Keswick Convention 1973 - Bible Readings
Eric J. Alexander's sermon explores the profound teachings of Jesus in the Upper Room Chapters of John's Gospel, emphasizing His care and guidance for His disciples during difficult times.
Eric J. Alexander emphasizes the profound teachings found in the 'Upper Room Chapters' of John's Gospel, where Jesus, aware of His impending suffering and departure, offers comfort and instruction to His disciples. He highlights the importance of knowing God's peace during crises, the significance of relationships with Jesus, the Father, and one another, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the world. Alexander notes that Jesus' heartfelt prayer in chapter 17 encompasses His concerns for Himself, His disciples, and future believers, making these teachings timeless and relevant for all generations.
Text
"The Last Words of Jesus"
Four Bible Readings in John's Gospel (Chapters 14-7)
These four chapters are amongst the most profound and wonderful chapters in the whole Bible. They are often called the "Upper Room Chapters" of John's Gospel, or the "Farewell Discourse" of Jesus. Neither title is very accurate, since it is possible that not all these words were spoken in the Upper Room (cf ch. 14:31). Also. the 17th chapter is not a discourse of the disciples, but a prayer to the Father. They do, however, form a unit, both because of the occasion which produced them, and because of the content of their teaching.
The occasion of these chapters is of course the prospect of the suffering, death and departure of Jesus. Such a prospect fills the disciples with great perplexity and foreboding, which in turn fills the heart of Jesus with a very deep and tender care for them. Apparently under some restraint while Judas was still with them, Jesus no (13:31) opens His heart to His own, and to the Father. The instruction of chapters 14-16, and the Highly Priestly Prayer of chapter 17 are the ministry of Jesus for such weak, fearful and discouraged disciples. That ministry is timeless, and is as relevant for us in the 1970's as it was in the first century.
1. In CHAPTER 14, the Lord is instructing the disciples in the secret of knowing the peace of God in days of crisis and perplexity.
2. In CHAPTER 15 verses 1-17, the Lord is instructing the disciples concerning their relationship with Him, with the Father, and with each other.
3. In CHAPTER 15 v. 18-CHAPTER 16 v. 33, the Lord is instructing His disciples concerning their relationship with the world, and concerning the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
4. In CHAPTER 17, the Lord is in prayer before His Father, concerning Himself (vv.1-5), His disciples (vv. 6-19), and future believers in the Church Universal (vv. 20-26).
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the Upper Room Chapters - Context of Jesus' Last Words - Significance of the Farewell Discourse
- II points: - 'Chapter 14: Knowing the Peace of God' - Crisis and Perplexity in the Disciples - Jesus' Care for His Disciples
- III points: - 'Chapter 15: Relationship with Jesus' - Connection with the Father - Unity Among Disciples
- IV points: - 'Chapter 15: Relationship with the World' - Role of the Holy Spirit - Facing Persecution
- V points: - 'Chapter 17: Jesus'' Prayer' - Prayer for Himself - Prayer for Disciples and Future Believers
Key Quotes
“These four chapters are amongst the most profound and wonderful chapters in the whole Bible.” — Eric J. Alexander
“The instruction of chapters 14-16, and the Highly Priestly Prayer of chapter 17 are the ministry of Jesus for such weak, fearful and discouraged disciples.” — Eric J. Alexander
“That ministry is timeless, and is as relevant for us in the 1970's as it was in the first century.” — Eric J. Alexander
Application Points
- Seek the peace of God in your own times of crisis.
- Cultivate your relationship with Jesus and foster unity with fellow believers.
- Embrace the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding your interactions with the world.