'Last Sermon of Jesus'
John 16:22-23 "Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you."
When was that day of inseparable joy?
Luke 24:46-47 "Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
They understood that God was made flesh and became the sacrificial Lamb for the propitiation of their sins. At His death He descended into Hades and destroyed death, thereby setting everyone free from the fear of death. He rose from the dead and was glorified by the Father in heaven. Whoever believes in the gospel will be saved and will be given the Holy Spirit. The disciples rejoiced, knowing that they were saved by the blood of Jesus, during His crucifixion.
They would always be grateful that Jesus, their Teacher, the Almighty God Himself came to earth, was made flesh and died for them.
They would always be grateful that Jesus, their Teacher, the Almighty God Himself came to earth, was made flesh and died for them.
Luke 24:48-50 "And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them."
They understood that a true believer who loves the Lord are those who are obedient to His words, Christ will pray to the Father, who will give the Holy Spirit of truth to His Son so that our Lord Jesus can baptize our brethren with the Holy Spirit to enable him to be His Helper.
When our Lord Jesus told His disciples that they were worthy to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, and to await this great Promise in Jerusalem, they were filled with great joy for God Himself had acknowledged their love. What joy it was for these unlearned fishermen, that they had fulfilled the greatest commandment of loving the Lord their God with all their hearts, minds, strengths, and souls, which even the priesthood had great difficulties in fulfilling.
Luke 24:51-52 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.
They were glad to have pleased the Messiah, who loved them and died for them. With such great joy they could not stop praising and worshipping Him, for they were comforted and satisfied and coveted nothing.
At that moment, if they have wanted anything, they would have prayed for faithfulness, obedience, transformation into His image and an undivided love, so that they could joyfully lay down their lives for their brethren.
Later in the Book of Acts, the Apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit. They were filled with boldness, love, power, wisdom, compassion, knowledge, and worked with signs and wonders.
At that moment, if they have wanted anything, they would have prayed for faithfulness, obedience, transformation into His image and an undivided love, so that they could joyfully lay down their lives for their brethren.
Later in the Book of Acts, the Apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit. They were filled with boldness, love, power, wisdom, compassion, knowledge, and worked with signs and wonders.
Brethren, what would you pray for if you were in a similar situation?
- Filled with such great joy, in knowing that He had suffered and died for your salvation and that He had confirmed your love by baptizing you with the Holy Spirit.
Would you ask for prosperity, worldly rewards and successes, powers, and more blessings from Him, or, would you pray that you will please Him by faithfully serving Him in truth?
- Filled with such great joy, in knowing that He had suffered and died for your salvation and that He had confirmed your love by baptizing you with the Holy Spirit.
Would you ask for prosperity, worldly rewards and successes, powers, and more blessings from Him, or, would you pray that you will please Him by faithfully serving Him in truth?
