Hope is Abiding Scripture: John 14:1–11 Introduction: Following Jesus is not without its challenges or disappointments What is Christian hope? Objective: To acknowledge our disappointments so we can be properly reoriented toward Christian hope. Unpacking the Text: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. John 14:1-11 3 Things to Consider: Disappointment is Disappointment occurs when our expectations do not line up with reality The disciples experienced deep disorientation when Jesus announced His departure; they expected a political revolution, not His death. Common sources of disappointment: People: Church leaders, friends, spouses, or parents Self: Regret over past mistakes or lack of progress. God: When the reality of the Christian life doesn't match our high hopes. What to do: Instead of ignoring or self-medicating, we must face our disappointments and offer them back to God. Disappointment is Disappointment is a tool for spiritual growth because it humbles us It shatters our reliance on our own strength and competency. Moving through disappointment allows us to trade our limited expectations for a vision of what God is actually doing in the world. It reorients us to a hope that is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in Jesus. Hope is a Christian hope is not ultimately about a destination, but about a relationship with the Trinity. The “Rooms” in the Father's House: The Greek word monē (rooms) is related to menō (abide/dwell). The emphasis is not on the place, but on the one we abide with. Jesus as the “Way”: Jesus is the destination (the Trinity) and therefore He is also the Way. We do not have to wait until death to experience this hope; we have access to the Trinity today through prayer and spiritual practices. Reflection & Response Bring it to God: Jesus knows heartache, betrayal, and suffering—He invites you to bring your disappointments to Him. Make a commitment to grow in friendship with God Discipleship Group Questions What stood out to you most from the sermon or from John 14? The sermon says “disappointment emerges when expectations and reality don’t line up.” Where have you experienced that in your own faith journey? When disappointment shows up, how do you usually respond—ignore it, push through it, bring it to God, or something else? Can you think of a time when disappointment actually deepened or reshaped your faith? How have you typically understood Jesus’ statement, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”? How does the idea that Christian hope is primarily about relationship, not destination, challenge or reshape your thinking? Dallas Willard said, “I think that when I die, it might be some time until I know it.” How does this quote resonate with you? Where do you notice a pull in your life toward wanting God’s gifts more than God himself? What is one disappointment—past or present—that you sense God inviting you to bring honestly to him right now?