A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: John 14:1-14

Nobody likes to be treated only as a work unit, valuable for production capacity alone. Thankfully, the various ways of serving God are all secondary to a real relationship with him. He knows us personally and wants to be known by us personally. Christianity proclaims a relationship, not a religion. In John 14:12, Jesus tells us that believers will do the works he did and even greater works than these. At first glance, one might think this is suggesting we do the same signs and wonders he did. However, the context for his statement is a dialogue with Philip about knowing the Father. Everything that Jesus did was an extension of the Father and a revelation of the Father to the world.   In John 17:3 Jesus says that eternal life is knowing the Father and Jesus, whom he sent. So what is this work that disciples are to do?

Our work is to get to know the Father through Jesus.

Jesus does several things that help us in this relationship. First, he provides the only way to be reconciled to the Father. This is what his death on the cross was about. Second, he models moment-by-moment connection with his Father. Jesus only did and said what he received from the Father. Third, Jesus commissions us to do similarly. The way a person will enter heaven is by knowing and being known by God. See Matthew 7:21-23. Developing a relationship with God is primary. Then, as 2 Corinthians 5:20 tells us, we have a ministry of reconciliation to help others come to know God.

Taking It Home: Have a family discussion about the variety of ways to pray and the variety of ways God speaks to people. Which ways have you personally experienced? Which do you prefer?