1 Finding the Way Home BIG IDEA THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE


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Finding the Way Home “Learning Jesus” (The Gospel of John) John 14:6 May 26, 2019

BIG IDEA Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He provides the only road that will transform you. He is the sole pathway to eternal life. Stop wandering. Jesus is the way home.

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE Context: This is the sixth “I Am” saying of Jesus that proves that He is who He said He is. The “I AM” Statements of Jesus:       

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, and the Truth, and the Life I Am the True Vine

The disciples were troubled. Jesus had been teaching hard things. He sought to comfort them, and did so, within the first five verses. The actual “I AM” saying is a response to Thomas’ question. John 14:1-6 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas

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said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

DISCUSSION & APPLICATION 1. Knowing the Way Home Brings Comfort John 14:1-3 – “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” Like many of us, these men were prone to doubt. Though the Savior was with them they had a hard time wrapping their minds around the future. Their relationship with Jesus seemed uncertain. So, He comforted them. a. Thomas asked in verse 5: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” This was a natural question to ask. Jesus was speaking of things Thomas didn’t understand. Have you ever wondered what God was up to? What was it like to live within uncertainty?

b. Does Jesus always give us a clear roadmap for the future? Why or why not?

c. Jesus shows genuine compassion for His friends. Do you show compassion to others? How do you feel when someone is kind to you? Who needs your kindness?

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2. Clarity Regarding the Identity of Jesus Shows the Way Home Jesus clarified his Person in order to give the disciples confidence in their future. He is the way to God because He is the truth and life of God. He is the truth of God: John 1:18 – No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. He is the very life of God: 1 John 5:20 – And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. He is the only one qualified to show us the way home because he is from God.

a. What attributes of Jesus stick out to you when you study Him? What do you learn about God from studying Jesus?

b. Jesus brings life. Is He only concerned about eternal life? How does He affect your life now?

c. How can you impart the life of Christ to others?

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3. Knowing the Way Home Satisfies and Saves John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Finding life in Jesus satisfies every hunger of the human soul. When you are connected to Jesus you’ll never thirst again. Will you struggle? Yes. Will you hurt? Yes. Will you find great difficulty in life at times? Yes. Though times can be hard you can still have peace and satisfaction. He can fill you because He is the only way home. a. Can you describe a time in your life when you hurt badly? How did Jesus minister to you? Are you hurting now? Is He there?

b. Did Jesus promise nirvana to those that follow Him? What can we really expect? How do we thrive as followers of Christ?

c. Things of the world seem to give us contentment for a while. Can you describe something that gave you contentment for a while but it has worn off? Jesus doesn’t wear off!

4. Finding the Way Home Is About Life and Death Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Those that fail to submit to Christ and invite Him to be Lord and Savior, will continue under the just condemnation of sin and die eternally, separated from God, in conscious torment. This is a horrible truth, and so this is the most important news on the planet.

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Please consider praying these words if you are not a follower of Jesus:   

“Jesus, I know I am a sinner.” “Jesus, I know that you died for my sin and have paid the punishment for my sin.” “Jesus, please be my Lord and Savior.”

Through faith, you will escape condemnation and live! a. How many ways are there to find God? Why do you believe this?

b. Do you think Jesus will pardon all people or will some not be forgiven? What does it take to be forgiven by God?

c. Have you asked for forgiveness and invited Jesus to be your Lord and Savior?

5. Finding the Right Way Home Means My Direction is Sure John Piper: “Life is hard. God is good. Glory is coming. Therefore, stand firm in his grace.” a. Spend time praying for faith. God will sustain you if you ask Him.

b. Do you believe in eternal life? What will it be like? Can you put aside your worries of today and focus on tomorrow?

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PRAY Dear Lord, thank you for providing a way home. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for eternal life. I can’t wait to spend all of eternity with you. You are perfect. You are beautiful. You are my God. Amen.

DIG DEEPER For further study this week: 

Getting the Gospel Right – a book from R.C. Sproul



Soul-Keeping: Caring for The Most Important Part of You – a book from John Ortberg

NEXT WEEK’S BIG IDEA The “I Am Sayings of Jesus; Saying #7: I Am the True Vine (John 15:1,5)

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