History is littered with famous last words. When people know that their time is coming to an end they don’t waste their breath. Often famous last words are just that, words. A sentence or two, maybe a memorable phrase or quote. But when Jesus Christ understood that His death was fast approaching, He did not share a few words of inspiration, but a long and deep discourse. That is why Jesus’ so-called “Farewell Discourse” (John 14-17) has been a source of inspiration and devotion for Christians in every generation.

With His death on the cross approaching, Jesus has the full attention of His disciples and shares with them some of His most significant teaching about who He is, why He came, and what His disciples are called to do. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is introduced as a uniting theme. It is the ministry of the Spirit in the life of the Christian that sustains them, encourages them and empowers them for all that lays ahead.

Bible scholar D. A. Carson points out,

Perhaps one of the most amazing features of this ‘Farewell Discourse’ as it has come to be called, is its beginning. It is Jesus who is going to the agony of the cross; it is Jesus who is troubled in spirit. Yet on this night when of all nights it would have been appropriate for his disciples to encourage him and support him, we discover that they can see only their loss. Jesus therefore must encourage them.” (The Farewell Discourse and Final Prayer of Jesus, pg 17).

We would love to have you join us every Sunday morning at 10am at our Church building as we dive into this new sermon series in the Gospel of John! This series starts on Sunday, November 6th, and along the way you may be surprised to find that the hope that Jesus gives the very first disciples over 2,000 years ago, can also give you hope today.

[Photo Credit: David Bumgardner –LINK]

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