere in Faithfulness 📖 John 16:1–4

“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away… They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.”

➡️ Jesus’ warning is meant to build resilience. Opposition will come—even from religious people—but forewarning strengthens faith rather than fear.

“The Quiet Faith of Coach Joseph Kennedy”

High school football coach Joseph Kennedy used to kneel and pray for 15 seconds after each game. No speeches, no shouting — just quiet thanks to God. When the school district ordered him to stop, he refused. They fired him. The story made national news, and years later the Supreme Court ruled in his favor.

But when asked what he learned through it all, Coach Kennedy said:

“Faithfulness is never wasted. Even if I’d lost everything, I’d still do it again — because I wasn’t kneeling for the crowd. I was kneeling for Christ.”

That’s what Jesus was preparing His disciples for — not comfort, but courage. When the world cancels you for following Him, you don’t lose your value — you prove your loyalty. You may be canceled by culture, but you are chosen by Christ. And that’s what matters most.

Tertullian

The famous quote from Tertullian (early church father, c. 160–225 A.D.) is:

“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”

Tertullian wrote this line in his work Apologeticus (Apology), Chapter 50. He was defending Christians against Roman persecution and pointing out that the more Rome tried to destroy the Church through violence, the more it grew.

Here’s the fuller context from his argument:

“We multiply whenever we are mown down by you;

the blood of Christians is seed.”

(Apologeticus, ch. 50)

In essence, Tertullian was saying: Persecution doesn’t stop the Church — it strengthens it. Every act of violence against believers becomes a testimony that draws more people to faith.

Have we not witnessed this in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination?

“Canceled Before Cancel Culture”

In 1555, two men were chained to a stake in Oxford, England — Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley. Their “crime”? Preaching that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.
As the flames were lit, Latimer cried out to Ridley, “Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace in England as I trust shall never be put out.”

The world tried to cancel them, but God used their courage to ignite revival.

Cancel culture isn’t new. The world has been trying to silence faithful followers of Jesus since the first century. Jesus told His disciples this would happen — not to frighten them, but to prepare them.

“The Backlash and the Blessing”

In 2017, when a Christian baker in Colorado refused to design a custom cake celebrating something that violated his Biblical convictions, he faced lawsuits, death threats, and nationwide scorn. He lost income, reputation, and peace of mind — but he didn’t lose his faith.
Years later, he said, “If I had to do it all over again, I would still follow my conscience. I would still follow Jesus.”

Jesus said, “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away.” When the world cancels you, don’t crumble — stand firm, speak truth, and trust the Spirit. The world may cancel you, but Christ has already chosen you. And that can never be undone.

Bottom Line: Because the world hated Jesus, it will also hate & oppose his followers. But the Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm and bear witness in the face of persecution & rejection.

Jesus didn’t call us to comfort; He called us to courage.
The same Spirit who empowered the disciples empowers us today.
When you’re “canceled” for Christ, remember — He chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last.

Challenge:

Don’t retreat. Reveal Jesus. When the world cancels you, keep pointing people to the cross — because that’s where true freedom begins.

Closing Line:

You may be canceled by the world, but you are chosen by Christ.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

None

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

Title: What to Do When You’re Canceled for Being a Christian

Scripture: John 15:18–16:4 NIV

Preacher: Darien Roger Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

When you stand for Jesus, don’t be surprised if the world stands against you.

In this message, Pastor Darien Gabriel unpacks Jesus’ words from John 15:18–16:4, where He warned His disciples about opposition, rejection, and persecution — and gave them the key to stand strong through it all.

Bottom Line:

Because the world hated Jesus, it will also oppose His followers — but the Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm and bear witness in the face of rejection.

If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, mocked, or “canceled” for following Christ, this message will remind you that you’re not alone, and you’re not without help.

Watch now and learn what it means to stay faithful, courageous, and Spirit-empowered when the world pushes back.

👉 Subscribe for more messages and short clips from Grace Christian Fellowship.

📍 Visit: gracetoday.net

#John15 #Persecution #Faith #HolySpirit #Jesus #Discipleship #DarienGabriel #GraceChristianFellowship

🖼️

Thumbnail Text Ideas

(Choose one bold main line with a short subline)

CANCELED for CHRIST
How to Stand Strong When the World Turns Against You
When Faith Costs You
Jesus Warned Us About This
Rejected — But Not Alone
The Spirit Gives Courage When the World Hates You
Following Jesus Isn’t Always Popular
But It’s Always Worth It

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Darien GabrielOctober 19, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, non-denominational church, bible-believing church, Darien Gabriel, JOhn, John, Signs & Glory, Grace Christian Fellowship

How Do I Live as a Disciple of Jesus Today? Part 2 | John 15:7-17 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: How do I live as a disciple of Jesus today?

Subtitle: Part 2

Scripture: John 15:7-17 NIV, Isaiah 5, Psalm 80

Bottom Line: A disciple of Jesus today is growing to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him, and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

What does a disciple of Jesus look like today? Well, these examples are a good place to start. They loved their enemies and forgave them.

Bottom Line: A disciple of Jesus today is growing to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him, and leading others to do the same.

CONTEXT

Jesus's disciples are deeply troubled because they have just heard 3 things:

One of them will betray Jesus,
Jesus is about to leave them and go where they cannot go, and
Peter will deny Jesus 3 times that night.
He's taught them again to love each other as he has loved them
He's told them his spirit will come and empower them to do all that he's taught them to do
He's coming back (resurrected, as his spirit, second coming)

They leave the upper room where they've had their feet washed, heard all of this, and now they're heading to the garden of gethsamene to pray and be arrested.

Sub questions for today:

Q. What does spiritual fruit look like?

Q. How do I bear spiritual fruit that will last?

OUTLINE (w/ help from Matt Carter & ChatGPT)

Transition: This passage breaks down into 2 sections: 1) True disciples bear fruit, and 2) What that fruit looks like. Today we'll focus on part 2: What does true spiritual fruit look like and how do we bear it?

Let's ask some questions:

Q. What do I want you to know today?

A. What the fruit of a true disciple of Jesus Christ looks like.

Spiritual fruit

Is from God through his spirit
Lasts forever

What does this fruit look like according to this passage?

Answered prayer. God tells us to ask whatever we want in Jesus' name and it will be given to us. (15:7, 16)
Proof that we're true disciples of Jesus. (15:8, 14)
Glorify God (15:8) which is why we were created.
Overflowing with his joy (> happiness, which is based solely on circumstances). (15:11)
Love of God (in obeying his commands) and people (in obeying his commands). (15:10, 12, 14, 17)
Friendship with God through Jesus. (15:14-15)
Security in your salvation:
1. "Already clean" (15:3)
2. "I chose you" (15:16)

Q. Why do I want you to know this?

A. Because you will know where you stand as a disciple of Jesus Christ: true or false; fruit-bearing or not.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Bear spiritual fruit that will last forever.

Q. Why?

A. Because Jesus says this is why he chose you and me. Therefore, we should do this.

Q. How?

A. By training to remain in Christ. Here are 4 training regiments that will help:

Know, believe, and obey God's word.
Pray bold, specific, and believing prayers in Jesus' name.
Love each other sacrificially ("As I have loved you").
Recognizing and embracing the principle of pruning requires suffering, trials and testing.

Conclusion

Bottom Line: A disciple of Jesus today is growing to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him, and leading others to do the same.

When we train to remain/abide in Christ, we will grow in the character and competencies of Jesus Christ, in his power (not ours), and we will lead others to do this as well.

Q. How do I know I'm doing this?

A. You'll multiply yourself.

You'll lead people to Christ deep and wide.
You'll help others lead people to Christ deep and wide.
You'll see God's love spread through his word in you.

Q. What's next?

A. Commit to getting a good grip on God's word by reading it daily, praying it daily, and obeying it daily.

B. Consider H.E.A.R. Method. https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/bible-journaling-method-to-hear-god-speak

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Outline with help from Matt Carter and ChatGPT

II. Spiritual Fruit in a Disciple of Jesus today looks like this: (15:7-17)

A. Answered prayer--this happens because of the union with Jesus. The "sap" is the back and forth communication. "My words remain in you" (7)

1. 1. Jesus speaks through his word. God prunes and cleans through his word (3).
  2. We respond in prayer. Where there is prayer, there are answers. God listens to his people.
  3. It looks like breathing. "When the Holy Spirit is pulsing through you, you pray without thinking. You just talk to God." -Carter
  4. Prayer is as important to the soul as breathing to the body.

B. Obedient love--we obey because we love.

- Our love flows from our obedience. Obedience is the evidence of love.
- A persistently, willfully, disobedient person is not a Christian.
- What's cool here is that even though Jesus is our King and has every right to demand our obedience, he doesn't treat us like slaves. He sees us as friends. Slaves are given commands without explanation. Jesus invites us into his inner circle. He shares his friendship and explains what he's doing. Not always as much as we'd like but he tells us what the Father says to him. (14-15)

C. Inexhaustible joy--Jesus, who fills our Dixie cup/cone cup with joy, immerses our Dixie cup of joy into his ocean of joy.

- Happiness is dependent on your circumstances. Joy transcends your circumstances.
  - Examples
    - Paul in Prison (Philippians 1:12–21; 4:4)
    - Happiness: No one would be happy about being chained up, falsely accused, and awaiting trial. His circumstances were bleak.
    - Joy: Paul still wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). His joy was rooted in Christ being proclaimed and in knowing that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” His joy transcended his imprisonment.
  - The Apostles Beaten (Acts 5:40–42)
    - Happiness: After being flogged by the Sanhedrin, they weren’t happy about the pain or humiliation.
    - Joy: They “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” Joy came from sharing in Christ’s sufferings and being faithful witnesses.
  - Jesus on the Cross (Hebrews 12:2)
    - Happiness: The cross was excruciating, shameful, and horrific—nothing about it was happy.
    - Joy: Yet Hebrews says Jesus endured it “for the joy set before him”—the joy of redeeming us, glorifying the Father, and sitting down at His right hand.
  - Job Loss
    - Happiness: Losing your job doesn’t make you happy. The stress, loss of income, and uncertainty feel heavy.
    - Joy: A believer can still have joy by trusting God’s provision, remembering His past faithfulness, and resting in His promises. Joy looks like saying, “This is hard, but I know God is still with me and will provide,” even while updating your résumé.
  - It's no coincidence that Jesus follows, "If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love" (10) with, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in your and that your joy may be complete." (11) "Joy comes through obedience." -Carter
- 👉 In short: Happiness is when circumstances go your way. Joy is when your heart goes God’s way—even when circumstances don’t.

D. Sacrificial love--how is this demonstrated? Well, in a way that costs us.

- Jesus loved his Father as demonstrated in his perfect obedience to go and die on the cross for the sins of the world.
- Jesus calls us to love one another in this way--as he has loved us.
- An apple tree bears apples.
- An orange tree bears oranges.
- A follower of Jesus Christ bears loves, prays and obeys Jesus.

E. Friendship with Jesus. No longer slaves.

F. Desire to bear fruit that will last forever.

III. How do we bear spiritual fruit that will last?

We train to remain (abide) in Jesus Christ by:
- Leaning into his pruning (2)
- Remembering he picked me!
- Obeying his word
  - Hear it regularly
  - Read it daily
  - Study it (reading with a pencil/pen or highlighter)
  - Memorize it (Ps 119:11)
  - Meditate on it (focused thinking)
- Loving Jesus obediently
- Loving Jesus sacrificially
- Praying with confidence that he hears and answers our prayers

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Darien GabrielOctober 12, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, non-denominational church, bible-believing church, Darien Gabriel, John, Grace Christian Fellowship

How Do I Live as a Disciple of Jesus Today? Part 1 | John 15:1-6 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: How do I live as a disciple of Jesus today?

Subtitle: Part 1

Scripture: John 15:1-6 NIV, Isaiah 5, Psalm 80

Bottom Line: A disciple of Jesus today is growing to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him, and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

"(Jesus said from the cross), 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' That young man—I forgive him. I forgive him, because it is what Christ did, and it is what Charlie would do." Erika Kirk

Cf. Members of Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston forgave the murderer of their family members (Dylan Roof). (2015)

Cf. Tim Allen forgiving his father after hearing Erika Kirk forgiving the young man who assassinated her husband Charlie.

Jesus loved and forgave his enemies as they were executing him.

What does a disciple of Jesus look like today? Well, these examples are a good place to start. They loved their enemies and forgave them.

Bottom Line: A disciple of Jesus today is growing to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him, and leading others to do the same.

Draw the matrix showing that high or Christlike character and high competency results in spiritual fruitfulness forever.

CONTEXT

Jesus's disciples are deeply troubled because they have just heard 3 things:

One of them will betray Jesus,
Jesus is about to leave them and go where they cannot go, and
Peter will deny Jesus 3 times that night.
He's taught them again to love each other as he has loved them
He's told them his spirit will come and empower them to do all that he's taught them to do
He's coming back (resurrected, as his spirit, second coming)

They leave the upper room where they've had their feet washed, heard all of this, and now they're heading to the garden of gethsamene to pray and be arrested.

OUTLINE (w/ help from Matt Carter & ChatGPT)

Bottom Line: A disciple of Jesus today is growing to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him, and leading others to do the same.

Transition: This passage breaks down into 2 sections: 1) True disciples bear fruit, and 2) What that fruit looks like. We'll follow that with how we bear this spiritual fruit that lasts.

I. True Disciples of Jesus Today Bear Spiritual Fruit that will last. (15:-1-6)

- 7th of 7 "I am" statements
  - I am the bread of life
  - I am the light of the world
  - I am the gate
  - I am the good shepherd
  - I am the resurrection and the life
  - I am the way, the truth and the life
  - I am the true vine
- Not "a" but "the"
- "True vine" implies that there are "false vines"
- While the vineyard was a picture of Israel (Isaiah 5, Psalm 80), Jesus says it's a false vine because they produced "sour, inedible grapes". Jesus is the True Vine.
- Jesus is also the true Israel or God and man in fellowship through Jesus Christ. -Johnston
- Fruitfulness = Living to our God-given potential out of the overflow of our relationship with Jesus.
- God calls Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 1:28) "The fruitfulness that was lost thorugh the Fall, is recovered through Christ and his redemption." -Johnston
- "The recovery of true fruitfulness in life is bound up in the recovery of fellowship with God through Jesus Christ." -Johnston
- Jesus connects fruitfulness to fellowship.
- We are Grace Christian FELLOWSHIP. That is we are a people connected in fellowship to one another through our fellowship with Jesus Christ.
- The Point: "The path to God doesn't go through the nation of Israel; it goes through Jesus." -Carter
- It's about union with Jesus. (Connection to the true vine)
- Jesus is the True Vine, Father is the Vinedresser, we are the branches.
- 2 types of disciples:
  - Living and (alive in Christ)
  - Dead (never exercised saving faith; Ex. Judas Iscariot); "They hang around Jesus without a genuine, life-giving relationship with him." False disciples will be cut off and burned in judgment.
- If you are alive in Christ, God will do his part to insure you are fruitful--pruning is key:
  - Dead wood
  - Good wood that will decrease fruitfulness if not removed
- God's commitment to your fruit-bearing > Your commitment to comfort
- "God will do whatever it takes for you to bear fruit. John Newton, the great eighteenth-century English pastor and songwriter, began a letter this way:
  - 'At length, and without further apology for my silence, I sit down to ask you how you fare. Afflictions I hear have been your lot; and if I had not heard so, I should have taken it for granted: for I believe the Lord loves you, and as many as He loves He chastens.
  - I think you can say, afflictions have been good for you, and I doubt not but you have found strength according to your day; so that, though you may have been sharply tried, you have not been overpowered.'" -Newton, Amazing Works, 156-57
- True disciples abide or remain connected to Jesus. Ex. Like a branch drawing life-giving sap from the vine is essential to life and fruit-bearing.
- “Here Jesus introduced that rich word abide, which has to do with remaining close to Him. Jesus declared that our productivity, our fruitfulness, is directly linked to our abiding in Him. As Christians, we will bear fruit, but it will vary in degree. The closer we stay to Christ, the more fruit we will bear. The more we wander out from the center and neglect the means of grace that He has given to us, the less fruit we will produce” -RC Sproul
- "People who claim to be Christians but do not show evidence of his life flowing through them will be cut off, gathered up nd burned." V. 6
- "A fruitless disciple is not a disciple at all."- Carter
- How does God cause us to bear spiritual fruit? Through his word.

II. Spiritual Fruit in a Disciple of Jesus today looks like this: (15:7-17)

A. Answered prayer--this happens because of the union with Jesus. The "sap" is the back and forth communication. "My words remain in you" (7)

1. 1. Jesus speaks through his word. God prunes and cleans through his word (3).
  2. We respond in prayer. Where there is prayer, there are answers. God listens to his people.
  3. It looks like breathing. "When the Holy Spirit is pulsing through you, you pray without thinking. You just talk to God." -Carter
  4. Prayer is as important to the soul as breathing to the body.

B. Obedient love--we obey because we love.

- Our love flows from our obedience. Obedience is the evidence of love.
- A persistently, willfully, disobedient person is not a Christian.
- What's cool here is that even though Jesus is our King and has every right to demand our obedience, he doesn't treat us like slaves. He sees us as friends. Slaves are given commands without explanation. Jesus invites us into his inner circle. He shares his friendship and explains what he's doing. Not always as much as we'd like but he tells us what the Father says to him. (14-15)

C. Inexhaustible joy--Jesus, who fills our Dixie cup/cone cup with joy, immerses our Dixie cup of joy into his ocean of joy.

- Happiness is dependent on your circumstances. Joy transcends your circumstances.
  - Examples
    - Paul in Prison (Philippians 1:12–21; 4:4)
    - Happiness: No one would be happy about being chained up, falsely accused, and awaiting trial. His circumstances were bleak.
    - Joy: Paul still wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). His joy was rooted in Christ being proclaimed and in knowing that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” His joy transcended his imprisonment.
  - The Apostles Beaten (Acts 5:40–42)
    - Happiness: After being flogged by the Sanhedrin, they weren’t happy about the pain or humiliation.
    - Joy: They “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” Joy came from sharing in Christ’s sufferings and being faithful witnesses.
  - Jesus on the Cross (Hebrews 12:2)
    - Happiness: The cross was excruciating, shameful, and horrific—nothing about it was happy.
    - Joy: Yet Hebrews says Jesus endured it “for the joy set before him”—the joy of redeeming us, glorifying the Father, and sitting down at His right hand.
  - Job Loss
    - Happiness: Losing your job doesn’t make you happy. The stress, loss of income, and uncertainty feel heavy.
    - Joy: A believer can still have joy by trusting God’s provision, remembering His past faithfulness, and resting in His promises. Joy looks like saying, “This is hard, but I know God is still with me and will provide,” even while updating your résumé.
  - It's no coincidence that Jesus follows, "If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love" (10) with, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in your and that your joy may be complete." (11) "Joy comes through obedience." -Carter
- 👉 In short: Happiness is when circumstances go your way. Joy is when your heart goes God’s way—even when circumstances don’t.

D. Sacrificial love--how is this demonstrated? Well, in a way that costs us.

- Jesus loved his Father as demonstrated in his perfect obedience to go and die on the cross for the sins of the world.
- Jesus calls us to love one another in this way--as he has loved us.
- An apple tree bears apples.
- An orange tree bears oranges.
- A follower of Jesus Christ bears loves, prays and obeys Jesus.

E. Friendship with Jesus. No longer slaves.

F. Desire to bear fruit that will last forever.

III. How do we bear spiritual fruit that will last?

We train to remain (abide) in Jesus Christ by:
- Leaning into his pruning (2)
- Remembering he picked me!
- Obeying his word
  - Hear it regularly
  - Read it daily
  - Study it (reading with a pencil/pen or highlighter)
  - Memorize it (Ps 119:11)
  - Meditate on it (focused thinking)
- Loving Jesus obediently
- Loving Jesus sacrificially
- Praying with confidence that he hears and answers our prayers

Bottom Line: A disciple of Jesus today is growing to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him, and leading others to do the same.

Conclusion

As I said before one fruit of the spirit is answered prayer. And God answers specific prayer specifically. Try him on this. Ask for specific prayers to be answered this week in accordance with his Will with a heart that is bent towards his desires. Watching him work!

God's Benefit Package by Nicky Gumbel

I rediscovered one of my prayer diaries in which I recorded some of my early experiences of answered prayer.

On 26 September 1976, I wrote about a prayer for my mother: ‘Prayed for the Lord to heal her insomnia.’ (I did not tell her I was praying for her.)

Exactly three months later, on 26 December 1976, I wrote that my mother ‘says she has slept better in the last few weeks than for four years and it is no longer a problem’.

Of course, it is not possible to prove Christianity on the basis of answers to prayer, because cynics can always explain them away as coincidence.

But as former Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple said, ‘When I pray, coincidences happen; when I don’t, they don’t.’

The cumulative effect of answered prayer is to reinforce our faith in God.

Over the last thirty years, I have written by the New Testament passage for today some of my prayers for the year ahead. It is amazing to think back and remember the ways in which God has answered so many of these prayers. I find it very easy to forget all the answers to prayer. It is so easy to forget blessings. David reminds himself in the psalm for today *not to forget* ‘*all his benefits*’ (Psalm 103:2). Many are conscious of the ‘benefits’ they receive associated with their employment, or from the state. But what about the ‘benefits’ that we receive from our loving heavenly Father?

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

“I’m sure that everyone reading this book has been touched by the death of a loved one. I have; by the mercy of God, both of my parents died at home in bed. My mother slipped away at night when I was asleep, but I was next to the bed, more than fifty years ago, when my father breathed his last. I watched death in front of my eyes, and in that moment I lost the person who meant more to me than any person on the face of the earth. When it happened, something stabbed my soul, causing me to say: “This is insane. This can’t be real. He must merely be sleeping. O God, will he live again?”

R.C. Sproul

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Darien GabrielOctober 5, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, non-denominational church, bible-believing church, Darien Gabriel, Signs & Glory, John, disciple

What Assurances Do We Have in Jesus' Absence? | John 14:15-31 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: What assurances do we have in Jesus’ absence?

Scripture: John 14:15-31 NIV

Bottom Line: Even though Jesus is leaving, the relationship between Jesus and His Disciples will continue to be defined by love.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

In my college days, I couldn't wait to go home. Now I didn't go home every weekend as I was 4 hours away. But I always looked forward to seeing family, friends and familiar surroundings.

But, I'll admit, I also couldn't wait to go back to school. My newer friends and life there was also great. (Most of the time)

Some of that can be chalked up to a lack of contentment where I was at the time. An on-going challenge in my life, to be sure.

But what made is easy for me to go back to school, in part, was because I knew I was loved at home. I was loved, supported and provided for by my parents. They and my brother were there for me. This was a great comfort to me during my college years.

Jesus is about to leave his disciples behind. For a while. 3 days actually. Then, after 40 days, he'd leave them for good. And, yet, not at all at the same time.

What assurances did they have from Jesus in his absence? He gives them 3. But they are possible because of a relationship defined by love both ways.

The love Jesus had for his disciples held them in union with him. His love for them and their love for him is the defining ingredient to knowing God.

Their obedience to his words, ways and works showed their love for him.

Bottom Line: Even though Jesus is leaving, the relationship between Jesus and His Disciples will continue to be defined by love.

CONTEXT

Jesus's disciples are deeply troubled because they have just heard 3 things:

One of them will betray Jesus,
Jesus is about to leave them and go where they cannot go, and
Peter will deny Jesus 3 times that night.

On top of all of this, Jesus is still wanted for arrest and likely crucifixion for treason and blasphemy. If they are looking for him, they are likely looking for them as well. They're terrified.

OUTLINE (w/ help from ChatGPT)

Bottom Line: Even though Jesus is leaving, the relationship between Jesus and His Disciples will continue to be defined by love.

I. The Disciples’ love for Jesus

• Verses 15, 21, 23–24, 28, 31

• Love for Jesus is expressed in obedience (vv. 15, 21, 23–24, 31).

• Their grief at his leaving should be transformed into joy if they truly love him (v. 28).

II. Jesus’ love for His Disciples

A. The assurance of his resurrection

• Verses 18–20

• He will not leave them as orphans but will come to them.

• They will see him again because he lives, and so will they.

• Their union with him and the Father will be made clear.

B. The assurance of his Spirit

• Verses 16–17, 25–26

• The Father will send another Helper, the Spirit of truth, to dwell in them.

• The Spirit will teach them all things and remind them of Jesus’ words.

C. The assurance of his peace

• Verses 27–29

• Jesus leaves them his peace—not as the world gives.

• This peace should quiet their troubled hearts.

• His return to the Father is part of God’s plan and a cause for joy.

III. Conclusion (Transition to Gethsemane)

• Verses 30–31

• The ruler of this world is coming, but he has no claim on Jesus.

• Jesus goes willingly out of love for the Father, modeling the love/obedience relationship he calls his disciples into.

Bottom Line: Even though Jesus is leaving, the relationship between Jesus and His Disciples will continue to be defined by love.

One of the most popular Christian anthems is also the simplest. It says,

"Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so" (Anna B. Warner, "Jesus Loves Me").

At the height of persecution in Communist China, a Christian sent a message to a friend. The message escaped the attention of the censors, because it said simply:

"The this I know people are well"—but that phrase, the "this I know people" clearly identified the Christian community in China. (Donovan, "Jesus Loves Me"; emphasis original)

"This I know people."

Our confidence is in the love of Jesus. We know he loves us because we've experienced his love. His love defines us individually and as a community. -Matt Carter

So what assurances do we have in Jesus's absence?

We're sure of his resurrection that will be together with him again. We're assured of his Holy Spirit, the advocate. And we're assured of his peace that surpasses all understanding and will guide our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:7)

This assurance reminds us of why we love Jesus and that he loves us. May we be found faithful to rest in this love.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

R.C. Sproul

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Darien GabrielSeptember 28, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Assurances, Signs & Glory, John 14, Grace Christian Fellowship, non-denominational church, bible-believing church

How Can I Know the Way of Jesus? | John 14:1-14 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: How can I know the way of Jesus?

Scripture: John 14:1-14 NIV

Bottom Line: Because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, we can trust His promises in the midst of our fears, follow His words, ways, and wisdom with confidence, see the Father clearly, and rely on Him to provide all we need for the mission.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Moments like this leave us asking: Are we really prepared for what’s ahead?

His disciples faced a similar challenge 2,000 years ago, beginning with a turning point of cosmic proportions with the betrayal of Judas Iscariot.

I submit that we should proceed as Jesus led his disciples to on the night of his arrest and the eve of his crucifixion.

Bottom line:

CONTEXT

Jesus's disciples are deeply troubled because they have just heard 3 things:

One of them will betray Jesus,
Jesus is about to leave them and go where they cannot go, and
Peter will deny Jesus 3 times that night.

On top of all of this, Jesus is still wanted for arrest and likely crucifixion for treason and blasphemy. If they are looking for him, they are likely looking for them as well. They're terrified.

OUTLINE (w/ help from ChatGPT)

1. Jesus Calms Troubled Hearts (vv. 1–3)

• Context: Jesus has announced His departure (13:33) and Peter’s denial (13:38). The disciples are shaken.

• Truth: “Let not your hearts be troubled.” The antidote to fear is faith.

• Explanation:

• Believe in God; believe also in Me → Jesus calls for the same trust we give to God.

• In My Father’s house are many rooms → heaven is real, personal, and prepared.

• I will come again → the return of Christ guarantees our eternal presence with Him.

• Application:

• When anxiety rises, put your weight down on His promises.

• We don’t just long for a place (heaven) but a Person (Jesus).

Illustration: A child afraid of the dark sleeps peacefully when she lies next to her parents bed because they are with her.

2. Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (vv. 4–7)

• Thomas: “We don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (v. 5)

• Jesus’ Answer: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (v. 6)

• Explanation:

• The Way → He doesn’t show the way; He is the way. The cross and resurrection open the road.

• The Truth → Not one truth among many; the full reality of God revealed in Him.

• The Life → Eternal life is only in Him (cf. John 11:25; 1 John 5:11–12).

• Application:

• In a culture that says “all paths lead to God,” Jesus insists: only one does.

• Jesus is not just useful; He is essential.

Illustration: GPS apps give different routes to the destination. Some take longer while others are easier. We won't all follow exactly the same way. But we do follow him his way rooted in his truth to true and lasting life.

3. Jesus Reveals the Father (vv. 8–11)

• Philip: “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” (v. 8)

• Jesus’ Reply: “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.” (v. 9)

• Truth: Jesus is the full disclosure of God (cf. Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3).

• Application:

• You don’t have to wonder what God is like—look at Jesus.

• If we’re confused about God’s character, we must return to Jesus’ words and works.

Illustration: Like a high-resolution picture bringing clarity where once it was blurry, Jesus brings the Father into perfect focus.

4. Jesus Empowers His Followers (vv. 12–14)

• Promise: “Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do.” (v. 12)

• Explanation:

• Not greater in quality but in extent—global reach through the Spirit.

• Through prayer “in My name,” Jesus continues His work through us.

• Application:

• We are not powerless—we are prayerful participants in Jesus’ mission.

• Ask boldly in His name, aligning with His will.

Illustration: A relay race—the baton of Jesus’ mission is passed on, but with Spirit-powered expansion beyond what the disciples could imagine.

Conclusion: Bringing It All Together

• When your heart is troubled → Trust His promise (vv. 1–3).

• When you wonder about the way → Follow Him as the only way (vv. 4–7).

• When you want to know what God is like → Look to Jesus (vv. 8–11).

• When you feel powerless → Pray in His name and live on His mission (vv. 12–14).

CONCLUSION

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

R.C. Sproul

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Darien GabrielSeptember 21, 2025Grace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, Ladson, SC, bible believing church, Jesus, John, Signs and Glory, Darien Gabriel, Grace Christian Fellowship

How Does Jesus Prepare Us for What's Next? | John 13:18-38 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: How does Jesus prepare us for what's next?

Subtitle: Learning how to shine together in these dark days.

Scripture: John 13:18-38 NIV

Bottom line: Even (Especially) in dark times, Jesus prepares us to shine together.

Bottom line 2: Jesus prepares us to shine in the dark together by showing us his love, calling us to love one another, and showing us how to love each other even when we fail.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

On September 10th, 2025, thousands of people gathered at Utah Valley University to hear Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and Turning Point Faith. Just 31 years old, outspoken, and unafraid to share his Christian faith — Charlie was shot and killed in front of a live audience. The news has shocked our country. Whatever you think about his politics, the suddenness of it all reminds us how fragile life really is, and how quickly everything can change.

Moments like this leave us asking: Are we really prepared for what’s ahead?

No doubt his death has shaken not only his followers but many of us who are for civil dialogue in the pursuit of truth and better ideas for our future as a nation. How should they at Turning Point proceed? How should we as Americans proceed? Most importantly, how should we as followers of Jesus Christ proceed?

His disciples faced a similar challenge 2,000 years ago, beginning with a turning point of cosmic proportions with the betrayal of Judas Iscariot.

I submit that we should proceed as Jesus led his disciples to on the night of his arrest and the eve of his crucifixion.

Bottom line: Even (Especially) in dark times, Jesus prepares us to shine together.

CONTEXT

We've reached a turning point in the book of John not only from public ministry (mix of believers and unbelievers) to private (his followers) but even more so as Judas removes himself from The Twelve leaving the group made up solely of those who have been cleansed by belief in Jesus. We see this happen in verse 31.

As a result, and building on his call for them to serve one another, Jesus calls them to love one another as he has loved them. This is the most appropriate response to his cross-centered, obedient love for his Father and for us.

These are dark days, no doubt. And it's weeks like this when we feel like they're darker than ever.

The question is: Are you prepared and preparing yourself and your household (oikos), your family, your friends, your people--those you do life with?

Jesus gives us another example of his love and then sends us out as his ambassadors to shine brightly together in this dark world.

How? Well, let's read this and find out.

OUTLINE (w/ help from Kent Hughes and ChatGPT)

I. Love's Demonstration (18-30)

Jesus loved Judas and gave him every opportunity to embrace him then and there.

A. The Betrayal Foretold (18-30). Jesus reveals his knowledge of a betrayal by one of his 12 to the group. He loves his betrayer to the end giving him every opportunity to repent and believe.

He also expresses his pain in light of Psalm 41.

B. Psalm 41:9--Connection to John 13:

- - - Jesus applies Psalm 41:9 to Judas. Just as David experienced betrayal from a trusted friend, so does the Son of David.
    - John presents it not as coincidence but as fulfillment of Scripture (13:18). Judas’ betrayal shows Jesus is the greater David, suffering the righteous one’s fate.
    - Key difference: David prayed for deliverance from his enemies; Jesus embraces betrayal as part of the Father’s plan to glorify Him through the cross.

II. Love's Demand (31-35)

Judas walks in darkness. Jesus willingly let him knowing it will lead to the cross. This willing obedience that will require infinite suffering will bring the Father glory and Jesus glory. It will also bring infinite good to those who trust and follow Jesus.

The demand of love is that we love each other as Jesus loved his disciples and loved us.

Last week we saw Jesus' love for his disciples exemplified in the washing of their feet. He called them to do this to/for one another. He continues this theme of light and love here.

A. The Glory Revealed (31-32)

B. The New Commandment Given (33-35) This "new commandment" is an expansion of his old command from Leviticus which said, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

1. 1. Love demands a new object: "one another" and not just your neighbor.
    1. Believers
    2. A very diverse group of people
      1. Masters and slaves
      2. Jews and Gentiles
      3. Men and women
      4. Rich and poor
      5. Gay and straight
      6. Strong and weak
      7. And yet the became a community of people held together by their love for God and each other. And this is how people knew they followed Jesus.
  2. Love demands a new means: "as I have loved you" not just as you love yourself.
  3. While it is admittedly difficult to love your neighbor as you love yourself, it's much more difficult to love others as Jesus loves us. (And maybe even harder to love each other this way)

C. The Denial Predicted (36-38)

- Even our best intentions fail, but Jesus restores us by grace. Our weakness doesn’t cancel His mission.

III. Love's Denial (36-38) - Even our best intentions fail, but Jesus restores us by grace. Our weakness doesn’t cancel His mission.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: Even (Especially) in dark times, Jesus prepares us to shine together.

King David was betrayed not only by his friend and chief advisor. I mean, you better trust your chief advisor. But he was betrayed by his son. You don't know pain until you've been betrayed by a close family member. (2 Samuel 15-17)

“David felt the sting of Ahithophel’s betrayal, but his greatest grief was for Absalom, his rebellious son. In the same way, Jesus felt the sting of Judas’ kiss, but even more, He bore the grief of a whole world of lost children — and He went to the cross so that rebels could be restored as sons and daughters of God.”

When darkness comes, we can hold on to his light and love as seen in:
- His sovereignty (He knows).
- His glory (He redeems suffering).
- His command (love one another).
- His grace (He restores the weak).

Think of a time when you were betrayed. Picture them. Now, think about God's light and love:

He knows about that and knew about that before you. He's sovereignly aware.
He redeems suffering. He can work grace into your life in and through the suffering you experienced.
He commands that you love them instead of hate; to forgive them and find healing for yourself.
His grace restores the weak and brokenhearted. His grace is enough for you.
- Even in the darkest nights, Jesus prepares us not just to survive, but to shine — and to shine together.

“Friends, this is how Jesus prepares us for what’s next:

He knows — nothing surprises Him.
He redeems — suffering is never wasted.
He commands — love one another deeply.
He restores — even our failures can’t stop His grace.

So what’s next for you? Start with loving one another, serving one another, shining together in His light. That’s how we walk through dark days — not alone, but with Jesus, and with each other.”

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Kent Hughes Outline

I. Love's Demonstration (18-30)

II. Love's Demand (31-35)

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Darien GabrielSeptember 14, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipGrace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, John 13, Signs and Glory, John, non denominational church, bible believing church

How Do We Become People of the Towel? | John 13:1-17

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: How Do We Become People of the Towel?

Subtitle:

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Philippians 2:6-8

Mark 10:45

Bottom line: We become people of the towel when we believe Jesus' love, receive his cleansing, and follow his example.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

“In 2003, when the United States invaded Iraq, I sat glued to my television set for days and watched the amazing footage that was broadcast.

One scene that stands out in my mind from those days was the jubilant celebration of the Iraqi people as U.S. Marines pulled down a forty-foot statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad. The statue was torn from its pedestal and dragged through the streets, and children were shown riding on the head of the statue as if it were a sled.

But I also remember the way in which the people of Iraq used their shoes or their sandals to pound against the statue and the posters of Saddam that were still being displayed in Baghdad. The commentators explained that among the Iraqi people, to beat a person or even a person’s image with one’s shoe is to show the deepest possible form of contempt for that person...

The Iraqi people’s actions helped me understand the depth of lowliness to which Jesus stooped when He handled His disciples’ filthy feet in this ritual of cleansing.

We have already discussed the fact that in antiquity, when a rabbi had disciples, they typically acted as his servants. However, they were never required to wash the rabbi’s feet; that task was reserved for slaves.

But even some slaves were spared this task. Within Israel, if a Jewish person had a Jewish slave, the slave owner was not permitted to require that slave to wash his feet. Only a Gentile slave could be required to perform such a menial task.

So the fact that Jesus Himself undertook this task, and that He did it during Holy Week, fills this narrative with theological and ethical significance for us.”

John - An Expositional Commentary, R.C. Sproul

Bottom line: We become people of the towel when we believe Jesus' love, receive his cleansing, and follow his example.

CONTEXT

"Jesus had entered Jerusalem on Sunday, and on Monday had cleansed the temple.

Tuesday was a day of conflict as the religious leaders sought to trip Him up and get evidence to arrest Him. These events are recorded in Matthew 21–25.

Wednesday was probably a day of rest, but on Thursday He met in the Upper Room with His disciples in order to observe Passover...What was this divinely appointed “hour”? It was the time when He would be glorified through His death, resurrection, and ascension.

From the human point of view, it meant suffering; but from the divine point of view, it meant glory."

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 344). Victor Books.

OUTLINE (w/ help from Kent Hughes and ChatGPT)

I. Believe the Heart of His Love (John 13:1–3)

• Jesus loved His own “to the end” — pointing to the cross (Romans 5:8).

• His mission has always been loving service: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

• Application: You cannot serve others well until you rest secure in Jesus’ agape love for you.

II. Be Washed by His Cleansing (John 13:4–11)

• Jesus lays aside His garment and stoops to wash dirty feet — a preview of the cross.

• Peter resists, but Jesus insists: “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.”

• Only the Servant who came to save (Luke 19:10) can cleanse us fully.

• Application: Humble service flows only from hearts first cleansed by Jesus’ sacrifice.

III. Follow His Example in Humble Service (John 13:12–17)

• After washing, He asks: “Do you understand what I have done to you?”

• If the Lord and Teacher has washed feet, we must do likewise.

• Paul echoes this: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus… He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5–8).

• Application: Knowing His love and cleansing, we pick up the towel and bless others through ordinary, humble acts of service.

⸻

"The Upper Room Discourse begins with a dramatic call to follow Christ's example as a servant--to be people of the towel." -Hughes

"How do we become people of the towel?

We must observe the marvelous example of our foot-washing Lord and Savior and then listen to Jesus' challenge: 'If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.'
Perhaps most important, we must have the quality of Jesus' heart. 'Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.'
Finally, we become people of the towel by realizing who we are. The power, the impetus, and the grace to wash one another's feet is proportionate not only to how we see Jesus but how we see ourselves. Our Lord saw himself as King of kings, and he washed the disciples' feet. Recovery of a kingly consciousness will hallow and refine our entire lives. We are 'a royal priesthood.' (1 Peter 2:9)" -Hughes

"If you know these things, blessed areyou if you do them." John 13:17

The Heart of the Servant (13:1-3)

"The final sentence gives us his heart: "Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end." The servant's heart is a heart of love.

A story about Czar Nicholas I of Russia tells us something of that love. The czar was greatly interested in a young man because he had been friends with the young man's father. When that young man came of age, Czar Nicholas gave him a fine position in the army. He also stationed him in a place of responsibility at one of the great fortresses of Russia. The young man was responsible for the monies and finances of a particular division of the army.

The young man did quite well at first, but as time went along, he became quite a gambler. Before long he had gambled his entire fortune away. He borrowed from the treasury and also gambled that away, a few rubles at a time.

One day he heard there was going to be an audit of the books the next day. He went to the safe, took out his ledger, and figured out how much money he had, then subtracted the amount he had taken. As he sat at the table, overwhelmed at the astronomical debt, he took out his pen and wrote, "A great debt, who can pay?" Not willing to go through the shame of what would happen the next day, he took out his revolver and covenanted with himself that at the stroke of midnight he would take his life.

It was a warm and drowsy night, and as the young man sat at the table, he dozed off. Now, Czar Nicholas had a habit of putting on a common soldier's uniform and visiting some of his outposts. On that very night he came to that particular great fortress, and as he inspected it, he saw a light on in one of the rooms. He knocked on the door, but no one answered. He tried the latch, opened the door, and went in. There was the young man. The czar recognized him immediately. When he saw the note on the table and the ledgers laid out, his first impulse was to wake the young man and arrest him. But, overtaken with a wave of generosity, he instead took the pen that had fallen out of the soldier's hand and wrote one word on the paper, then tiptoed out of the room.

About an hour later the young man woke up and reached for his revolver, realizing that it was much after twelve. Then his eyes fell upon his note: "A great debt, who can pay?" He saw immediately that one word had been added -"Nicholas." The young man dropped the gun, ran to the files, thumbed through some correspondence, and found the czar's signature. The note was authentic! The realization struck him —"The czar has been here and knows all my guilt. But he has undertaken my debt, and I will not have to die." The young man trusted in the czar's word, and sure enough, the needed monies came?

The czar's love, paying the price for his guilty young friend, was only a faint shadow of the atoning love of Christ. Nicholas's deed was an easy matter for him —as easy as signing his name. But the atoning love of Jesus cost him everything!

The tenses at the end of verse 1, "having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end," means that in the whole range of Christ's contact with his disciples he loved them!" -Hughes

The Example of the Servant (13:4-11)

The Challenge of the Servant (13:12-17)

"According to John, the Lord gave the disciples two explanations of his washing of their feet - one while he was engaged in washing them, and the other after he had taken his place with them at the supper table again.

The former, as we have seen, is theological in character: the foot-washing symbolizes Jesus' humbling himself to endure the death of the cross and the cleansing efficacy of his death for the believer.

The latter, unfolded in verses 12-17, is practical in character: Jesus has washed their feet in order that from his example they may learn to perform similar service one for another.

There is no incongruity between the two explanations; it is quite unnecessary to suppose that they must be due to two different authors. The second explanation is very much in line with Luke's account of the conversation which took place between the Lord and the disciples at the Last Supper (Luke 22:24-27), in which he drew their attention to his own example; but in Mark's counterpart to that conversation, which appears in an earlier context (Mark 10:35-45), Jesus' example of lowly service is brought into the closest association with the sacrifice of the cross: if any one of their number wants to be first, he 'must be slave of all' - because 'the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many'. The close association of the two themes in this Johannine context, accordingly, is perfectly natural`..." -FF Bruce

Judas was an unbeliever (John 6:64–71), so he did not have a “shield of faith” to use to ward off Satan’s attacks...

Even in His humiliation, our Lord had all things through His Father. He was poor and yet He was rich. Because Jesus knew who He was, where He came from, what He had, and where He was going, He was complete master of the situation. You and I as believers know that we have been born of God, that we are one day going to God, and that in Christ we have all things; therefore, we ought to be able to follow our Lord’s example and serve others...

What Jesus knew helped determine what Jesus did (John 13:4–5)...

The Father had put all things into the Son’s hands, yet Jesus picked up a towel and a basin! His humility was not born of poverty, but of riches. He was rich, yet He became poor (2 Cor. 8:9). A Malay proverb says, “The fuller the ear is of rice-grain, the lower it bends.”

...Jesus was the Sovereign, yet He took the place of a servant. He had all things in His hands, yet He picked up a towel...

It has well been said that humility is not thinking meanly of yourself; it is simply not thinking of yourself at all. True humility grows out of our relationship with the Father.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 345). Victor Books.

Rick Warren used to say, "Humility isn't thinking less of yourself. It's thinking of yourself less."

We today, just like the disciples that night, desperately need this lesson on humility. The church is filled with a worldly spirit of competition and criticism as believers vie with one another to see who is the greatest. We are growing in knowledge, but not in grace (see 2 Peter 3:18). “Humility is the only soil in which the graces root,” wrote Andrew Murray. “The lack of humility is the sufficient explanation of every defect and failure.”

The word translated “wash” in John 13:5–6, 8, 12, and 14 is nipto and means “to wash a part of the body.” But the word translated “washed” in John 13:10 is louo and means “to bathe all over.” The distinction is important, for Jesus was trying to teach His disciples the importance of a holy walk.

When the sinner trusts the Saviour, he is “bathed all over” and his sins are washed away and forgiven (see 1 Cor. 6:9–11; Titus 3:3–7; and Rev. 1:5). “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb. 10:17). However, as the believer walks in this world, it is easy to become defiled. He does not need to be bathed all over again; he simply needs to have that defilement cleansed away. God promises to cleanse us when we confess our sins to Him (1 John 1:9).

But why is it so important that we “keep our feet clean”? Because if we are defiled, we cannot have communion with our Lord. “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me” (John 13:8). The word translated “part” is meros, and it carries the meaning here of “participation, having a share in someone or something.” When God “bathes us all over” in salvation, He brings about our union with Christ; and that is a settled relationship that cannot change. (The verb wash in John 13:10 is in the perfect tense. It is settled once and for all.) However, our communion with Christ depends on our keeping ourselves “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). If we permit unconfessed sin in our lives, we hinder our walk with the Lord; and that is when we need to have our feet washed.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 346). Victor Books.

Referring to Jesus humbling himself and cf. to Philippians 2:5-9, RC Sproul writes, “It was not His deity but His dignity that Jesus laid aside. He emptied Himself of the glory that He enjoyed with His Father from all eternity. He laid aside His prerogatives as the second person of the Trinity. For the sake of His people, He descended from glory to lay down His life.”

“That is proper, for Jesus was not instituting a sacrament that was to be repeated on a regular basis among the people of God, and we know that for this reason: the central significance of Jesus’ washing of His disciples’ feet has to do with baptism, which is the sacrament of the entrance into the new covenant. Baptism signifies many things, but at the very heart of the symbolism of baptism is the idea of cleansing” -R.C. Sproul

“He knew who would betray him, but He washed all their feet, even the feet of Judas, but not without the warning that the cleansing He spoke of would not apply to every one of them.”

“Those who give themselves in service to others find deep joy in it.”

Excerpt From

John - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul

CONCLUSION

"The Upper Room Discourse begins with a dramatic call to follow Christ's example as a servant--to be people of the towel." -Hughes

How do we become people of the towel?

We must observe the marvelous example of our foot-washing Lord and Savior and then listen to Jesus' challenge: 'If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.'
Perhaps most important, we must have gthe quality of Jesus' heart. 'Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.'
Finally, we become people of the towel by realizing who we are. The power, the impetus, and the grace to wash one another's feet is proportionate not only to how we see Jesus but how we see ourselves. Our Lord saw himself as King of kings, and he washed the disciples' feet. Recovery of a kingly consciousness will hallow and refine our entire lives. We are 'a royal priesthood.' (1 Peter 2:9)

"If you know these things, blessed areyou if you do them." John 13:17

This basic truth of Christian living is beautifully illustrated in the Old Testament priesthood. When the priest was consecrated, he was bathed all over (Ex. 29:4), and that experience was never repeated. However, during his daily ministry, he became defiled; so it was necessary that he wash his hands and feet at the brass laver in the courtyard (Ex. 30:18–21). Only then could he enter the holy place and trim the lamps, eat the holy bread, or burn the incense...

We can learn an important lesson from Peter: don’t question the Lord’s will or work, and don’t try to change it. He knows what He is doing...

John was careful to point out that Peter and Judas were in a different relationship with Jesus. Yes, Jesus washed Judas’ feet! But it did Judas no good because he had not been bathed all over. Some people teach that Judas was a saved man who sinned away his salvation, but that is not what Jesus said. Our Lord made it very clear that Judas had never been cleansed from his sins and was an unbeliever (John 6:64–71)...

John 13:17 is the key—“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” The sequence is important: humbleness, holiness, then happiness. Aristotle defined happiness as “good fortune joined to virtue … a life that is both agreeable and secure.” That might do for a philosopher, but it will never do for a Christian believer! Happiness is the by-product of a life that is lived in the will of God. When we humbly serve others, walk in God’s paths of holiness, and do what He tells us, then we will enjoy happiness...

The servant (slave) is not greater than his master; so, if the master becomes a slave, where does that put the slave? On the same level as the master! By becoming a servant, our Lord did not push us down: He lifted us up! He dignified sacrifice and service. You must keep in mind that the Romans had no use for humility, and the Greeks despised manual labor. Jesus combined these two when He washed the disciples’ feet. The world asks, “How many people work for you?” but the Lord asks, “For how many people do you work?"

When I was ministering at a conference in Kenya, an African believer shared one of their proverbs with me: “The chief is servant of all.” How true it is that we need leaders who will serve and servants who will lead. G.K. Chesterton said that a really great man is one who makes others feel great, and Jesus did this with His disciples by teaching them to serve...

Be sure to keep these lessons in their proper sequence: humbleness, holiness, happiness. Submit to the Father, keep your life clean, and serve others. This is God’s formula for true spiritual joy.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 347). Victor Books.

“We can transfer that warning to everyone reading this book. If you are reading this and have not been washed by Christ, you will have no part with Him in the Father’s house. Jesus was preparing His disciples for that cleansing that would once and for all deliver them from their sin” -R.C. Sproul

“We’ve already seen Jesus making the point in the final weeks of His life, “Unless you’re willing to participate in My humiliation, you have no part in My exaltation.” Our very baptism is a sign not only of our being raised with Christ, but of our being buried with Christ. It is a sign that we join Him in His humiliation so that we may have a part in His glory.”

“Jesus told Simon, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean” (v. 10a). In the ancient world, when a person took a bath, he was clean until he walked outside in the dust in his bare feet or in open sandals. He could keep the rest of his body relatively clean, but his feet got dirty quickly. That’s why there was the ritual of the cleansing of the feet without having to take a complete bath. Jesus told Peter, “When I wash your feet, I make you clean all over.” One touch of the cleansing power of Christ cleanses us from all sin.” -RC Sproul

Illustration:

In 1912, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, there weren’t enough lifeboats. Hundreds were left in the freezing Atlantic waters. One survivor later testified that while clinging to debris, she heard a man swimming from person to person, shouting, “Are you saved? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!” That man was John Harper, a Scottish pastor. He gave away his life jacket to another passenger, and with his last breaths he pleaded with people to turn to Christ before they slipped under the waves.

Connection to Sermon:

Like those passengers, every one of us is sinking without Christ. The signs have been given, the call is clear—Jesus is the light of the world, sent not to condemn but to save. His words are life, but they will also be our judge. Don’t harden your heart. Step into His light today while there is still time.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

"In 1970 I was among 12,300 delegates to Inter-Varsity's Urbana conven-tion, where we heard John Stott give a masterful application of the truth of this passage. He told a story about Samuel Logan Brengle:

In 1878 when William Booth's Salvation Army had just been so named, men from all over the world began to enlist. One man, who had once dreamed of himself as a bishop, crossed the Atlantic from America to England to enlist. He was a Methodist minister, Samuel Logan Brengle. And he now turned from a fine pastorate to join Booth's Salvation Army. Brengle later became the Army's first American-born commissioner. But at first Booth accepted his services reluctantly and grudgingly. Booth said to Brengle, "You've been your own boss too long." And in order to instill humility into Brengle, he set him to work cleaning the boots of the other trainees. And Brengle said to himself, "Have I followed my own fancy across the Atlantic in order to black boots?" And then as in a vision he saw Jesus bending over the feet of rough, unlettered fishermen. "Lord," he whispered, "You washed their feet: I will black their boots."

If we are to count ourselves as followers of Christ, there must be humble service in our lives. We must be people of the towel." -Hughes

"Perhaps as good a commentary as any on our passage is supplied by the following paragraph from the biography of Robert Cleaver Chapman:

No task was too lowly for Chapman. Visitors were particularly impressed by his habit of cleaning the boots and shoes of his guests.

Indeed, it was on this point he met with most resistance, for those who stayed with him were conscious that despite the simplicity of his house he was a man of good breeding, and when they had heard him minister the Word with gracious authority, they were extremely sensitive about allowing him to perform so menial a task for them. But he was not to be resisted. On one occasion a gentleman, having regard no doubt to his host's gentle birth and high spiritual standing, refused at first to let him take away his boots. 'T insist', was the firm reply. 'In former days it was the practice to wash the saints' feet. Now that this is no longer the custom, I do the nearest thing, and clean their shoes." -FF Bruce

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Darien GabrielSeptember 7, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, non denominational church, bible believing church, Signs and Glory

To Believe or Not Believe... That is the Question | John 12:44-50 | Chris Karpus

To Believe or Not Believe…That is the Question

John 12:44-50

These verses are a summary of Jesus’ teaching – aimed at those who are still undecided…or unbelieving.

These verses, in some ways, are Jesus’ last verbal response to unbelief – He has already said all of these

things in part or in full elsewhere in the Gospel of John

- Jesus gives us a very clear presentation of the gospel

- Possibly Jesus’ final public address

Last week, Darien discussed why so few people believed in Jesus by going back even further to Isaiah

…God made it such that they could not believe because they would not believe

44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent

me. 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so

that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

47 “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to

judge the world, but to save the world. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not

accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49 For I did not speak

on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his

command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

- These verses contain a summary of Jesus’ message in which He emphasizes the close

relationship between Himself and His Father and between Himself and His words. He’s making

the point that choosing not to believe in Him means rejecting God Himself.

- Belief in Jesus is equal to embracing God

- To choose unbelief is choosing to willingly reject God

(v.44) to believe in Jesus is to believe in God

(v.45) to see Jesus is to see God

(v49) to listen to Jesus is to listen to God

There is an urgency in the last appeal of Jesus

- We are confronted with having to make an eternal decision about who we believe Jesus is, but we

don’t have eternity to make that decision.

- The implications of turning away from the light of God are so terrible in the extreme that Jesus is

making sure that people are clearly aware of them.

- Sin unrepentant of is sin condemned, and will be when the King returns “a dreadful thing to fall into

the hands of the living God’

Hebrews 10:26-31

26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for

sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies

of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three

witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled

the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified

them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will

repay,” [d] and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” [e] 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the

living God.

- There are consequences of the decision you make about Jesus – eternal consequences

- 44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who

sent me. 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.

o Believe in Jesus – if we submit our lives in allegiance and obedience to Jesus – receive

eternal life – received by grace through faith

 Brought out of darkness and receive eternal life

 Because Jesus is God and one with the Father

John 1:1-3

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with

God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been

made.

 There is still condemnation for sins, but that is what Jesus took on at the cross

v46: 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

- Not the first time Jesus refers to Himself as light

John 8:12

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will

never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

o Reject Jesus – If you reject Jesus, you are rejecting God – remain in darkness and be

condemned in the judgement on the last day…spiritual darkness…this is your verdict

- What does it mean to stay in darkness?

o Have you seen what’s going on in the world? (praying children murdered by an enabled

mentally ill man)

o Jesus is referring to spiritual darkness which results in wickedness, misery and suffering

o There is no wickedness or injustice in God – those come from man’s darkness – people who

do not know God

Example – walking around your house in the dark, when the light is available

- People might want the darkness because they think it hides their actions

- The problem with that is that everything will be brought into the light

Luke 8:17

17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or

brought out into the open.

- The light’s coming on whether you accept it now or not…so why not accept it now…why not accept

HIM now and live the life He has for you IN THE LIGHT?

To remain in darkness, means that the wrath of God remains on you – why would you choose that?

- To keep those idols we talked about a few weeks ago?

- To maintain a lifestyle you know is wrong?

Judgement has already been rendered on sin…sin has been condemned – we were already condemned.

Jesus has given us a choice to receive the pardon for our sin, which Jesus was condemned for… or do we

reject Jesus and His pardon and accept the judgement for our sin.

- Why would we accept the judgement for our sin if Jesus has already received that punishment for

us?

o Why would anyone choose to remain in darkness when the light is available?

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in [a] Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus paid the penalty for our sin so that OUR verdict is not death

47 “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to

judge the world, but to save the world.

Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world because it was already condemned. He came to save us…to

deliver us from death that we had already earned in our sinfulness.

Romans 5:8

8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Out of God’s great love for us, Jesus came to save us from the wrath of God – the wrath for those

walking in darkness…choosing to walk in darkness

48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have

spoken will condemn them at the last day.

The words of Jesus will serve as additional evidence for condemnation.

- Those who have heard about Jesus (all of us here) knowing what we have heard and seen, if we

choose to reject Him…and thereby reject God, it will convict us.

What about people who have never heard of Jesus and don’t have access to the Bible? They never heard

Jesus’ words…right? Why would God condemn someone for not believing in Jesus when they have never

heard of Him?

- They go to hell because they are sinners. Paul says in Romans 1 that God holds them accountable

for the general revelation of truth through creation and their conscience.

Romans 1:18-20

- 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of

people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain

to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s

invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood

from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

What Paul may be saying is that Ultimately, people are judged for their sin, not for their ignorance of

Jesus. (ignorance meaning – lack of knowledge of…)

Paul is telling us that God reveals Himself in ways that ALL humanity can and will experience.

The law of God is written on our hearts…even those tribes and communities that have never heard of

Jesus…try stealing something or killing someone…there will be punishment

The fact is…There is only one way to the Father

John 14:6

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through

me.

You cannot say “I believe in the Father”, but don’t believe in Jesus. If you say I believe in God, but not

Jesus, then you don’t really believe in God.

- It’s easy to equate unbelief with indecision

- In this case, our unbelief is not a lack of information – In this passage, the Jews had seen and heard

enough to make a well-informed decision…so have we.

If you fail to turn to Jesus in faith, you will not be accepted by God. – In other words, If you choose not

to believe in Jesus, then God will judge you for your unbelief on the last day. (v.48)

- UNBELIEF is the conscious rejection of God and His word

Jesus draws a close relationship between Himself and His words.

What you do with Jesus’ words now, determine what those words will do to you later.

Jesus did not come into the world to judge it, but when He comes again He will judge

Matthew 25:31-46

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious

throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another

as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on

his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your

inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you

gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you

invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison

and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and

give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes

and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and

sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal

fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was

thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed

clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes

or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do

for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

A couple more questions…

Why Don’t People Believe in Jesus?

We’ve already talked about the answer to this – in some ways…

- People want to hold on to their idols

- People want to operate in the dark to conceal their actions

- Regarding the Jews who saw Jesus - In spite of overwhelming evidence that substantiated the

claims of Christ, why did most Israelites not believe?

- Unbelief is not due to intellectual deficiency or lack of knowledge. It is a response of a heart in

rebellion against God.

- You cannot coerce or manipulate someone into true belief from unbelief

- At times, the modern American church response to that is coercion…What!?

o We’re not going to overwhelm your senses and emotions and pretend that’s experiencing

God.

 It can happen, but manipulating people into thinking they believe when they

actually don’t is not what the Bible teaches us – it’s the worst thing we can do to

them

 Repent – Believe and Follow Jesus – commit everything you are to Him and walk in

the light…accept the redemption that He offers and change –

o Thank God He can and does use our feeble and misguided attempts

sometimes – He uses us in spite of ourselves – but he doesn’t want

us to use crutches or gimmicks – just the Word of God manifesting

itself through our lives…our words and actions

- That’s also part of why Christianity is not a religion that spreads by the sword – that’s not who Jesus

is. He pushed back on that while He was walking the earth, and pushes back against it now…

- Why Do People who DO believe in Jesus not act like it or share it?

- You’ve choses to walk in light…you’ve made that decision…

It should not be a surprise to the people around you that you follow Jesus

What you say and do reflects on who or what you follow.

Later in John, Jesus said to His Disciples “…As the Father has sent me, I also send you” (John 20:21)

The Lord himself was sent by the Father to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and He passed the baton

to His disciples…and to us

- We live in a culture that embraces pluralism and relativism and we are told every day that

proselytizing people or trying to be disciples who make disciples is taboo.

Penn Jillette – well know magician and atheist

“I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. If you believe that there’s a heaven and hell, and

people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life or whatever…and you think that it’s not really

worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward…and atheists who think that people

shouldn’t proselytize…just leave me alone – keep your religion to yourself…How much do you have to

hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting

life is possible and not tell them that? I mean, if I believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that a truck was

coming at you and you didn’t believe it…that a truck was bearing down on you – there’s a certain point

where I tackle you, and this is more important than that.”

“He cared enough about me to proselytize and give me a Bible”

If you’re walking in the light, act like it…live like it…talk the talk and walk the talk too

Love God – Love people enough to share the gospel…the good news

Matthew 5:14-16

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a

lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the

house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and

glorify your Father in heaven.

There’s a decision to be made about Jesus… today is the day of salvation…now is the appointed time…

Jesus is reminding us in His final public address that an eternally consequential decision must be made…

2 Corinthians 6

As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,

and in the day of salvation I helped you.” [a]

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and chosen to believe in Him and accept His sacrifice for our sin, or

publicly declared Him as Lord of your life – would you do that today?

If you have chosen to make Jesus the focus of your life…I implore you to show that to the world.

Guest UserAugust 31, 2025Grace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, Chris Karpus, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, belief, unbelief, Johbn, John, Signs and Glory

What Jesus Says About Belief & Unbelief | John 12:37-50 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: What Jesus says about belief & unbelief

Scripture: John 12:37-50

Isaiah 6:1-11; 10:16-21; 52:13-15; 53:1

Mark 4:9-12

John 1:9-12; 3:16-18

Acts 2:23; 28:26

Romans 11:7-25

Bottom line: Jesus tells us that belief requires God to sovereignly act and people to respond by grace through faith.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Imagine a chess grandmaster playing against an amateur.

The amateur makes his own moves—freely, willingly, even thinking he’s clever.
Yet every move he makes only brings about the outcome the grandmaster already foresaw and planned.
The grandmaster isn’t forcing the amateur’s hand; the amateur plays by his own desires. But every move still accomplishes the grandmaster’s strategy.

In the same way:

The people in John 12 made real choices—they saw the signs and would not believe (responsibility).
Yet their choices fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy, because God had already declared the outcome—they could not believe apart from His sovereign purpose (sovereignty).
Like the master chess player, God is never surprised. Even unbelief fits into His strategy to reveal His glory in Christ.

Bottom line: Jesus tells us that belief requires God to sovereignly act and people to respond by grace through faith.

OUTLINE (w/ help from Outline Bible)

Jesus & the Passover Crowd (12:30-50)

- The first session (12:30-36) LAST WEEK
  - Jesus tells them both the world and Satan will soon be judged (12:30-31)
  - He will save men by way of the cross (12:32-34)
  - They need to accept him before it is too late (12:35-36)
- The second session (12:37-50) THIS WEEK
  - The prophecy (12:37-41): Jesus tells the Jewish crowd their unbelief was predicted centuries before by Isaiah (Isaiah 53:1; 6:10)
  - The praise seekers (12:42-43): Some Jewish leaders believe Jesus is the Messiah but will not confess him, for they love men's praise more than God's praise.
  - The promise (12:44-50): To accept Christ is to accept the Father, which leads to life everlasting.
    - NOTE: FF Bruce says that John is summarizing the main themes of Jesus' public ministry in 44-50 and
    - Reflects the lack of positive response he had from the Jews.
    - Jesus explains why this happened--it was prophesied to.
    - He withdraws now to prepare for his inner circle--those who do believe.
    - John prepares the reader for this lack of positive response in John 1:11.
    - It's not Jesus' purpose to judge but judgment is coming. "It's not the purpose of the sun's shining to cast shadows, but when the sun shines, shadows are inevitable."

CONCLUSION

How to break a hard heart according to Ray Comfort: Use the 10 Commandments.

Chat GPT says, "Ray Comfort’s style is very direct, urgent, and law-to-gospel focused. He often uses the Ten Commandments to expose sin, then pivots quickly to the cross of Christ. Here’s a summary of how he might say it:

Many people think they’re good enough for God. But let’s test that by the Ten Commandments. Have you ever told a lie? That makes you a liar. Have you ever stolen anything, no matter how small? That makes you a thief. Have you ever used God’s name in vain? That’s blasphemy. Jesus said if you look with lust, you’ve committed adultery in your heart. By your own admission, you’re a lying, thieving, blasphemous adulterer at heart—and that’s just four of the commandments.

When you stand before a holy God, will you be innocent or guilty? Guilty. And if God is just, He must punish sin. The punishment is eternal separation from Him in Hell.

But here’s the good news: God loved you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take your punishment. He lived the perfect life you could not live, and then died the death you deserve. On the cross, He bore your guilt, and then He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death.

If you repent—turn from your sin—and put your trust in Jesus alone, God will forgive you, give you a new heart, and grant you eternal life. Not because you’re good, but because Jesus is good, and He paid it all. That’s the mercy He offers you today.”

Illustration:

Connection to Sermon:

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Passage Flow

Persistent Unbelief (vv. 37–41)
- Despite so many miraculous signs, people still don’t believe.
- John interprets this through Isaiah 53:1 and Isaiah 6:10—hard hearts, blinded eyes.
- Even some leaders believe but won’t confess, because they love human praise more than God’s glory.

Jesus’ Final Appeal (vv. 44–50)
- Jesus cries out publicly one last time.
- To believe in Him is to believe in the Father who sent Him.
- He came as light, not to judge, but to save.
- Yet His word will judge those who reject Him.
- His words are the Father’s words—life-giving and eternal.

Major Themes

The Tragedy of Unbelief: Signs are not enough if hearts are hardened.
The Cost of Secret Faith: Loving human approval more than God’s glory leads to compromise.
Jesus’ Mission and Authority: He came as light to save, but rejection of His word brings judgment.
The Father’s Voice in Jesus’ Words: To receive Jesus is to receive the Father Himself.

"These words from Isa. 6:10 constitute one of the most primitive Christian 'testimonies' from the OT, adduced at an early date to account for the problem of Jewish unresponsiveness to the gospel.

In Mark 4:12 and the two Synoptic parallels the passage is associated with our Lord's choice of the parabolic method in teaching; in Acts 28:26 f. it is quoted by Paul to the leaders of the Jewish colony in Rome, while its thought (and possibly its language) underlies Paul's exposition in Rome. II:7-2s of the partial and temporary 'hardening' which has befallen Israel. (Paul there uses the same word for 'hardening' or 'making obtuse' - G. poroo - as John uses here to render Heb. hashmen, strictly 'make fat', which is rendered more literally in the xx.

When Isaiah was commissioned to undertake his prophetic min-istry, he was warned in advance that the people to whom he was sent would pay no attention to him - that indeed all his words would be counter-productive and make them close their ears the more decisively. This would be the effect of his ministry, but it was not its purpose (its purpose was that they might turn and be healed'); it is expressed, however, as though God were actually sending him in order that his hearers would not listen to him. This Hebraic fashion of expressing result as though it were purpose has influenced John's wording - both in the introductory formula in order that the saying of Isaiah might be fulfilled' in verse 38 and again in the words "This is the reason they were unable to believe' in verse 39. Not one of them was fated to be incapable of belief; it is made plain below (verse 42) that some did in fact believe. But the OT prediction had to be fulfilled, and fulfilled it was in those who, as a matter of fact, did not believe. From the NT writers' point of view, the unreceptive hearing which Isaiah was promised was not exhausted in the circumstances of his personal ministry: it was experienced by one prophet after another and found its..." -FF Bruce

"In that sense God himself, through the prophet, hardens the heart of people - a point later recognized by the prophet when he begs the Almighty to display himself in more merciful ways (Is. 63:15-19). The assumption that God may judicially harden men and women frequently surfaces in the New Testament (e.g. Rom. 9:18; 2 Thes. 2:11).

If a superficial reading finds this harsh, manipulative, even robotic, four things must constantly be borne in mind:

(1) God's sovereignty in these matters is never pitted against human responsibility (cf. notes on v. 38);

(2) God's judicial hardening is not presented as the capricious manipulation of an arbitrary potentate cursing morally neutral or even morally pure beings, but as a holy condemnation of a guilty people who are condemned to do and be what they themselves have chosen;

(3) God's sovereignty in these matters can also be a cause tor hope, for if he is not sovereign in these areas there is little point in petitioning him for help, while if he is sovereign the anguished pleas of the prophet (Is. 63:15-19) - and of believers throughout the history of the church - make sense;

(4) God's sovereign hardening of the people in Isaiah's day, his commissioning of Isaiah to apparently fruitless ministry, is a stage in God's 'strange work' (Is. 28:21-22) that brings God's ultimate redemptive purposes to pass. Paul argues rather similarly in Romans 9:22-33." -DA Carson

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Darien GabrielAugust 24, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, non denominational church, bible believing church, Darien Gabriel, Grace Christian Fellowship, Signs and Glory, John, belief, unbelief

Will You Follow the King of Peace... to the Cross? | John 12:12-36

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: Will You Follow the King of Peace…to the Cross?

Subtitle:

Scripture: John 12:12-36

Bottom line: Jesus is the King of Peace who dies to bring life. We follow Him by dying to self and walking in His light.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

"My wife and I used to tell our children a story to explain the love of Jesus.

A little boy wanted a model sailboat. So he began saving his money until finally he had enough. He went to the toy shop and picked out his kit, making his selection with great care. He spent weeks perfecting that boat, and finally when it was finished, he took it down to the lake. It sailed beautifully - right across the lake and out of sight. Naturally the young boy was distressed and began a frantic search. But despite his efforts he was unable to find his boat.

Several weeks later he was walking past a store window and to his amazement saw his boat with a sizable price tag attached to it. He went in and told the owner, "Sir, I would like to have my boat back." The owner said, "Well, I'm sorry, but I paid good money for it. You will have to pay for it." That poor boy worked and worked until he finally got enough money together, again, and bought his boat back. As he walked out of the store, he said, "Now you are twice mine — once because I made you and once because I bought you." Jesus created us, and he purchased us by his death on the cross, and now we can be twice his. How wonderful is the love of Jesus!" -Kent Hughes, p. 314

Bottom line: Jesus is the King of Peace who dies to bring life. We follow Him by dying to self and walking in His light.

Summary of John 12:12–36: The King of Peace and the Call to Follow

Jesus enters Jerusalem not on a warhorse, but on a donkey’s colt—fulfilling prophecy and announcing Himself as the King of Peace. This is not the triumphant warrior king Israel expected, but the humble, sacrificial king they truly needed.

At last, Jesus declares that His “hour has come”—the time to be glorified by being lifted up (on the cross), like a seed that must be buried to bear much fruit. His death is not a tragic end but the turning point of salvation history. The King of Peace willingly dies so that others may live.

God the Father speaks audibly, affirming that Jesus does not walk this road alone—His mission is divinely appointed, and the cross is the path to glorification, not defeat. In this act of self-giving, sacrificial love, judgment is overcome by mercy, and light overcomes darkness.

Jesus calls His followers not just to celebrate Him, but to imitate Him:

To die to self (as Jesus did)
To live in service of the King (for He is worthy)
To walk in the light while they have the light (an urgent call to believe)

This passage challenges us to ask:

Have I truly received Jesus as my King of Peace?

And am I following Him down the road of self-sacrifice and light-bearing obedience?

OUTLINE (w/ help from ChatGPT)

Palm Sunday in Liberia – 1996

During the civil war in Liberia, a group of Christians held a Palm Sunday procession through the streets—singing, waving palm branches, and declaring peace in a time of terror. Bullets were flying, but they walked in faith, believing Jesus was King even in chaos.

Their worship didn’t change the political reality that day, but it did remind everyone that peace isn’t the absence of conflict—it’s the presence of the King.

1. Receive Jesus as the King of Peace

• vv. 12–15 — Jesus enters humbly on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy (Zechariah 9:9).

• He comes to bring peace, not war—salvation, not oppression.

• Application: Don’t just cheer for Jesus; crown Him. Receive Him on His terms.

2. Recognize that His Glory Comes Through Death

• vv. 23–26 — “The hour has come… unless a grain of wheat falls…”

• Jesus embraces the cross to bring fruit—He dies that we might live.

• Application: True life comes from letting go of control, comfort, and self.

3. Trust That God Is in This with Him—and with You

• vv. 27–30 — The voice from heaven reminds us Jesus isn’t alone.

• God affirms this path of suffering and glory.

• Application: You’re not alone either. The Father honors those who serve the Son.

4. Walk in the Light While You Have the Light

• vv. 35–36 — The light won’t always be available. Follow now.

• Application: Walking in the light means obeying Jesus, even when the path includes a cross.

CONCLUSION

CLOSING ILLUSTRATION IDEA (true story):

Bottom line: Jesus is the King of Peace who dies to bring life. We follow Him by dying to self and walking in His light.

Maximilian Kolbe – A Life Given for Another

In Auschwitz during WWII, a man was chosen to die. Another prisoner—Fr. Maximilian Kolbe—stepped forward and offered to take his place. He willingly died so that the other might live.

This sacrificial love changed not only one life, but echoed through history.

Connection: Jesus said, “Unless a seed falls into the ground…” He laid down His life so that many might live. Will we follow Him in dying to self and living for others?

Charles Ross Weed captured the idea of a servant king in his poem "Christ and Alexander."

"Jesus and Alexander died at thirty-three, One died in Babylon and one on Calvary.

One gained all for self, and one himself he gave.

One conquered every throne, the other every grave.

When died the Greek, forever fell his throne of swords, But Jesus died to live forever Lord of lords.

Jesus and Alexander died at thirty-three.

The Greek made all men slaves, the Jew made all men free.

One built a throne on blood, the other built on love.

The One was born of earth, the other from above.

One won all this earth to lose all earth and Heaven.

The other gave up all that all to him be given.

The Greek forever died, the Jew forever lives.

He loses all who gets and wins all things who gives." -Hughes, p. 309

Moses and the serpents John 3, Numbers 21

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Darien GabrielAugust 17, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, non denominational church, bible believing church, Signs and Glory, John 12

Is Jesus Worth That Much to You? | John 12:1-11 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Is Jesus Worth That Much to You?"

Subtitle: "Extravagant worship springs from seeing Jesus’ infinite worth."

Scripture: John 12:1–11 (with parallels in Matt. 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9)

Bottom line: True worship that is worthy of Jesus is costly, humble and lasting because it is the overflow of seeing the worth of Jesus.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

“But we have learned to avoid that sort of thing; we say that it just isn’t practical to be too bold in the proclamation of the gospel today. In other words, we have embraced expediency.

It has been said that the church in the United States of America has been placed on a reservation. We’re still allowed to exist; we’re still allowed to practice our faith; we’re still allowed to pray in our churches. But we are tacitly forbidden from moving off the reservation and into the public square to make public proclamations of faith.

For instance, if a Christian is asked to pray at a public event and then prays in Jesus’ name, he is almost certain to be excoriated for having the audacity to pray publicly in the name of Christ. We’re simply not allowed to do that today.”

“But I have noticed that it isn’t just secularists who howl when a Christian wanders off the reservation and proclaims the gospel in the public square. Other Christians also make a fuss. Why? Because when some Christians draw the ire of secular society, everyone who enjoys peace on the reservation becomes frightened that they will become targets of the enemy. Many who claim the name of Christ would rather live peacefully on the reservation than disturb the world with the good news.That’s exactly what happened in Jerusalem”

“ Those to whom God had entrusted the ministry of the truth of His Word compromised again and again so as not to upset the Romans and possibly endanger their positions of prestige. Thus, when Jesus attracted a following, the Jewish leaders said to themselves: “If we leave this man alone, He will stir up so much trouble that the Romans will take action. They’ll come after us because they’ll see that Jesus is a Jew, and we’ll be held responsible for not controlling one of our own. Then our place and our whole nation will be lost. So what are we going to do?” In short, the Jews wanted to prevent Jesus from causing a stir among the people lest they lose their positions of power”

John - An Expositional Commentary, R.C. Sproul

Bottom line: True worship that is worthy of Jesus is costly, humble and lasting because it is the overflow of seeing the worth of Jesus.

OUTLINE (with help from ChatGPT)

Purpose: To challenge believers to examine what Jesus is worth to them—and to act accordingly.

I. The Setting for Costly Worship (vv. 1–2)

• Context:

• Six days before Passover — Jesus’ final week before the cross.

• Dinner in Bethany, hosted in His honor.

• Lazarus, alive because of Jesus, is at the table.

• Application:

• Worship thrives in a context of gratitude (Lazarus alive) and fellowship (friends gathered).

• Do you make space in your life for intentional, focused worship of Jesus?

II. The Act of Costly Worship (v. 3)

• Mary’s Action:

• Amount: About 12 oz. of pure nard (worth a year’s wages).

• Method: She pours it on Jesus’ head and feet (harmonizing with Matt. 26 & Mark 14).

• Posture: Wiping His feet with her hair — humility, vulnerability, cultural scandal.

• Impact: The fragrance fills the whole house.

- - - - “This was an act of great devotion and humility. We have already seen that John the Baptist declared he was not worthy to untie Jesus’ sandal strap (John 1:27). A rabbi’s disciple was essentially a servant to his teacher, but he was never required to attend to his master’s feet, for that was considered the lowest task of all. When John said he was not worthy to untie Jesus’ sandal strap, he was saying he was lower than a disciple. Mary probably felt the same way, but she gladly cleansed Jesus’ feet” John - An Expositional Commentary, R.C. Sproul

• Application:

• Worship that costs nothing is worth nothing (2 Sam. 24:24).

• What’s your “jar of nard”—the thing of greatest value you would pour out for Him?

• True worship is public, humble, and leaves a lasting influence.

III. The Objection to Costly Worship (vv. 4–6)

• Judas’ Complaint:

• Claims the perfume should have been sold to help the poor.

• Real motive: greed and self-interest (he stole from the money bag).

• Principle:

• Hypocrisy often cloaks itself in noble language.

• There will always be critics when you worship extravagantly.

• Application:

• Don’t let the criticism of others rob you of devotion to Christ.

• Examine your own heart: am I defending a lesser priority over the worth of Jesus?

IV. The Commendation of Costly Worship (vv. 7–8)

• Jesus’ Defense:

• “Leave her alone… It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.”

• Mary’s act is prophetic—she is doing what others will miss after His death.

• “The poor you will always have…” — not dismissing the poor, but highlighting the uniqueness of this moment.

• Application:

• There are moments of obedience and devotion that cannot be delayed—do them now.

• Jesus treasures and defends the worship offered to Him.

V. The Aftermath of Costly Worship (vv. 9–11)

• Crowd Reaction:

• Many come to see both Jesus and Lazarus.

• Religious Leaders’ Reaction:

• They plot to kill Lazarus too, because his life is drawing people to Jesus.

• Application:

• Your devotion may attract some and provoke others.

• A transformed life is a powerful witness—but it may also invite opposition.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: True worship that is worthy of Jesus is costly, humble and lasting because it is the overflow of seeing the worth of Jesus.

Call to Action:

1. Examine His worth to you — Do your actions match your beliefs about Jesus’ value?

2. Bring your “jar of nard” — What is the most valuable offering you can give Jesus today?

3. Act while you can — Mary seized her moment; so should you.

Closing Illustration:

The missionary widow selling her only cow to fund a church roof, or a believer giving up a career for the sake of ministry—and connect it to Mary’s act.

If Jesus is worth everything, then nothing is wasted when it’s given to Him.

INVITATION

What about you? What is your "jar of nard"?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Passion Week Travel Timeline

Friday (before sunset)

Jesus travels from Ephraim (John 11:54) toward Bethany.
Arrives before Sabbath begins at sundown.
Likely stays with Lazarus’ family or nearby.

Saturday (Sabbath)

Daytime: Rest and worship (no long travel).
After sunset (end of Sabbath): A dinner is held in His honor (John 12:2).
- Mary anoints Jesus (John 12:3, Matt. 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9).

Sunday (Palm Sunday)

The next morning, Jesus rides into Jerusalem in the Triumphal Entry (John 12:12–15).

“But we have learned to avoid that sort of thing; we say that it just isn’t practical to be too bold in the proclamation of the gospel today. In other words, we have embraced expediency.It has been said that the church in the United States of America has been placed on a reservation. We’re still allowed to exist; we’re still allowed to practice our faith; we’re still allowed to pray in our churches. But we are tacitly forbidden from moving off the reservation and into the public square to make public proclamations of faith. For instance, if a Christian is asked to pray at a public event and then prays in Jesus’ name, he is almost certain to be excoriated for having the audacity to pray publicly in the name of Christ. We’re simply not allowed to do that today.”

Excerpt From John - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul, This material may be protected by copyright.

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Darien GabrielAugust 10, 2025Grace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, bible believing church, Darien Gabriel, Grace Christian Fellowshio, Grace Christian Fellowship, John, Mary, perfume, Jesus, Signs and Glory

Why Pray for the Peace and Prosperity of the City? | Jeremiah 29:4-7 | Darien Gabriel

Series: "For the City" (Vision), Jeremiah 29:4-7 #FTC

Title: “Why pray for the peace and prosperity of the city?"

Subtitle: "Our plan for loving God and loving people in our city and beyond."

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4-7; Mark 4:26-29; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Go: John 17:20; Luke 10:1-11
Gospel: Acts 17:32-34 (4 responses/traffic light)
Grow: Matthew 22:37-39; 28:18-20 + 411 + Commands of Christ
Gather: Acts 2:36-47 + Commands of Christ
1. 3/3rds groups; DBS; Hi/Lo; Follow & Fish; etc.
Guide: (MAWL)

Bottom line: We pray for and seek the peace and prosperity for our city because it's God's missionary plan for loving God and loving people.

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

I love coffee cups.

I don't drink coffee.

I know, I know, that's weird on multiple levels. Let me tell you how hopeless I am. I don't drink coffee (and hot chocolate on a little), but I love to shop for coffee cups.

Now, I do have a pet peeve about coffee cups. When we get our theology from coffee cups.

Coffee cup theology can be misleading. I mean, there's just no room for context on that shiny cup of ceramic goodness.

It's not like the coffee cup with Jeremiah 29:11 on it (“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” NIV‬‬) has room to say that Israel was told this by God while living in exile in the capital city of their arch enemy the Babylonians because they were spiritually unfaithful to him. Not sure that would sell well either.

Transition:

“Have you ever found yourself somewhere you didn’t want to be, facing a situation you didn’t choose?

That’s where the Israelites found themselves—exiled in Babylon. And yet, God speaks into their situation, not with an escape plan, but with a call to pray for and to seek the peace and prosperity of the place in which they’re stuck.”

Understanding Exile

Definition (Jeremiah 29 context):

In this passage, exile refers to the forced relocation of the people of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon after its conquest by King Nebuchadnezzar in 597–586 BC. It wasn’t just geographic—it was spiritual, cultural, and emotional dislocation.

They were living among people who didn’t share their faith, customs, or values—a godless empire with strange idols and foreign tongues. Yet God didn’t say, “Escape.” He said, “Engage.”

Key insight:

Exile is not just displacement; it’s God’s discipline with a redemptive purpose.

It reminds us that home isn’t always where we are, but where God is.

OUTLINE

WHY we should pray for the peace and prosperity of our city:

Because the Lord told us to. (29:4) Our faith is that simple.

A. Either we trust and obey the Lord, or

B. We don't. To not trust and obey is sin.

Because it's part of God's way of rescuing his people from the kingdom of darkness.

He tells Israel to settle down and live their lives in the midst of their (and his) enemies. But to do it with an eye to the crowds (the harvest) and the clouds (his return) for their transformation. This requires prayer. Abiding in Christ.

The crowds, in this case, happen to be his enemies--the Babylonians.

The clouds, in this case, refer to the end of their exile in 70 years.

WHAT does this look like?

We "bloom where we're planted." We settle in to our circles of influence and accountability.
1. Influence--those circles of people we interact with where we live, work, learn and play.
2. Accountability--we will stand before God one day and answer for how we did or didn't do this; for how we led or didn't lead our family to do this.
3. God planted you at your address for a reason. For this season, you're to be Jesus to those around you there.
We multiply.
1. We build our career and homestead as if we're going to be here a while. For Israel, it was in the midst of their enemy, Babylon. For us, it is in America and in the midst of enemies of God. (29:5)
2. We build our family. (29:6)
  1. This includes our biological family. (Kids, grandkids)
  2. Can include extended family.
  3. Can include adopted family. (Formally and not)
  4. Certainly includes your spiritual/church family.
3. We do this until our "70 years" are over. Then we go home; back to Jerusalem/Zion. Cf. Revelation 21:1-8
We pray for the peace and prosperity of our city where we live, work, learn and play. (7)
1. We do this as we go about our lives.
2. Why?
  1. Because it benefits us and our family tangibly.
  2. Because it benefits us, and family and our world spiritually/eternally.
We do not believe those who live for other gods. (29:8-9)
We do this until he takes us home. This is his plan for us.

HOW we pray for the peace and prosperity of our city: "A Vision For the City: Jesus & Paul's Strategy Illustrated by 4 Fields of Kingdom Growth" (Optional)o

Go together:
1. John 17:20 - that we may be one as we pray and go into the city
2. Luke 10:1-11 - How Jesus trained his disciples to go:
  1. Pray for workers for the harvest
  2. Be a worker in the harvest
  3. Be prepared to suffer in the harvest
  4. Go empty-handed so you'll depend on the Lord
  5. Look for people of peace; they unlock many more
  6. Bless them and then receive what they offer
  7. Heal the sick; proclaim the good news that the kingdom of God is near
  8. Leave when not welcomed; tell them why you're moving on
Gospel: Acts 17:32-34 (4 responses)
1. Share the gospel wherever you go
2. Some will mock you--move on
3. Some will want to know more (or pretend to want to know more) - give them more
4. Some will trust Christ--give them more & train them up
5. Some will already know Christ--offer to train them up
Grow: Matthew 28:18-20 + 411 + Commands of Christ
1. Learn the words, ways and works of Jesus Christ
2. Lead others in the words...
Gather: Acts 2:36-47 + Commands of Christ - Shows us how to live as the church
1. 3/3rds groups; DBS; Hi/Lo; Follow & Fish; etc.
2. A church does not have to look like what we see most visibly in America
  1. It doesn't require a seminary degree
  2. It doesn't require bricks and mortar
  3. To say you follow Jesus but don't actively engage as a member of a church is not the NT way
Guide: (MAWL) We lead others to follow us as we follow Jesus by
1. Modeling for them
2. Assisting them
3. Watching them
4. Leaving them to do it and lead others to do it

CONCLUSION

Consider sharing the story of why Neal McGlohon started the Cypress Project here (see notes).

So the Lord Jesus calls his disciples to keep their eyes on the clouds and the crowds. Keep your eyes on the people you see where you live, work, learn and play each day. For he has you there on purpose for a purpose.

Also, keep your eyes on the clouds. For this is not all there is. This is not our home. Our home awaits us. Our exile in this world is temporary. We will go and stand before our Creator one day. And as his kids we'll be welcomed home with great zeal from our Lord and Savior.

However, if we do known him as Lord and Savior, we'll simply meet him as Lord. And that means we'll be forever separated from him. And that will be eternal misery.

But if you're here today, know that God has surrounded you with people who have their eyes on the crowds and the clouds. As we await his return to take us home, we are looking for opportunities to show and tell the good news about a great kingdom and exalted king. A king who forgives and blesses beyond anything we could ever deserve.

He calls you to himself right now. Will you believe and receive his mercy and grace today?

Bottom line: We pray for and seek the peace and prosperity for our city because it's God's missionary plan for loving God and loving people.

Will you believe apart of that plan?

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

🎯The Context of the Babylonian Exile (Jeremiah 29)

📜When and Why It Happened

The Babylonian Exile occurred in stages (605, 597, and 586 BC) as Babylon defeated Judah and deported its people.
The first wave included nobles, artisans, and young elites (like Daniel and his friends, cf. Daniel 1).
The final blow came in 586 BC with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.

🏘️Where and How They Lived in Babylon

🟢Freedoms:

The Jewish exiles were not slaves in chains or in prison camps. They lived under imperial control, but with considerable day-to-day freedom:

Area

Reality in Babylon

Housing

They could build and live in their own houses (Jer. 29:5).

Families

They were allowed to marry and have children (Jer. 29:6).

Work & Trade

Many became landowners, traders, and craftsmen. Archaeological records (like the Murashu Tablets) show Jewish names doing business.

Travel

Travel was limited but not impossible. They were not “locked down” but couldn’t return freely to Judah.

Religion

They couldn’t offer sacrifices (no temple), but they could gather, pray, teach Torah (e.g., synagogues emerged in exile).

Civic Engagement

God even told them to pray for Babylon’s peace—suggesting participation in civic life (Jer. 29:7).

It was forced relocation, not slave labor—more like deported citizens under imperial rule with monitored freedoms.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Did They Live Mixed or Separate?

Many Jewish exiles lived in Jewish communities, but not in ghettos or prison camps.
For example, they settled in areas like Tel Abib along the Chebar Canal (cf. Ezekiel 1:1–3).
They had elders and leaders (Jer. 29:1) and maintained internal governance to some degree.
Some assimilated; others remained faithful (like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego).

They were among the people, not of the people—able to engage but called to remain distinct.

💰Economy & Taxes

They worked in agriculture, commerce, banking, and crafts.
Some became quite wealthy—suggesting they paid taxes like any other imperial subject.
Babylon benefited economically from the skills of exiled peoples (including Jews).

✈️Could They Travel?

Return to Judah was forbidden without imperial permission (hence Jeremiah’s promise of 70 years in exile).
Local movement within Babylon was possible—people could travel for work, trade, or community gatherings.
Travel to other provinces of the empire was probably limited and required authorization.

📚Supporting Sources

The Bible
- Jeremiah 29, Ezekiel 1–3, Daniel 1–6, Psalm 137 (emotional view), 2 Kings 24–25
Archaeology & History
- The Murashu Archive: Babylonian business tablets with Jewish names, showing participation in economic life.
- Al-Yahudu Tablets: Letters and contracts involving Jewish families in Babylon during and after exile.
Jewish Tradition
- This period birthed synagogue life, oral Torah emphasis, and eventually the Talmudic tradition—spiritual roots planted in exile.

🧠 Summary: Life in Exile Was…

Disorienting (loss of temple, land, national identity)
Restrained, but not enslaved
Culturally pressured, but with space to remain faithful
Economically active, not destitute
A test of faithful presence in a foreign world

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
1. What does this story tell me about God?
2. What does this story tell me about people?
3. If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Darien GabrielAugust 3, 2025Grace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, Ladson, SC, bible-believing church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabriel, for the city, Jeremiah 29

Discipleship Guidelines | 2 Timothy 2:1-13 | Robb Hibbard

Discipleship Guidelines 2 Timothy 2:1-13

The Great Commission Mt. 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
How do we make disciples?
- It’s not evangelism and discipleship, evangelism is part of Discipleship
- Discipleship is helping someone move one step closer in their relationship with Christ.
2 Timothy 2:1-13 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Making Disciples isn’t dependent on you, it's you being dependant and obedient to the Holy Spirit! (vs. 1-2)
Characteristics of a disciple-maker:
- A disciple-maker is mission-minded = Soldier (vs. 3-4)
  - Knows the objective and is willing to accomplish it with no excuses
  - Any soldier will tell you that suffering is involved, they train for it!
  - They do not get involved in civilian pursuits
- A disciple-maker knows the guidelines = Athlete (v. 5)
  - A disciple-maker must spend time communicating with God
  - There is a difference between teaching someone to follow God and teaching someone to follow you!
- A disciple-maker must be hard working = Farmer (v. 6)
  - Characteristics of a good farmer
  - A good farmer knows that his future is dependent on the harvest!
- A disciple-maker knows what is at stake (vs. 7-10)
  - “Think over what I say”
  - “The word of God is not bound” = do not live in fear!
- A disciple-maker demonstrate their faith in action: obedience (vs. 11-13)
  - James 2:14-19 “Faith without works is dead”
  - “Where faith is abundant, actions are plentiful”
Making disciples boils down to how seriously we take God at His word.
Are you obeying the directive to intentionally make disciples?
Quickest way to start: Take somebody with you!

Guest UserJuly 27, 2025Grace Christian Fellowshipdiscipleship, Robb Hibbard, guidelines, Grace Christian Fellowship, non denominational church, Ladson, SC, bible believing church

How Will You Respond to Jesus' Miracles? What Will You Do With What You've Seen? | John 11:45-57 | Chris Karpus

How will you Respond to Jesus’ Miracles? What will you do with what you’ve seen?

John 11:45-57

- Takes place Right after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead

Everything from this point forward in the Gospel of John focuses on the cross.

The raising of Lazarus from the dead assures us of Jesus’ power over death before He even goes to the

cross to die.

John 11:45-57 NIV

The Plot to Kill Jesus

45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in

him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the chief

priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.

“What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. 48 If we let him go

on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple

and our nation.”

49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at

all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole

nation perish.”

51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the

Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them

together and make them one. 53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

54 Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a

region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

55 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for

their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the

temple courts they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?” 57 But

the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who found out where Jesus was should

report it so that they might arrest him.

- There were 2 reactions from those who witnessed Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead

o 45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus

did, believed in him.

 Who else but God can raise a man who had been in the tomb for 4 days?

- 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

o It’s amazing that 2 groups of people can witness the same event and come away with

completely different reactions

 The way people see miracles depends on their moral condition

 Somehow, it isn’t a guarantee that someone will come to Christ just because they

witness a miracle

 If a person is filled with unbelief, it might not make a difference if they’ve seen a

miracle

Rather than worship Jesus in reverence for what they saw, they had to report it

Jesus becomes Israel’s most wanted for the crime of raising a man from the dead. He

restored Lazarus’ life, but many Jews want to take Jesus’ life. Pretty ironic, right?

47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.

- The Sanhedrin was the highest judicial body in Israel

o They had the political and spiritual power, but served under Roman authority

o In their point of view this was devastating

o Any time the star witness is a resurrected corpse – you have a pretty good case for the

validity of Jesus as the Messiah.

47 Continued “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many

signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will

come and take away both our temple and our nation.”

- Jesus’ enemies admit that He is doing miraculous works (many signs)

o They didn’t protest the authenticity of the healings

o Too many miracles to deny the reality of the works

- We see this later, when some of the disciples were performing miracles in Jesus name, and were

brought before the Sanhedrin…

- Acts 4:15-17

- 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are

we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have

performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further

among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

o “Don’t confuse me with the facts – I’ve made up my mind”

o How do we explain their failure to see the truth?

 It wasn’t lack of information

 Jesus actually gave the answer back in Chapter 9 when He told them they were

blinded by their sin.

 All of this religion and all of this biblical knowledge represented by the Sanhedrin,

yet they were unable to see the glory of God’s Son – because of sin.

 Some of the things we can take away from the Sanhedrin…

 You can be religious, but lost.

 You can memorize scripture but still be ignorant of its truth.

 You can say all the right things, but still have a heart that hasn’t been transformed

by the power of Jesus Christ.

o They also had questioned the source of the miracles: demonic in origin

- Matthew 9:34

34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”

- They were just trying to justify their position

o And so we see their unbelief play out in an interesting way that even applies to us today

too: unbelief will encourage you to protect your idols (vv. 45-48).

- 1. Unbelief encourages you to protect your idols

48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and

take away both our temple and our nation.”

Their primary concern was maintaining control – Jesus threatened their position and influence –

their idols

o They are afraid that the Romans will come in and take away their nation

 Their concern wasn’t for the people, but for themselves

 They believe that if people worship Jesus as the Messiah, then the Jews will come

and crown Him King of the Jews

 They were afraid - They knew the Romans would come in and destroy the temple

and Jerusalem, and scatter the people - if everyone believed in Him

 The Jews, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin weren’t interested in doing the right or just

thing. Instead, their top priority was retaining their power and influence.

 Ironically – that which they were so afraid of happening – did happen…

 In AD 70 the Romans did that very thing

 It wasn’t because the people believed in Jesus – it was most likely because

they didn’t

 We see in them a clear and striking picture of the self-centeredness of empty

religion.

- Empty Religion – these days, practiced by people who come to church, give money, say and do the

right thing and are moral, but have no relationship with Jesus Christ – they haven’t given their lives

to Jesus

 Empty religion is always revealed by a person’s focus

 What is your focus?

 If someone is truly following Jesus, their focus will be first on Jesus, then on others

and finally on themselves. – Empty religion always focuses first on me.

 It’s based on MY effort

 It’s about maintaining MY good works

 It’s concerned primarily with MY blessing and MY safety – so others can

look on at “all the good choices I’ve made”

 Empty religion evaluates spiritual realities by how WE will be affected. – When our

decisions are not based on clear biblical standards of holiness, but how they will

affect our own comfort and convenience.

 The Pharisees and Sadducees fear of loss of influence, power and income pushed

them to disobey God’s will.

o People want to protect their lifestyle (their idol) from Jesus

o He always has and he always will be a threat to our idols. And when Jesus threatens idols

you can expect hostility.

o For someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus, the idol always wins –

 Unfortunately, this is true for us too, isn’t it?

 What are some of the idols you have been protecting from Jesus?

 Popularity – approval of others – your lifestyle – your habits

 We need to reserve the thrown in our lives for Jesus

 For the Pharisees, power and control were their idol, and blinded them to the

miracle that so many had witnessed.

 They were more concerned about their place and their power than whether

or not this was really the Messiah

 Are we more committed to our own power, position, your possessions, your pride

than Jesus?

 Do you see Jesus as someone you can use for your own plans, or someone who is

free to use you for His?

- At the same time Jesus is aware of the plot to kill Him, He longed to shelter and protect the

people of Jerusalem.

- But even though Jesus longed to gather His people under His wings, they just weren’t interested.

Matthew 23:37-39

37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have

longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were

not willing. 38 Look, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again until

you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ [a] ”

Yes, He was speaking to Jerusalem – but how often has He said to each of us “How often I have wanted

to be your number one focus, but you were not willing”

49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at

all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole

nation perish.” 51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus

would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God,

to bring them together and make them one.

John credits the prophesy to the office of High Priest, and not to the man

- Interesting notes on Caiaphas:

o He was a Sadducee, which means he didn’t believe in the resurrection under any

circumstances

o As a Sadducee, he collaborated with the Romans

o He didn’t want anyone rocking the boat

o Having been high priest for 16 years, he was highly educated and intelligent, but also cynical

and ruthless.

What we read in verses 49-50 is a great example of the irony that John builds into his gospel. Because

clearly, Caiaphas is thinking only of political expediency, but the Lord intended for us to see something

else entirely.

It’s obviously ironic because what Caiaphas says in those verses is the gospel message in a nutshell!

Jesus’ death would save his people. “The nation” is a reference to the nation of Israel, but remember,

Paul tells us that the people of faith are true people of God.

- The death of Jesus Christ was going to accomplish what God intended. It was going to save those it

was intended to save, and it was going to gather them into one people.

o Though Caiphas said it – It’s a great note of unmistakable certainty.

- Caiaphas’ didn’t understand his own prophecy

- He was so obsessed with his own political power, he only sees everything through that lens. He fails

to understand that the Lord revealed something of spiritual significance through him – but he was

blind to it.

o One thing to learn from that is that being obsessed with political power can force you to

see everything only through that lens – and miss the point of what God is actually doing.

 It’s a lesson for all of us in this politically charged day.

- Because it wasn’t Caiaphas’ plan that was ultimately carried out - it was God’s plan for redemption!

- For evil reasons they sought to put Jesus to death, but unbeknownst to them they were

accomplishing God’s sovereign will all along. What they meant for evil, God intended for good.

- Caiphas’ words, though said to fulfill his own purpose, held greater meaning than he could have

planned.

 Peter makes this point during his sermon on the day of Pentacost.

- Acts 2:23

23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you,

with the help of wicked men, [a] put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

- This doesn’t get Caiphas off the hook – he wasn’t an unwilling puppet. God just turned his wicked

words into truth.

o His speech must have been convincing, because in verse 53:

53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

It’s gone beyond impulsive attempts to stone Jesus, and become premeditated murder.

It is noteworthy that some religious people, who claim to know God and to love and serve God don’t

recognize their God when He shows up.

- Amazing what darkness produces in the heart of the unbeliever – the blindness

o It’s a good example of pragmatic thinking. Pragmatism is the fundamental belief that

everything is subservient to achieving results and success.

o If your only goal is to achieve results, it won’t be long before you find yourself

compromising your own moral integrity.

o Unfortunately, this way of thinking has even crept into the church. So many churches are

willing to do whatever it takes to grow. But if that’s your only guiding principle it won’t be

long before your pragmatism puts you at odds with Biblical standards.

 What you win them with is what you win them to…

- Jesus avoided them until the appropriate time:

54 Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a

region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

- He would not die because of the whims and wished of the religious establishment.

- His death was not the tragic death of a religious zealot. He would die at the time chosen by His

Father. His life would not be taken from Him. But He would willingly sacrifice it.

55 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for

their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the

temple courts they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?”

They were wondering if Jesus was even going to come to the Passover

57 But the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who found out where Jesus was

should report it so that they might arrest him.

So - How will you Respond to Jesus’ Miracles?

Will you waiver?

- There is no neutrality, when it comes to Jesus – no middle ground when it comes to Jesus

o Middle ground is illogical – if you believe Jesus is who He says He is, then you believe what

He says and you obey Him. Jesus never claimed to occupy the middle ground either…in

fact…

John 14:6

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through

me.

o There are only two options when it comes to Jesus Christ: trust in Him for the salvation of

your soul, or reject him in unbelief.

o One path – the wide path leased to destruction, and eternity away from God

o The path to Jesus is narrow…eternal life with him

Will you fight against it?

- Will your idols of wealth, independence, politics, power, control, pride, popularity or approval blind

you to what Jesus wants to do in your life? Does the lifestyle you want to have…or maybe the one

you already have conflict with God’s will for your life?

o God’s will like a stream…or water coming in at the beach

- Part 2 of the title: What will you do with what you’ve seen?

o You can try to justify unbelief by saying “I didn’t see any miracles with my own eyes”

 Sure you have!

 Do you have a mirror? You’re made in His image.

Genesis 1:27

So God created mankind in his own image,

in the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them.

Life itself is a miracle.

 Ever been outside?

Romans 1:20

20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine

nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are

without excuse.

Can you see me?

- 5 year celebration of surviving a cardiac arrest.

The same God that raised Lazarus from the dead, and was murdered by the religious leaders for every

sin we commit, and was raised from the dead himself 3 days later still performs miracles today. This all

points to Jesus…every story in this room points to Jesus…or at least should.

What will you do with what you’ve seen?

You can’t unsee it now…You can’t unhear what you’ve heard…so you have to make a choice

Guest UserJuly 20, 2025Grace Christian FellowshipChris Karpus, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, non denominational church, Signs & Glory, bible believing church, Jesus' miracles

Sermons

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1. Spiritual

2. Relational

3. Missional

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“The Power That Stayed Behind”

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“The Student Who Spoke Up”

“The Quiet Faith of Coach Joseph Kennedy”

“Canceled Before Cancel Culture”

“The Backlash and the Blessing”

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Thumbnail Text Ideas

The Apostles Beaten (Acts 5:40–42)

Happiness: After being flogged by the Sanhedrin, they weren’t happy about the pain or humiliation.

Jesus on the Cross (Hebrews 12:2)

Job Loss

The Apostles Beaten (Acts 5:40–42)

Happiness: After being flogged by the Sanhedrin, they weren’t happy about the pain or humiliation.

Jesus on the Cross (Hebrews 12:2)

Job Loss

God's Benefit Package by Nicky Gumbel

Passage Flow

Major Themes

Summary of John 12:12–36: The King of Peace and the Call to Follow

CLOSING ILLUSTRATION IDEA (true story):

Passion Week Travel Timeline

Understanding Exile

🎯The Context of the Babylonian Exile (Jeremiah 29)

📜When and Why It Happened

🏘️Where and How They Lived in Babylon

🟢Freedoms:

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Did They Live Mixed or Separate?

💰Economy & Taxes

✈️Could They Travel?

📚Supporting Sources

🧠 Summary: Life in Exile Was…