WEEK 34.7 Discussion questions below.

In this Week 34 explore episode, Nick and Jamie tackle the first half of John 14, where Jesus comforts his troubled disciples with promises of his return and his presence. They explore Jesus's famous declaration "I am the way, the truth, and the life," examining its exclusivity claims and what it means to follow Jesus' way of sacrificial love. The episode addresses Philip's request to see the Father, emphasizing theological humility, and redefines Jesus' promise of "greater works" as primarily about love and service rather than miraculous displays of power.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction 

01:36 Diving into John 14 

02:26 Jesus Comforts His Disciples 

06:31 Understanding Anxiety and Faith 

13:05 Jesus Prepares a Place for Us 

13:41 The Return of Jesus and End Times 

18:22 Thomas' Questions and Jesus' Answers 

20:45 I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life 

27:59 Philip's Request and Jesus' Response 

31:03 Theological Humility and Understanding God 

36:48 Greater Works Through Love and Service 

46:14 Praying in Jesus' Name 

49:37 Final Takeaways and Encouragement

Key Points

• Comfort in Troubled Times: Jesus's command "don't be troubled" isn't dismissive of mental health struggles but points to finding peace through his presence rather than trouble-free circumstances

• The Prepared Place: Jesus's promise to "prepare a place" focuses on who (Jesus) and the relationship, not where or when - requiring theological humility about end-times details

• "I Am the Way, Truth, and Life": Not arrogant exclusivity but humble revelation - Jesus shows the way through sacrificial love, reveals truth as God "unconcealed," and offers abundant life (zoe) starting now

• Philip's Theophany Request: After three years with Jesus, Philip still wanted visible proof of God, showing how we can miss God's revelation when it doesn't match our expectations

• Greater Works Redefined: Not about surpassing Jesus's miracles but continuing his mission of love and service - the only work disciples are commanded to imitate is foot washing

Discussion Questions

• Troubled Hearts and Faith: Jamie discusses how "don't be troubled" can feel dismissive to those with clinical anxiety. How do you balance Jesus's call to trust with the reality of mental health struggles that don't simply disappear through faith?

• Theological Humility: The hosts emphasize we can't fully understand God and should remain open to being wrong about our beliefs. What firmly held beliefs about God might need examination through the lens of Jesus's character?

• The Way of Jesus: Jesus says "I am the way" in the context of sacrificial love and service. How does understanding "the way" as lifestyle rather than just ticket to heaven change your approach to following Christ?

• Missing God's Revelation: Philip lived with Jesus for three years but still wanted more obvious proof of God. In what ways might we miss God's presence or revelation because it doesn't match our expectations?

• Greater Works as Love: Instead of expecting miraculous powers, Jesus defines "greater works" as expanding his mission of love and service. How does this shift from miracle-seeking to love-practicing change your understanding of Christian effectiveness?

Takeaways

• Jesus Reveals the Father Perfectly: Continue looking to Jesus's character and actions as the ultimate revelation of what God is like, using him to interpret everything else

• Focus on Love and Service: While miracles may happen, the "greater works" Jesus promises are primarily about becoming foot-washing, enemy-loving people empowered by the Spirit

• Pray Boldly in Jesus's Name: This isn't magic formula language but aligning our requests with Jesus's character and mission, expecting God to work while asking "what do you want me to do?"

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