Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 14:27-31
J.C. Ryle expounds on John 14:27-31 to reveal Christ's promise of peace rooted in His unity with the Father and His sovereign authority over the world.
In this expository sermon on John 14:27-31, J.C. Ryle explores the profound promise of peace that Christ imparts to His disciples. Ryle highlights the unique emphasis Jesus places on His unity with the Father, underscoring the divine authority behind His words and actions. The sermon encourages believers to find courage and comfort in Christ’s sovereign power over the world and His loving obedience to the Father.
Text
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me, but I am doing just what the Father commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Get up, let us go from here."
We ought not to leave the closing portion of this wonderful chapter without noticing one striking feature in it. That feature is the singular frequency with which our Lord uses the expression, "My Father," and "the Father." In the last five verses we find it four times. In the whole chapter it occurs no less than twenty-two times. In this respect the chapter stands alone in the Bible.
The reason of this frequent use of the expression, is a deep subject. Perhaps the less we speculate and dogmatize about it the better. Our Lord was one who never spoke a word without a meaning, and we need not doubt there was a meaning here. Yet may we not reverently suppose that He desired to leave on the minds of His disciples a strong impression of his entire unity with the Father? Seldom does our Lord lay claim to such high dignity, and such power of giving and supplying comfort to His Church, as in this discourse. Was there not, then, a fitness in His continually reminding His disciples that in all His giving He was one with the Father, and did nothing without the Father? This, at any rate, seems a fair conjecture. Let it be taken for what it is worth.
We should observe, for one thing, in this passage, Christ\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Promise of Peace
- Christ offers peace unlike the world’s peace
- Believers are exhorted not to be troubled or afraid
- Peace is a gift from Christ’s own authority
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II. The Significance of Christ’s Departure
- Christ announces His going away and return
- Believers should rejoice because the Father is greater
- Forewarning to strengthen faith when events unfold
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III. The Father’s Supremacy and Christ’s Unity
- Frequent mention of ‘My Father’ emphasizes unity
- Christ acts only according to the Father’s command
- This unity assures believers of Christ’s divine authority
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IV. Christ’s Sovereign Authority over the World
- The ruler of this world is coming but has no power over Christ
- Christ’s obedience to the Father reveals His love
- Believers are called to trust in Christ’s victory
Key Quotes
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does.” — J.C. Ryle
“Our Lord was one who never spoke a word without a meaning, and we need not doubt there was a meaning here.” — J.C. Ryle
“He has no power over me, but I am doing just what the Father commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust in the peace Christ offers rather than the fleeting peace the world provides.
- Remember Christ’s unity with the Father to strengthen your faith in His divine authority.
- Do not fear trials or opposition, knowing Christ has overcome the ruler of this world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of peace does Christ promise in John 14:27?
Christ promises a peace that is distinct from the world’s peace, one that calms the heart and removes fear.
Why does Christ emphasize ‘My Father’ so frequently in this passage?
To impress upon His disciples His complete unity with the Father and to affirm the divine authority behind His words and actions.
What is the significance of Christ saying ‘the ruler of this world is coming’?
It acknowledges the presence of evil and opposition but assures believers that this ruler has no power over Christ.
How should believers respond to Christ’s promise of peace?
Believers should not be troubled or afraid but trust confidently in Christ’s sovereign care and love.
What does Christ’s obedience to the Father teach us?
It teaches the importance of submission to God’s will and demonstrates Christ’s love and purpose in salvation.