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The Weekly Show: Episode 58 - John 16:16-24

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study John Chapter 16 Verses 16-24
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/
 Introduction to John 16:16–24
As Jesus nears the end of His farewell conversation with the disciples, He turns to address their emotional turmoil directly. In John 16:16–24, He speaks to their confusion, sorrow, and fear—but also gives them a glimpse of the joy and clarity that will come after His resurrection.
This passage begins with a phrase the disciples don’t fully understand:
“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.”
They are confused—and understandably so. Jesus is preparing them for His death, burial, and resurrection, but they can’t yet see the full picture. Even so, He promises that their sorrow will be temporary, and that it will give way to joy that no one can take away.
Through this section, Jesus introduces a central truth of the Christian life: Sorrow and joy are not separate chapters—they are part of the same story. And the resurrection will be the turning point that changes everything.
Key Themes We’ll Explore
The disciples’ confusion and Jesus’ gentle response
The reality of temporary sorrow and promised joy
The resurrection as the turning point from despair to hope
Joy that cannot be taken away—anchored in the living Christ
A new kind of prayer—in Jesus’ name—flowing from relationship with the Father
In this passage, Jesus prepares His followers for the cross, but with resurrection joy already in view. It’s a message we all need to hear: our sorrow may last for a season, but in Christ, joy always has the final word.
Key Theme One: Temporary Sorrow, Everlasting Joy
Study Breakdown
Confusion Among the Disciples (vv. 16–18)
Jesus speaks a cryptic phrase: “A little while, and you will not see me… and again a little while, and you will see me.” The disciples are confused. They don’t yet understand that Jesus is speaking of His death and resurrection. This moment captures their very human struggle—processing spiritual truths through limited understanding. They are still thinking in earthly terms, while Jesus is preparing them for a supernatural turning point.
Jesus Addresses Their Unspoken Questions (vv. 19–20)
Jesus, knowing their thoughts, gently responds to their confusion. He tells them plainly: sorrow is coming, but it will not last. The disciples will weep and lament—their world will be shaken by the crucifixion. Meanwhile, “the world will rejoice”—those opposed to Jesus will believe they have won. But Jesus promises: “Your sorrow will turn into joy.” Not joy instead of sorrow—but joy out of sorrow. Transformation, not replacement.
The Analogy of Childbirth (v. 21)
Jesus compares their coming sorrow to a woman in labor: There is real pain. Real anguish. But it serves a purpose—it leads to new life. Once the child is born, the joy is so overwhelming that the pain is no longer the focus. This is how the resurrection will affect them—grief transformed into unshakable joy.
The Promise of Unshakable Joy (v. 22)
“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again.” This is a personal promise: “I will see you.” Not only will they see Him—the risen Christ—but He will see them. Relationship restored. Their hearts will rejoice—not in abstract hope, but in the presence of their living Savior. And that joy? “No one will take it from you.” It will be permanent, rooted in victory, untouched by circumstances.
Key Takeaways
Sorrow and confusion are part of the journey of faith—but Jesus meets us in both. The disciples’ grief was real, but it had a purpose—and so does ours. The resurrection turns despair into joy—not by erasing pain, but by redeeming it. Jesus compares sorrow to labor—it is painful, but it leads to new life. The joy that flows from seeing the risen Christ is permanent, unshakable, and deeply personal. In a world full of temporary emotions, Jesus offers a joy no one can take away.
Key Theme Two: A New Way to Pray
Study Breakdown
“In That Day” — A New Chapter Begins (v. 23a)
Jesus points forward to “that day”—referring to the time after His resurrection and the sending of the Holy Spirit. This signals a major shift in the disciples’ relationship with both Jesus and the Father. They will no longer be dependent on asking Jesus directly, as they did in person—they will go directly to the Father through Jesus’ name.
Asking in Jesus’ Name (vv. 23b–24)
Jesus gives a bold promise: “Whatever you ask of the Father in my name, He will give it to you.” This is not a magic formula—it’s about relationship and alignment with Christ’s will and character. Praying “in Jesus’ name” means:
Approaching God based on Christ’s righteousness, not our own
Asking according to His will and purpose
Trusting in His authority and relationship with the Father
Until now, the disciples had never prayed this way—Jesus had always been with them physically. But now, through the Spirit, they will have direct access to the Father in Jesus’ name.
Ask, and You Will Receive (v. 24)
Jesus repeats the invitation: “Ask, and you will receive.” This is not an open-ended guarantee for personal gain—it’s a promise for those who are abiding in Christ and seeking His glory. The goal is not just answered prayer—it’s joy: “that your joy may be full.” When we learn to pray in Jesus’ name, and see God work through those prayers, it fills us with lasting, Spirit-born joy.
Key Takeaways
Jesus introduces a new model for prayer—direct access to the Father through His name. Praying in Jesus’ name means praying in alignment with His will and in dependence on His finished work. The shift from asking Jesus in person to praying through His name reflects the intimacy made possible through His death, resurrection, and the Spirit’s indwelling. God delights to answer the prayers of those who are united with His Son—so that their joy may be full. The invitation to “ask” is ongoing—Jesus is calling His followers into a deeper life of communion, trust, and joy through prayer.
Conclusion to John 16:16–24
In John 16:16–24, Jesus prepares His disciples for the emotional rollercoaster of the cross and resurrection. He acknowledges their confusion, speaks directly to their coming sorrow, and then points them toward an unshakable joy that will follow His victory.
They don’t fully understand what He means by “a little while,” but soon they will. Their grief will be deep—real heartbreak at the loss of their Teacher and Lord. But that grief will not be wasted. It will give birth to something lasting: Joy that cannot be taken away, because it’s rooted in seeing the risen Christ.
And just as their joy will be made full, so will their relationship with the Father change. Through Jesus, they will now pray in His name—with confidence, clarity, and authority. Prayer will no longer be limited to what they can ask Jesus face-to-face. It will become a daily, personal conversation with the Father—marked by trust, answered requests, and overflowing joy.
Key Takeaways
Jesus prepares us for both sorrow and joy—because both are part of the journey of faith.
The resurrection doesn’t erase sorrow—it transforms it into joy.
That joy isn’t fleeting—it’s permanent because it’s based on the presence of the living Christ.
Jesus invites us into a new kind of prayer—direct, confident, joyful communication with the Father.
When we pray in His name and walk in His love, our joy is made full.
No one can take away the joy of knowing the risen Jesus. And through Him, we now approach the Father with boldness, asking—and receiving—so that our lives overflow with joy in Him.
 

Sermon: From Jesus in Joshua

Sermon Date: 7/13/2025
Bible Verses:
Luke 24:44–49
Joshua 1:1–18
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Introduction: Picking Up Where We Left Off
Last week, we looked at Deuteronomy 31, where Moses prepared the people for the next season and passed the mantle of leadership to Joshua.He told them, “Be strong and courageous. The Lord your God goes before you.”
Now we turn the page to the Book of Joshua.
But before we do, Jesus tells us something important:
All Scripture Points to Him
Luke 24:44–49
“Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
Jesus says the entire Old Testament—from Moses to the Prophets to the Psalms—is about Him.
Joshua is not just a military history or a moral example. It is prophetic, pointing forward to Jesus.
In the Hebrew Bible, Joshua is not grouped in the "Histories" but in the Prophets.
In the Greek Septuagint, the name "Joshua" is rendered Iēsous—the very same Greek word used in the New Testament for Jesus.
Joshua’s Hebrew name, Yehoshua, means “Yahweh saves.”
In other words, when we read the Book of Joshua, we are reading a living shadow of Jesus Christ.
III. Moses Could Not Finish the Work
Joshua 1:1–9
“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people…”
Moses brought the people out of slavery but he could not bring them into rest.Moses represents the Law—and the Law can:
Show you your need for salvation
Reveal your sin
Guide your steps
But the Law cannot bring you into the promise.It cannot give you rest. It cannot deliver salvation.
That work falls to Joshua—and ultimately, to Jesus.
Joshua is the one who leads God’s people into their inheritance and gives them rest.
Typology in Action:
Moses dies in the wilderness; Joshua leads into the Promised Land.
The Law ends outside; Grace enters in.
Moses couldn’t cross—but in the New Testament, on the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses stands in the Promised Land—because of Jesus.
Jesus Brings What the Law Could Never Finish
This is what Hebrews 4 means when it says:
“If Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on.”
Joshua gave temporary rest.Jesus gives eternal rest.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
So now, just like Israel, we are standing on the edge of a new land.Not just land on a map—but a life of faith, obedience, and mission.
Commissioned to Go Forward
Joshua 1:10–18
Joshua tells the people, “Prepare. Get ready. In three days we’re crossing over.”
And their response?
“All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.” (v. 16)
God had promised the land.Now it was time to believe, step forward, and obey.
They had to:
Trust Joshua’s leadership
Walk into battle
Leave the wilderness mindset behind
Application: Jesus Is Still Leading His People In
You can stay camped in fear, or you can cross in faith.
You can trust the Law to diagnose you, or you can trust Jesus to deliver you.
You can dwell in regret and failure, or you can follow the greater Joshua into your inheritance.
Final Thoughts:
Joshua begins with the death of Moses—because it marks the end of an era.But it’s also a foreshadowing of the resurrection era:
The Law has done its work. Now the Savior leads us in.
Call to Action:
Are you still trying to earn what only grace can give?
Are you camped in comfort, or crossing into calling?
Are you ready to follow Jesus—not just as a Teacher, but as the One who brings you in?

The Weekly Show: Episode 58 - John 16:1-15

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study John Chapter 16 Verses 1-15
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/
 Introduction to John 16:1–15
As Jesus continues His Farewell Discourse, He shifts from warning about the world’s hatred to offering comfort and clarity about what lies ahead. In John 16:1–15, Jesus prepares His disciples for the hardship of persecution and the sorrow of His departure, while also revealing the powerful role of the Holy Spirit.
This passage is both sobering and hopeful. Jesus doesn’t downplay the pain they will face—He tells them plainly that they will be cast out, hated, and even targeted by those who believe they are doing God a service. But in the same breath, He promises the coming of the Helper—the Holy Spirit—who will strengthen them and continue Jesus’ work through them.
He explains that His departure is necessary for the Spirit to come, and that the Spirit will have a vital role:
Convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment
Guiding the disciples into all truth
Glorifying Christ by declaring what belongs to Him
This section is a turning point. Jesus is preparing the disciples not just for survival, but for mission. They will face sorrow—but that sorrow will make way for Spirit-empowered witness and joy.
Key Themes We’ll Explore
Why Jesus warned His disciples ahead of time
The danger of religious persecution and spiritual blindness
The promised coming of the Holy Spirit—the Helper
The Spirit’s role in conviction, guidance, and glorifying Christ
Why Jesus’ departure was part of God’s greater plan
In John 16:1–15, we see that truth and comfort walk hand in hand. Jesus does not hide the cost of following Him, but He also gives us everything we need to endure it—including the Holy Spirit, who will lead us in truth and empower us to bear witness in a world that desperately needs to see Christ.
Key Theme One: Warning Before the Storm
Study Breakdown
Jesus Warns to Keep Them from Falling Away (v. 1)
Jesus speaks with urgency and care: “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.” The Greek word for “falling away” (skandalizō) means to stumble or lose faith under pressure. Jesus is preparing the disciples for coming persecution—not to scare them, but to anchor them. Knowing what’s coming ahead of time helps guard their faith when the suffering begins.
Rejection by Religious Institutions (v. 2a)
“They will put you out of the synagogues.” This was more than social embarrassment—it meant losing community, status, and access to worship. Jesus warns that faithfulness to Him may come at the cost of being rejected by religious systems that resist the truth. This kind of religious persecution can be especially painful because it comes from those claiming to represent God.
Misguided Zeal Will Lead to Violence (v. 2b)
“Whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.” This verse is both chilling and historically accurate. From the martyrdom of early disciples to modern-day persecution, many have been attacked by those convinced they are doing God's will. Paul (then Saul) is a clear example—he persecuted the church before his conversion, believing he was serving God (Acts 9).
The Root: They Do Not Know the Father or the Son (v. 3)
Jesus exposes the real issue: “They do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.” Religious persecution stems not from too much truth, but from a lack of true knowledge of God. Without knowing the heart of the Father or the person of Jesus, people can twist religion into a weapon.
He Tells Them in Advance (v. 4)
“But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.” Jesus’ forewarning is an act of pastoral care and spiritual preparation. When the persecution arrives, they’ll remember His words—and that will steady them in the storm. Jesus never promised comfort—but He always promises clarity and presence.
Key Takeaways
Jesus warns His disciples not to discourage them, but to prepare and preserve them. Persecution may come from religious people or systems that do not truly know God. Faithfulness to Christ may cost social acceptance or religious standing—but Jesus is worth it. The world may believe it's doing right—even while committing violence against God’s people. Remembering Jesus’ words in times of hardship is vital for perseverance.
Key Theme Two: The Coming of the Helper
Study Breakdown
Jesus Points to His Departure (v. 5)
Jesus reminds the disciples that He is returning to the Father—“to him who sent me.” Their focus is understandably emotional—they are grieving the thought of losing Him. Jesus gently notes that they haven’t truly asked about where He is going—meaning they haven’t yet grasped the bigger purpose of His departure.
Sorrow Has Filled Their Hearts (v. 6)
Jesus acknowledges the disciples’ emotional state: “Sorrow has filled your heart.” This is a moment of real grief—they’ve walked with Jesus for years, and now He says He’s leaving. Their sorrow is sincere, but it also blinds them from seeing the greater good that is coming.
A Surprising Truth: “It Is to Your Advantage” (v. 7)
Jesus delivers a shocking statement: “It is to your advantage that I go away.” To the disciples, that likely sounded impossible—how could losing Jesus be beneficial? But Jesus is revealing something essential: His physical presence would give way to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would not just walk beside them—He would dwell within them.
The Helper Will Come (v. 7)
The Helper (Greek: Parakletos)—the Holy Spirit—would not come until Jesus completed His mission and returned to the Father. His departure was necessary to launch the next phase of God’s plan: the Spirit-empowered church. Once Jesus ascends, He sends the Spirit to:
Comfort
Empower
Teach
Guide
Convict
Equip the church for mission
Key Takeaways
Jesus’ departure was not a loss—it was the doorway to greater spiritual power and presence. The Holy Spirit is not a consolation prize—He is the full presence of God dwelling within every believer. Grief is real, but we must trust that God’s plan often leads through sorrow into deeper glory. The Spirit's coming was not an afterthought—it was central to the mission of Jesus. What felt like abandonment to the disciples was actually preparation for empowerment.
Key Theme Three: The Spirit’s Ministry of Conviction
Study Breakdown
The Spirit’s Role: Conviction (v. 8)
Jesus now explains the first major work of the Holy Spirit in the world: conviction. The word “convict” means to expose, convince, and correct. The Spirit does not merely bring feelings of guilt—He reveals the truth about God and man, bringing clarity and urgency to the heart. This conviction is not just for individuals—it’s directed at “the world,” meaning all humanity apart from Christ.
Conviction Concerning Sin (v. 9)
The Spirit convicts the world of sin, specifically because people “do not believe in me.” Unbelief in Jesus is the root of all sin—it is the rejection of God’s greatest revelation. The Spirit exposes the world’s refusal to trust and submit to Christ. He brings awareness not just of wrong behavior, but of the deeper issue: rebellion against Jesus.
Conviction Concerning Righteousness (v. 10)
Next, the Spirit convicts the world concerning righteousness—but not the world’s version of it. Jesus says this happens “because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer.” His resurrection and ascension declare that His righteousness was accepted by the Father. The Spirit reveals that true righteousness is found in Christ—not in human effort or religious performance. In a world full of self-righteousness and moral confusion, the Spirit holds up Jesus as the standard.
Conviction Concerning Judgment (v. 11)
Finally, the Spirit convicts the world concerning judgment—“because the ruler of this world is judged.” Satan, the spiritual enemy and deceiver, has already been condemned through Christ’s victory at the cross. The Spirit declares that the world’s system of rebellion is doomed—judgment is not future alone, it has already begun in Jesus’ triumph. Those who align with the world’s values and reject Christ stand under the same judgment.
Key Takeaways
The Holy Spirit brings conviction—not to shame, but to lead to repentance and truth. Sin is ultimately about unbelief in Jesus—trusting Him is the first and most vital step toward salvation. Righteousness is not self-made—it is seen and found in the risen, exalted Christ. The cross has already sealed the enemy’s fate—judgment is real, and the Spirit warns the world to turn while there is time. The Spirit’s work of conviction is essential to gospel ministry—it prepares hearts for salvation and shows the world its need for Jesus.
Key Theme Four: The Spirit Guides Into All Truth
Study Breakdown
Jesus Withholds for Their Sake (v. 12)
Jesus begins with a tender acknowledgment: “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” The disciples are overwhelmed. The emotional and spiritual weight of Jesus’ farewell is more than they can handle in the moment. This shows us that Jesus is not only truthful—He is compassionate. He knows when we are ready to receive more, and when we are not.
The Spirit Will Guide You Into All Truth (v. 13)
Jesus promises that the Spirit of truth will continue the work of teaching and revelation. This is not about receiving “new” truth, but about being led deeper into the truth already revealed in Jesus. The Spirit doesn’t speak on His own authority—He relays exactly what He hears from the Father and the Son. This assures us of the unity of the Trinity and the reliability of divine revelation.
The Spirit Declares the Things to Come (v. 13b)
The Spirit also speaks of what is to come:
For the apostles, this includes the unfolding of the church age, persecution, and the hope of Christ’s return.
For us, it reminds us that the Spirit gives prophetic clarity and forward-looking hope, always rooted in Scripture. He prepares the church not just to survive, but to move forward in faith and mission.
The Spirit Glorifies Christ (v. 14)
The primary aim of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus. He does this by revealing Christ, exalting His name, and making His truth known to believers. If a teaching or “revelation” does not lead to the glorification of Jesus—it is not from the Spirit. The Spirit is never self-promoting—He exists to shine the light on Christ.
Unity Between the Father, Son, and Spirit (v. 15)
Jesus closes this section with a profound Trinitarian truth: “All that the Father has is mine… therefore I said he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” There is no competition or contradiction between the members of the Trinity. What the Father possesses belongs to the Son, and what the Son gives is made known to us through the Spirit. This is the divine harmony of revelation—Father, Son, and Spirit working together to draw us into truth.
Key Takeaways
Jesus reveals truth progressively, in ways we can bear—He meets us in our weakness. The Holy Spirit guides believers into deeper understanding of God's truth—always in alignment with Scripture. The Spirit’s teaching never contradicts Jesus—it flows from the same divine authority. He prepares us for what’s ahead, and gives insight grounded in Christ’s words. The Spirit’s mission is to glorify Jesus—true Spirit-led ministry always exalts the Son. We can trust that the Spirit is leading us into truth, not confusion—because He speaks from the heart of the Father and Son.
Conclusion to John 16:1–15
In John 16:1–15, Jesus continues preparing His disciples for the realities of life without His physical presence. He speaks honestly about the hardship they will face, but also gives them a promise of help and hope: the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus never hides the cost of following Him. He tells His disciples plainly: the world will reject you—even violently. But He also promises that they are not alone. The Helper—the Spirit of truth—will come, and He will:
Strengthen them in their suffering
Guide them into truth
Convict the world of its sin
Glorify Jesus through their witness
Jesus reassures them that His departure is not a defeat—it is the divine plan. Only by going to the Father could He send the Spirit to dwell within them—and within every believer who would come after.
What seems like sorrow in the moment is actually making way for spirit-empowered mission and eternal joy.
Key Takeaways
Jesus prepares us for trials—not to scare us, but to preserve us in the storm.
Persecution will come, often even from religious people who do not truly know God.
The Holy Spirit has been sent to comfort, teach, convict, and empower the church.
The Spirit leads us into truth—not new truth, but deeper understanding of Christ.
His mission is to glorify Jesus and equip us to do the same.
Even when we face resistance, confusion, or sorrow—Jesus has not left us alone. The Spirit of truth is with us, guiding us forward in grace and truth.

Sermon: Keep Going

Sermon Date: 7/6/2025
Bible Verses:
Deuteronomy 31:1–8
1 Thessalonians 5:1–19
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Obedience to the Lord is not always easy, but it is always worth it. We are called to serve even when we’re discouraged, frustrated, or tired—because the Lord goes before us and is at work through us.
Obedience in Transition
Deuteronomy 31:1–3
Moses is 120 years old. After years of leading the people of Israel, he’s now passing the mantle to Joshua. Moses himself won’t enter the Promised Land.
Key Point: Even faithful servants don’t always get to finish the job. Sometimes obedience means preparing others to carry the work forward.
Obedience doesn’t always come with immediate reward—but it always honors God.
Application:
Are you willing to obey even when you don’t see the result?
Are you preparing the next generation to continue what you’ve started?
God Goes Before You
Deuteronomy 31:6, 8
“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Moses reassures both the people and Joshua: don’t be afraid, because God is already ahead of you.
This is not about your strength—it’s about God’s presence.
Even when your strength is failing, God's promise still stands.
Application:
God has not abandoned your calling.
Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not holy.
Obedience is sustained by trust in God's nearness and faithfulness.
Service in the Everyday
1 Thessalonians 5:11–15
“Encourage one another and build each other up…”
Paul tells the church to support one another in the day-to-day life of faith—not just in the highs, but also in the grind.
Faithfulness in the small, mundane acts of obedience builds a strong witness.
Application:
Are you building others up, or simply getting by?
Are you mistaking God’s silence for absence? He is still present and working.
Don’t Quench the Spirit
1 Thessalonians 5:16–19
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…”
These verses can be difficult to live out when we’re worn down or discouraged. But Paul reminds us that the Spirit is always at work, and we must not smother that fire.
Sometimes the greatest act of obedience is simply refusing to quit.
“Do not quench the Spirit.”Even in a dry season, continued obedience keeps the fire alive.
Application:
Stay in the fight even when you don’t feel like it.
Be intentional in joy, prayer, and gratitude—they are fuel for your calling.
Trust that the Holy Spirit is doing more than you can see.
Closing Challenge
To the weary servant:Don’t stop. Don’t give in to fear or frustration. The Lord goes before you, and He is not finished with your story.
To the faithful worker:It may not feel fruitful now, but obedience always honors God—and He is the one who brings the harvest.
Call to Action:
Recommit yourself to faithful obedience.
Ask God for fresh strength and courage.
Encourage someone else this week who may be struggling.
Remember: the work is not in vain. The Lord is with you.

The Weekly Show: Episode 56 - John 15:18-27

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study John Chapter 15 Verses 1-15.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/
Introduction to John 15:18–27 — The Hatred of the World
As Jesus continues His Farewell Discourse, He shifts the tone.After teaching about abiding in Him and loving one another, Jesus now warns the disciples about what they will face in the world.
In John 15:18–27, Jesus prepares His followers for opposition and persecution. He makes it clear: the same world that rejected Him will also reject those who follow Him.
 This is not a possibility—it is a certainty for those who live in allegiance to Christ.
Jesus does not say these things to discourage His disciples, but to prepare them.
He reminds them that they are not of the world, that they have been chosen out of the world, and that their witness will bring conflict with a world that is in rebellion against God.
At the same time, Jesus promises that the Helper—the Holy Spirit—will come and empower their witness, even in the face of hatred. Though the world may reject them, they are not alone.
Key Themes We’ll Explore
The world’s hatred of Christ and His followers — why opposition is inevitable.
The identity of believers — chosen out of the world, no longer belonging to it.
The reason for persecution — allegiance to Jesus’ name.
The guilt of the world — rejecting Jesus and the Father despite clear revelation.
The ministry of the Holy Spirit — bearing witness to Jesus through His disciples.
The call to faithful witness — empowered by the Spirit, even in a hostile world.
This passage is a sober but important reminder:
To follow Jesus is to expect opposition from the world.
But in the face of that opposition, we are called to stand firm, bear witness, and trust the Spirit who empowers us.
Key Theme One: The World’s Hatred Is Expected (John 15:18–19)
Study Breakdown
Hatred of the World Is Inevitable
Jesus begins with a clear statement: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”
The word “if” here does not imply uncertainty—in the Greek, it carries the sense of “since” or “when.”
Hatred and opposition from the world is not unusual—it is expected for those who follow Jesus.
The Root of the World’s Hatred
The world hated Jesus because His light exposed its darkness.
The world continues to hate His followers for the same reason: they belong to Christ and reflect His truth.
This hatred is ultimately not about personal offense—it is about rejection of Christ Himself.
The Distinction: Not of the World
Jesus reminds the disciples: “You are not of the world.”
Through faith in Christ, believers have been spiritually separated from the world’s system of sin and rebellion.
Their values, priorities, and allegiance have changed—they are now citizens of the Kingdom of God.
Chosen Out of the World
Jesus further says: “I chose you out of the world.”
Our new identity is the result of Christ’s initiative—He has called us to Himself.
This choice marks us as different, and the world resents that difference.
The World Loves Its Own
Jesus contrasts this by saying: “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own.”
The world embraces those who conform to its values.
But when believers live according to Christ’s truth, they can expect rejection and opposition.
Key Takeaways
Opposition from the world is normal for followers of Jesus—not a sign of failure or something to fear.
The root of the world’s hatred is its rejection of Christ and the truth of His message.
Believers are not of this world—they have been chosen out of it by Jesus.
 Living faithfully for Christ will inevitably cause conflict with a world that opposes Him
 We should not seek the world’s approval—we are called to live in allegiance to Jesus, regardless of opposition.
Key Theme Two: Persecution for Jesus’ Name (John 15:20–21)
Study Breakdown
The Servant Is Not Greater Than His Master
Jesus reminds the disciples of a truth He had taught earlier: “A servant is not greater than his master” (also see John 13:16).
If Jesus, the perfect and sinless Son of God, was persecuted and rejected, His followers should expect the same treatment.
Following Jesus means walking in His footsteps—which includes suffering for righteousness’ sake.
Persecution Is Linked to Jesus
Jesus says plainly: “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”
The hatred and hostility believers face is not ultimately personal—it is because of their connection to Jesus.
Persecution is “on account of my name”—because we bear His name, live according to His truth, and proclaim His gospel.
The World’s Response Is Divided
Jesus acknowledges that not all responses will be negative: “If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.”
While many will reject the message, some will believe—there will always be a faithful remnant who respond to the gospel.
The mission is not in vain—God will use the faithful witness of His people to draw others to Himself.
The Root Cause: Spiritual Blindness
“All these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.”
At the heart of the world’s hatred is spiritual blindness—a rejection of God the Father.
Those who oppose Christ and His followers do so because they do not truly know or love the Father.
Key Takeaways
Persecution is part of the cost of discipleship—following Jesus means sharing in both His sufferings and His mission.
The hatred believers face is because of their identification with Jesus—it is “on account of His name.”
Not all responses to the gospel will be hostile—some will believe, and we are called to faithfully proclaim the truth to all.
The world’s opposition is rooted in spiritual blindness and a rejection of the Father.
In the face of persecution, we are called to remain faithful, trusting that God will accomplish His purposes through our witness.
Key Theme Three: The World’s Guilt and Rejection of Christ (John 15:22–25)
Study Breakdown
Jesus’ Words and Works Remove Excuses (vv. 22–23)
Jesus says that His coming and speaking to the world has exposed its guilt.
Before His public ministry, people could claim ignorance—but now that the truth has been revealed, there is no excuse for rejecting it.
Rejection of Jesus is not just ignorance—it is willful unbelief in the face of clear revelation.
To hate Jesus is to hate the Father—because Jesus perfectly reveals the Father’s heart and character.
Jesus’ Miracles Testify to His Identity (v. 24)
Jesus also refers to His works: “If I had not done among them the works that no one else did...”
The miracles of Jesus were undeniable demonstrations of His divine authority.
Despite witnessing these works, many still chose to reject Him—deepening their guilt.
Rejection of Christ is not due to a lack of evidence—it is due to hardened hearts.
Fulfillment of Scripture (v. 25)
Jesus quotes Psalm 35:19 and Psalm 69:4: “They hated me without a cause.”
The rejection Jesus faced was foretold in Scripture.
Though He was innocent and perfectly loving, He was hated by the world—a fulfillment of prophecy.
This reminds us that opposition to God’s truth is not new—it has always been the pattern of a fallen world.
Key Takeaways
The coming of Jesus exposed the world’s sin and removed any excuse for unbelief.
Rejection of Jesus is ultimately rejection of God the Father.
Even undeniable miracles will not convince those with hardened hearts—faith requires a heart that is open to truth.
The world’s hatred of Christ was foretold—it should not surprise us when the same hostility is directed toward His followers.
Our mission is to proclaim the truth faithfully, knowing that rejection is often the world’s response to the light of Christ.
Key Theme Four: The Witness of the Spirit and the Church (John 15:26–27)
Study Breakdown
The Promise of the Helper (v. 26)
Jesus once again promises the coming of the Helper (Greek: Parakletos), the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit will be sent by Jesus from the Father—He is the Spirit of truth, proceeding from the Father.
This highlights the unity of the Father, Son, and Spirit in the mission of God.
The Spirit’s ministry is not independent—He will bear witness about Jesus, glorifying Him and making Him known.
The Spirit’s Witness
The primary role of the Holy Spirit is to testify to the truth of Jesus
 He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).
He opens hearts to understand the gospel.
In a world that rejects Jesus, the Spirit’s witness is essential for bringing people to faith.
The Church’s Witness (v. 27)
Jesus also commissions the disciples: “You also will bear witness.”
The disciples, having been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry, were eyewitnesses of His words and works.
Their testimony would form the foundation of the church’s gospel witness to the world.
The Spirit empowers their witness—without Him, they would not have the strength or boldness to stand against persecution.
The Ongoing Mission
Though this was spoken directly to the original disciples, the principle applies to all believers.
The Spirit still empowers the church today to bear witness to Jesus.
In a hostile world, we are not called to shrink back, but to proclaim Christ—trusting the Spirit to work through our testimony.
Key Takeaways
The Holy Spirit is the Helper who empowers and guides believers in their witness.
The Spirit’s primary work is to glorify Jesus and make Him known to the world
 Believers are called to bear witness to Jesus, even in the face of opposition.
Our witness is not done in our own strength—it is empowered by the Spirit of truth.
In every generation, the mission of the church is the same: Spirit-empowered testimony to the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion to John 15:18–27 — The Hatred of the World
In John 15:18–27, Jesus speaks very plainly to His disciples: following Him will bring opposition from the world. Hatred, persecution, and rejection are not signs of failure—they are the expected cost of discipleship.
Jesus reminds us that:
The world’s hatred is ultimately directed at Him—and we will experience it because we are identified with Him.
We are not of the world—Jesus has chosen us out of it, and that distinction will bring conflict.
Persecution happens on account of His name—because we bear His truth and walk in His ways.
The world’s guilt is deepened by its rejection of Christ, even in the face of clear revelation.
The opposition we face is part of the larger spiritual battle between light and darkness.
But Jesus also gives great encouragement:
He promises the coming of the Helper—the Holy Spirit—who will empower us to bear faithful witness.
We do not face opposition alone—the Spirit of truth is with us and within us.
Our mission is to testify to Jesus, trusting the Spirit to work through our words and lives.
This passage reminds us that while the world’s hostility is real, it is not the end of the story.The Spirit’s power is greater than the world’s hatred. Our calling is to remain faithful, bold in our witness, and confident that God is at work, even when we are opposed.

Sermon: Go to the Thirty

Sermon Date: 6/29/2025
Bible Verses:
1 Corinthians 3:1–17
Matthew 9:35–38
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Introduction:
There comes a time in every believer’s life when we need to grow up—not just in knowledge but in purpose.Paul rebukes the Corinthians for still needing milk when they should be eating solid food (1 Cor. 3:2). Why?Because immature believers are still focused on themselves. Mature believers are focused on the harvest.
And today, God is calling us not just to care for the one, but to get ready for thirty.
From Milk to Mission (1 Corinthians 3:1–3)
📖 1 Corinthians 3:1–3
Paul opens this section of his letter with a sobering rebuke:
“But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.” (v. 1)
He’s not saying they aren’t saved—he’s saying they haven’t grown. They’re still acting like spiritual babies, needing milk when they should be eating meat. Why?Because there’s jealousy, strife, and a me-centered faith at work in their hearts.
They're more concerned with who’s better, who’s in charge, and how they feel, than they are with God’s mission.
You can’t care about the harvest if you're still fighting in the nursery.You can't reach the lost when you're still nursing old offenses.You won’t step into God’s calling if you’re still stuck in petty comparison.
Spiritual Maturity Means Missional Readiness
Growth in Christ is not just about gaining knowledge or feeling more spiritual—it's about becoming usable for His mission.Spiritual infants ask:
“Am I being fed?”
“Did I like the worship?”
“Did that sermon make me feel good?”
Mature disciples ask:
“Who can I feed?”
“How can I worship with my life?”
“Did that word equip me to go out and make disciples?”
 
Application Questions:
Are you still feeding only yourself, or are you feeding others?→ Are you seeking out the Word just for comfort, or also for equipping?→ Do you share what you learn, or hoard it for yourself?
Are you content to be comforted, or are you ready to be commissioned?→ Have you settled for being a cared-for church member, or are you stepping into your role as a sent one, a laborer in the field?
Challenge:
It’s not enough to attend church—we’re called to be the Church.It’s not enough to drink the milk of encouragement—we need the meat of responsibility.If you’ve been a Christian for a while, the next step isn’t “more comfort.” It’s more courage.It’s time to move from milk to mission.
God Makes It Grow (1 Corinthians 3:6–9)
📖 1 Corinthians 3:4–9
Paul continues by addressing another issue in the Corinthian church: division over leadership.
“For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not being merely human?” (v. 4)
They were treating human leaders like saviors, and missing the fact that it is God who gives the growth.
Paul says:
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (v. 6)“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (v. 7)
The Mission Is Bigger Than the Messenger
We all have a role to play—some plant seeds of truth, others water with care and discipleship.But we are not the Savior.We are not the source of power.We are not the reason anything grows.
God alone gives the increase.
That means:
We don’t boast in our results.
We don’t despair if we don’t see immediate results.
We don’t compete—we cooperate.
Faithfulness Over Fame
Your job is not to make it grow—your job is to plant and water faithfully.God’s job is the fruit.
This frees us from:
Fear – “What if I fail?”
Pride – “Look what I did.”
Discouragement – “Nothing’s happening.”
God is working, even when you don’t see it.Sometimes the seed is growing underground.Your job is to show up and sow.
Application Questions:
Are you trying to control the outcome, or are you being faithful in your role?→ Are you trusting God with the results, or measuring your worth by visible success?
Are you planting and watering, or just watching and waiting?→ Are you engaged in God’s work, or sitting on the sidelines hoping someone else will do it?
Challenge:
Stop comparing. Stop competing.Start planting. Start watering.God is the Master Gardener.You just need to pick up the shovel and work the field He’s given you.
The harvest will come—because God makes it grow.
Building with Fireproof Faith
📖 1 Corinthians 3:10–17
Paul shifts the metaphor from planting to building. He says:
“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.” (v. 10)
The foundation is Christ—unchanging, unshakable.But how we build on that foundation matters.
Paul warns:
“If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire.” (vv. 12–13)
Don’t Build a Faith That Burns
There will come a day when the quality of our work is tested by fire.Some Christians are building with discipleship, sacrifice, love, and obedience—that’s gold.Others are building with comfort, self-focus, surface-level religion—that’s hay.
And fire burns hay.
So what kind of faith are you building?What kind of legacy are you leaving?
Your Life Is a Temple
Paul finishes this thought with a bold reminder:
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (v. 16)
This isn’t just about avoiding sin—it’s about treating your life like holy ground.You are God’s building.Build like it matters.Because it does.
Application Questions:
What materials are you building with?→ Are your daily decisions and priorities shaped by what will last—or what feels good in the moment?
Are you building with eternity in mind, or convenience?→ Are you preparing your life to withstand the fire of testing?
The Harvest Is Plentiful
📖 Matthew 9:35–38
Jesus went through cities and villages, teaching, preaching, and healing. But what moved Him most wasn’t the size of the crowd or the scope of the need—it was their spiritual condition.
“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (v. 36)
Jesus Saw People, Not Just Problems
Where others saw chaos, Jesus saw a harvest.Where others saw brokenness, He saw potential.He didn’t say, “The culture is too far gone” or “This generation is hopeless.”He said:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” (v. 37)
He wasn’t the problem. The crowd wasn’t the problem.The problem was too few laborers.Too few people willing to say, “Send me.”
Application: The Problem Isn’t the Harvest. It’s Our Hesitation.
Many of us are waiting for the “right moment.”But Jesus didn’t say the harvest is coming.He said the harvest is plentiful—right now.
The issue is not that people are too lost.The issue is that too many Christians are too comfortable.
We hide in church buildings and Bible studies while people around us are spiritually starving.We’ve become experts in milk while the fields rot from lack of workers.
Pray—and Then Go
Jesus says in verse 38:
“Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Yes—pray. But don’t stop there.Because the very next chapter?Jesus sends out the twelve.
You may be the answer to your own prayer.
Tie-In to “Time to Go to Thirty”
Whether you’re called to talk to one person, or stand before thirty…
Whether you’re in a season of uncertainty, or you’ve been a believer for years…
Whether you’re a father, a student, a teacher, a farmer, a factory worker, or a friend…
The harvest is still plentiful. The time is still now.
Questions to Reflect On:
When you see your community, do you see a problem, or do you see a harvest?
Are you waiting for the perfect time, or are you ready to be sent?
Have you prayed for workers—without realizing you are one?
Go to One. Be Ready for Thirty.
Some of us hesitate to share Jesus with even one person.But God might be preparing you for thirty. Or more.
The number doesn’t matter—the obedience does.
It’s time to stop fearing the thirty and start trusting the God who called you.
Whether it's a one-on-one conversation or a classroom, a work gathering, a family reunion, or a neighborhood BBQ—step out.
Go to the one.Be ready for the thirty.God will supply the growth.
Closing Challenge:
Are you still on milk when God’s calling you to mission?
Have you been shrinking back because thirty feels overwhelming?
Are you trusting God to provide as you step out in obedience?
Call to Action:
Pray for boldness to speak the name of Jesus this week.
Identify one person you can talk to.
Say yes if God opens a door to thirty.

The Weekly Show: Episode 55 - John 15:1-15

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study John Chapter 15 Verses 1-15.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/
 Introduction to John 15:1–17
John 15:1–17 is part of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse—His final teaching to the disciples on the night before His crucifixion.These words were likely spoken as Jesus and the disciples were walking from the Upper Room toward the Garden of Gethsemane.
In this passage, Jesus uses the powerful image of a vine and branches to describe the believer’s relationship to Him.
He teaches that abiding in Him is the source of life, strength, and fruitfulness.
 Without Him, we can do nothing.
But with Him, we bear fruit that glorifies the Father.
This teaching also highlights the Father’s role as the gardener who lovingly prunes us, the call to abide in Jesus’ love, and the central command to love one another.
At the heart of it all is the invitation to deep relationship with Christ—marked by obedience, love, joy, and lasting fruit.
Key Themes We’ll Explore
Abiding in Christ — remaining connected to Him through faith, His Word, prayer, and obedience.
Fruitfulness — how spiritual fruit flows from a life rooted in Jesus
 Pruning — how the Father lovingly shapes us through discipline and growth.
Abiding in Christ’s love — living in the reality of His love daily.
 Loving one another — the central command of Jesus for His followers.
Friendship with Jesus — the privilege of being called His friends, not just servants.
Joy and fruit — the result of a life that abides in Jesus and walks in His ways.
John 15:1–17 reminds us that Christian life is not about striving, but about abiding.
It is about living in daily dependence on Jesus—drawing life from Him, walking in His love, and bearing fruit for His glory.
Key Theme One: I Am the True Vine (John 15:1–3)
Study Breakdown
Jesus Is the True Vine (v. 1)
This is the seventh and final “I Am” statement in the Gospel of John.
In the Old Testament, Israel was often pictured as a vine (Psalm 80, Isaiah 5), but it had failed to bear the fruit God desired.
Now Jesus says, “I am the true vine”—He is the faithful and life-giving source His people need.
Life, growth, and fruitfulness flow only from connection to Jesus.
The Father Is the Vinedresser (v. 1)
The Father is the gardener, or vinedresser, who tends the vine.
He lovingly watches over the branches—cutting, pruning, shaping them for greater fruitfulness.
The Father is not distant—He is actively involved in our spiritual growth.
Fruitless Branches Are Removed (v. 2)
Branches that remain fruitless are taken away.
This is a warning: superficial attachment to Jesus without true life and fruit will not endure.
Fruitlessness points to a lack of genuine connection.
Fruitful Branches Are Pruned (v. 2)
Branches that do bear fruit are pruned so that they will bear even more.
Pruning involves cutting away what hinders growth—sin, distractions, worldly attachments.
Though pruning is painful, it is an act of love and purpose, shaping us to reflect Christ more fully.
You Are Already Clean (v. 3)
Jesus reassures the disciples: “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”
Their connection to Him is real—they have believed His word and been cleansed.
This is not about earning salvation—it is about living out the reality of their union with Christ.
Key Takeaways
Jesus alone is the source of true spiritual life and fruit.
The Father is personally involved in shaping and refining us for greater fruitfulness.
Fruitlessness is a warning sign of disconnection from Christ.
Pruning is an essential and loving part of spiritual growth—welcomed, not resisted.
Through faith in Jesus’ word, we are cleansed and connected to Him—ready to bear fruit for His glory.
Key Theme Two: Abide in Me (John 15:4–8)
Study Breakdown
“Abide in Me” (v. 4)
The word “abide” (Greek: meno) means to remain, stay, dwell, continue.
It is a call to ongoing, daily relationship—not a one-time decision.
Just as a branch cannot survive without the vine, we cannot bear spiritual fruit unless we stay deeply connected to Jesus.
Abiding is about continual dependence and trust—not striving or self-effort.
Mutual Indwelling (v. 4)
This is a two-way relationship: “Abide in me, and I in you.”
Christ lives in us by His Spirit, but we must also actively remain in Him—through prayer, His Word, obedience, worship, and dependence.
The result of this abiding is spiritual fruit.
Apart From Me You Can Do Nothing (v. 5)
Jesus repeats the vine metaphor clearly: “I am the vine; you are the branches.”
Our identity is not independent—we are meant to live from the life of Christ.
 Without Him, we can do “nothing” of spiritual value or eternal significance.
Any effort to bear fruit apart from abiding in Christ will result in frustration and barrenness.
The Consequences of Not Abiding (v. 6)
A sobering warning: “If anyone does not abide in me… he is thrown away like a branch and withers.”
Branches that are severed from the vine wither and are burned—this speaks to spiritual death and judgment.
This again highlights that fruitfulness is not optional for true disciples; abiding is essential.
Abiding and Answered Prayer (v. 7)
A beautiful promise:
 “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
This is not a blank check for selfish desires.
When we are abiding, our desires are shaped by His Word—so our prayers align with His will.
The result is a powerful and fruitful prayer life.
Bearing Fruit Glorifies the Father (v. 8)
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
Our fruitfulness is not about self-promotion or spiritual pride—it is for the glory of God.
Bearing fruit is evidence of true discipleship.
It is how we show the world that Jesus is alive in us.
Key Takeaways
Abiding in Christ is not optional—it is the source of all spiritual life and fruit.
Without Him, we can do nothing of lasting value.
Abiding is a daily relationship, cultivated through His Word, prayer, obedience, and worship.
 True abiding leads to fruitful lives that glorify God and demonstrate that we are His disciples.
A vibrant prayer life flows from an abiding heart.
The warning is real: failure to abide leads to spiritual withering and judgment.
Key Theme Three: Abide in My Love (John 15:9–11)
Study Breakdown
“As the Father Has Loved Me, So Have I Loved You” (v. 9)
This is an astounding statement—Jesus is saying that the very same love that flows between the Father and the Son now flows to His disciples.
The love of the Trinity—eternal, perfect, unbreakable—is now extended to us.
 We are invited to live in that love, not as distant servants, but as beloved children.
Abide in My Love (v. 9)
Again, the call is to “abide”—to remain in this love.
This is not just knowing that Jesus loves us intellectually—it’s living in the reality of it daily.
We are to make His love our home—our source of identity, security, and motivation.
Obedience and Love Are Connected (v. 10)
Jesus now connects abiding in His love to keeping His commandments.
This does not mean we earn His love—it means we live in the fullness of it through obedience.
Obedience is the pathway to deeper fellowship and experience of His love.
Jesus models this: “Just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”
We follow His example of loving obedience.
Joy as the Result (v. 11)
Jesus tells us why He is saying these things: “That my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
The Christian life is not meant to be joyless or burdensome.
Abiding in Christ’s love and walking in obedience leads to overflowing joy—His own joy, given to us.
This is not circumstantial happiness—it is deep, Spirit-given joy that sustains us through all seasons.
Key Takeaways
Jesus loves us with the same love the Father has for Him. We are called to remain in that love—making it the center of our lives.
Obedience is the way we stay in step with His love and experience deeper fellowship.
Jesus obeyed the Father’s will out of love, and we are called to do the same.
The result of abiding in His love is true, lasting joy—not fleeting happiness, but fullness of joy.
This is the kind of life Jesus desires for His disciples—rooted in love, marked by joyful obedience.
Key Theme Four: Love One Another (John 15:12–17)
Study Breakdown
The Command: Love One Another (v. 12)
Jesus now gives a clear and direct command: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
This is not a suggestion or an ideal—this is the defining command of the Christian life.
The standard of love is not human love or cultural love—it is the self-giving love of Christ Himself.
His love is sacrificial, unconditional, and servant-hearted—and we are called to reflect that to one another.
The Ultimate Example of Love (v. 13)
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Jesus points to the ultimate expression of love: willingly giving up one’s life for another.
Of course, Jesus Himself will soon do exactly this on the cross—for His friends, and ultimately for all who will believe.
Christian love is not about convenience or comfort—it is about sacrifice for the good of others.
Friendship with Jesus (vv. 14–15)
Jesus now deepens the relationship: “You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
This is not conditional love—it is a mark of genuine friendship.
Friends of Jesus are those who obey Him—not out of fear, but out of love.
Jesus also makes a distinction between servants and friends:
A servant does not know the master’s heart.
A friend is brought close, entrusted with relationship and revelation.
Jesus has revealed the Father’s heart and plan—He draws us into friendship, not distant servitude.
Chosen and Appointed (v. 16)
Jesus reminds the disciples: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you.”
Our relationship with Christ begins not with our initiative, but with His sovereign grace.
We are chosen for a purpose: to bear fruit—fruit that will remain.
This reinforces the earlier teaching on abiding and fruitfulness.
Fruitful lives bring glory to the Father and are empowered by prayer: “Whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you.”
 Again, this is about alignment—when we abide in Christ, our prayers reflect His heart.
Closing Emphasis: Love One Another (v. 17)
Jesus closes this section by repeating the core command: “These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”
This is the heart of His teaching—abiding in His love must overflow into loving others.
Love for one another is the visible fruit of abiding in Christ.
Key Takeaways
The central command of Jesus is to love one another as He has loved us.
Christian love is sacrificial, servant-hearted, and willing to lay down comfort and rights for others.
Jesus calls us not merely servants, but friends—brought into intimacy with Him and entrusted with His heart.
We are chosen and appointed to bear lasting fruit—lives that reflect His love and bring glory to the Father.
Fruitfulness and prayer are connected—abiding in Christ shapes both.
The mark of true discipleship is love for one another—this is how the world will know we belong to Jesus.
Conclusion to John 15:1–17
John 15:1–17 gives us a powerful image of what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus: abiding in Him.
Jesus is the true vine—the only source of spiritual life and fruit. We are the branches, utterly dependent on Him for everything.
In these verses, Jesus teaches us:
That abiding is about daily, ongoing relationship—remaining connected to Him through faith, His Word, prayer, obedience, and love.
That fruitfulness is the natural result of abiding—not forced effort, but the life of Christ flowing through us.
That the Father lovingly prunes us so we will bear more fruit—even when it’s hard, it’s for our good.
That we are called to abide in His love—rooting our identity and joy in His unchanging love.
That obedience and love are deeply connected—obedience keeps us in step with His love.
That loving one another is not optional—it is the core command of life in Christ.
That we are not distant servants, but friends—chosen, loved, and appointed to bear fruit that remains.
Ultimately, Jesus is inviting us into a life of deep relationship, joyful obedience, fruitful purpose, and sacrificial love.
This passage calls us to examine:
Are we truly abiding in Christ—or trying to live in our own strength?
Are we resisting pruning—or trusting the Father’s hand?
Are we loving others the way Jesus has loved us?
Abiding is not about striving—it’s about resting and remaining in Him. And as we do, His life flows through us, His love shapes us, and His joy fills us.

The Weekly Show: Episode 54 - John 14:15-31

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study John Chapter 14 Verses 15-31.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/
Introduction to the Passage
John 14:15–31 is part of Jesus’ final conversation with His disciples during the Last Supper. He has just told them He is going away (John 13), and now He comforts them by promising the Holy Spirit. This section is rich with truth about love, obedience, divine presence, and supernatural peace.
John 14:15–31 is part of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse—His final words to the disciples during the Last Supper.
This section follows His announcement that He is going away, and it’s filled with comfort, reassurance, and deep spiritual truth.
Jesus begins by connecting love to obedience: “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
He then promises another Helper—the Holy Spirit—who will come alongside the disciples and dwell within them.
Jesus assures them that they are not being abandoned. Instead, the Father, Son, and Spirit will make their home with those who love Him.
He offers peace, not like the world gives, but a divine peace that calms troubled hearts.
He also makes it clear that His obedience to the Father will lead Him to the cross—not because the enemy has power, but because love obeys.
These verses reveal:
The relational nature of discipleship (love and obedience).
The gift and role of the Holy Spirit.
The presence of God in the life of the believer.
And the peace that sustains us in the face of fear.
This passage is both a comfort and a challenge—a call to live as people of the Spirit, marked by love, obedience, and peace.
Key Theme One: Love Expressed Through Obedience (John 14:15–17)
Verses 15–17:
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,[f] to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be[g] in you.
Love and Obedience Are Connected
Love and Obedience Are Connected
Jesus isn’t asking for sentiment—He’s calling for loyalty.
True love for Christ results in a desire to follow His ways.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit (The Helper)
“Another Helper” (Greek Parakletos) means one who comes alongside: comforter, advocate, counselor.
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will live with and in believers—He is never leaving us orphaned.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit (The Helper)
“Another Helper” (Greek: Parakletos)
The Greek word Parakletos means one called alongside to help.
It can be translated as:
Helper
Advocate
Counselor
Comforter
The idea is personal support and active presence—not just passive encouragement.
“Another Helper” implies Jesus Himself was the first—this Helper will continue Jesus’ ministry, not replace it.
2. The Spirit Will Be With You and In You
Old Testament saints experienced the Spirit coming upon them temporarily (e.g., prophets, kings).
But Jesus promises a permanent, internal indwelling for every believer.
The Holy Spirit is not just near you—He lives inside you.
This is the birth of New Covenant life (see Ezekiel 36:26–27).
3. He Will Be with You Forever
Jesus says this Helper will remain forever.
This is security, not based on our feelings, but on His promise.
Even when we feel alone or weak, the Spirit never departs.
4. The World Cannot Receive Him (v. 17)
The Spirit is not understood or accepted by the world.
Spiritual truth requires spiritual awakening.
But believers “know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you”—a profound promise of intimacy.
Key Theme Two: The Indwelling Presence of God (John 14:18–24)
 
Verses 18–24:
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.
 1. Not Abandoned (v. 18–20)
Jesus has just told the disciples He is going away—but now He clarifies: “I will not leave you as orphans.”
In that culture, being orphaned meant being vulnerable, directionless, and unprotected—this statement is filled with compassion.
Though His physical presence would soon depart (via the cross and ascension), Jesus assures them that He will still come to them:
Through His resurrection (short-term)
Through the Holy Spirit (ongoing presence)
Through the final return (future fulfillment)
 This is Jesus addressing both their emotional fear and their spiritual security.
 
2. The Promise of Divine Indwelling (v. 21, 23)
“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
This is one of the most intimate promises in all of Scripture:
The Father and Son will make their home in the heart of the believer.
The Greek word for “home” (monē) means dwelling place—the same word used earlier in John 14:2 ("In my Father’s house are many rooms").
This is more than theology—it’s relational presence:
God doesn’t just visit you.
He moves in. He abides.
Takeaway:
God isn’t just with us—He is in us.
You are now the temple of the living God (1 Cor. 6:19).
This is the New Covenant reality foretold in Ezekiel 36 and Jeremiah 31—God putting His Spirit within His people and writing His law on their hearts.
Love, Obedience, and Indwelling Are Linked
Jesus repeats this structure throughout the passage:
Love → Obedience → Divine Presence
This is not works-based salvation—it’s the fruit of relationship.
Those who love Jesus will want to keep His word.
And those who keep His word experience deeper fellowship with the Triune God.
 
4. The Contrast: The World vs. The Believer (v. 17, 22–24)
Judas (not Iscariot) asks a powerful question in v. 22: “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?”
Jesus answers by highlighting the spiritual separation between believers and the world.
The World:
Cannot receive the Spirit (v. 17).
Cannot see or know Christ (v. 19).
Rejects His word and therefore misses out on His presence (v. 24).
The Believer:
Loves Christ → keeps His word → experiences the indwelling presence of God.
Sees Christ not with physical eyes, but with faith.
Lives in a Spirit-filled reality that the world cannot understand.
 The difference isn’t intelligence—it’s relationship.
Application Points
Are you living like someone who’s not abandoned? Do you believe God is dwelling in you—even when you don’t “feel” it?
Is your love for Jesus leading you to keep His word and deepen your fellowship with Him?
Do you recognize that your life is a dwelling place for the Father, Son, and Spirit?
() Key Theme Three: The Spirit as Teacher and Peace-Giver (John 14:25–27)
Verses 25–27:
“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 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.
1. The Holy Spirit’s Ministry (v. 25–26)
➤ Teacher of Truth
Jesus says the Holy Spirit will teach us “all things.”
He is not a vague force—He is a divine instructor, helping us grasp God’s Word.
This applies first to the apostles (preserving Jesus’ words) but also extends to every believer today.
1 Corinthians 2:12–13 – “We have received... the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.”
➤ Remembrancer
Jesus promises the Spirit will remind the disciples of what He taught.
For us, this looks like:
Recalling Scripture in moments of need
Bringing conviction to our hearts
Illuminating truth during study or prayer
This is the work of illumination—making God’s Word alive, personal, and clear.
➤ Sent in Jesus’ Name
The Holy Spirit is sent by the Father in Jesus’ name:
He carries Christ’s authority
He continues Christ’s mission
He glorifies Christ’s character (see John 16:13–14)
Takeaway:
The Spirit isn’t just information—He’s transformation.
When we open our Bibles, we don’t read alone—the Spirit is our guide and translator.
 2. Jesus Gives Us His Peace (v. 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.”
➤ “My Peace” – Jesus’ Own Inner Peace
Jesus gives us His peace—the same peace that kept Him steady before the cross.
This peace isn’t circumstantial. It’s supernatural.
Not tied to health, wealth, or comfort.
Rooted in the unshakable presence and promise of God.
➤ Not As the World Gives
Worldly peace is external—it depends on the absence of conflict.
Christ’s peace is internal—it remains even in the midst of chaos.
The world offers distraction or numbness.
Jesus offers wholeness, reconciliation, and courage.
Philippians 4:7 – “The peace of God... will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
➤ Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled
This is both a comfort and a command.
Jesus is saying: You can choose peace, because I’ve given it to you.
In the face of fear, loss, or uncertainty—His peace stands firm.
 
Application Points
Are you regularly asking the Holy Spirit to teach and remind you as you read the Bible?
What are the substitutes for peace you may be clinging to—control, distraction, escape?
When fear rises, do you remind yourself that Christ’s own peace lives in you through the Spirit?
() Key Theme Four: Jesus’ Obedience and Satan’s Defeat (John 14:28–31)
Verses 28–31:
You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.
1. Jesus Points to the Cross (v. 28–30)
➤ “I am going to the Father…” (v. 28)
Jesus reminds them He is leaving—but this departure is not defeat.
In fact, He says, “If you loved me, you would have rejoiced.”
Why? Because His return to the Father means His mission is fulfilled, and His exaltation is near.
Jesus isn’t a victim of betrayal—He’s the willing Lamb of God, moving toward His glory.
➤ “The ruler of this world is coming…”
This is a reference to Satan, who is orchestrating events behind the scenes (e.g., Judas’ betrayal, the mock trial).
But Jesus boldly declares: “He has no claim on me.”
Meaning: Satan has no authority, no guilt, no foothold in Christ.
Jesus is sinless, spotless, and totally sovereign in this moment.
The cross is not Satan’s victory—it is Satan’s undoing.
 
 2. Jesus’ Example of Love Through Obedience (v. 31)
“I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.”
➤ Jesus’ obedience is motivated by love.
Not just duty. Not fear. Not performance.
His motivation is relational: to honor the Father and glorify His name.
Love always leads to action. Obedience is the language of love.
➤ We follow the same pattern.
Jesus said earlier: “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
Now He says: “I love the Father, so I keep His commandments.”
He’s not asking us to do anything He hasn’t done first.
 3. Final Words: “Rise, Let Us Go From Here” (v. 31b)
➤ A literal transition—They are now leaving the Upper Room.
Jesus is on His way to Gethsemane.
These are His last peaceful moments before the agony begins.
The shadow of the cross is falling longer and darker.
➤ A symbolic shift—The tone changes.
The next chapters (15–17) are filled with final words, deeper truths, and the emotional prayer of Jesus.
This moment is a turning point—from preparation to action, from peace to battle.
 “Rise”—Jesus is not shrinking back. He is moving forward, leading the way to redemption.
 
Application Points
Jesus obeyed the Father knowing the cross was ahead—are we willing to obey even when it costs us?
Where do we need to trust that Satan has no claim on us because we are in Christ?
How can our obedience show the world our love for Jesus—just as His obedience revealed His love for the Father?
Conclusion: 
John 14:15–31 gives us a glimpse into the heart of Jesus on the night before His crucifixion. In these verses, He comforts His disciples—not by removing their sorrow, but by promising His presence through the Holy Spirit.
He teaches us that love is more than emotion—it’s obedience. That the proof of our love for Christ is seen in our desire to follow Him, even when it’s difficult.
He promises the Holy Spirit, not just as a force, but as a personal Helper—our teacher, our reminder, our comforter, and our guide. We are not left as orphans.
He gives us His peace—a peace the world can’t understand, and it’s not tied to circumstances. It’s the peace that anchored Jesus even as the cross loomed.
And in the end, Jesus rises to go—not with fear, but with resolve. The enemy has no claim on Him. He goes in obedience to the Father, and in doing so, shows the world what love truly looks like.
 Key Takeaways
Love = Obedience: True love for Jesus is revealed by a life surrendered to His Word.
The Holy Spirit Dwells Within Us: He teaches, reminds, comforts, and empowers.
We Are Not Alone: God the Father and Son make their home in every believer.
Christ’s Peace Is Ours: It guards us, even when the world around us shakes.
Obedience Is a Witness: When we obey, we show the world who we belong to—and whom we love.