Big Idea: Jesus makes the invisible God visible.

How do we know God?

            John 14:7-11

            John 10:30

            Colossians 1:15a

How Jesus transforms our view of God:

• We think God is distant and unknowable, but Jesus shows us God is with us.

• We think God is angry and vindictive, but Jesus shows us God is full of compassion.
  Exodus 34:6

• We think God is completely tolerant, but Jesus shows us God is zealous for our righteousness.

• We think God cares most about our happiness, but Jesus shows us God cares most about our wholeness.

Message Questions

If you only had hours left to live, what would you do? For Jesus, he chose to spend his last moments before going to the cross teaching his disciples the most important truths they would need to cling to once he was gone. These are the things Jesus knew they needed to know, and we do too. In this message series, we’ll be diving into John 13-16 as we learn more about the Heart of the Teacher: Jesus’ Final Words. This week we are in John 14:8-11, and the big idea is: Jesus makes the invisible God visible. 

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do. 

1. Have someone read John 14:8-9. Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father, and Jesus responds that seeing him is seeing the Father. What does this reveal about Jesus’ nature and his relationship with God? How does this change the way we understand who God is?
2. Have someone read John 10:30 and Colossians 1:15. Jesus declares that he and the Father are one, and Paul describes Jesus as the image of the invisible God. How does Jesus’ life, teachings, and actions help us understand God’s character?
3. Have someone read Exodus 34:6. Many people think of God as angry and harsh, but Jesus reveals him as compassionate and gracious. How does this truth challenge common misconceptions about God? Have you ever struggled with viewing God incorrectly?
4. One of the contrasts in the sermon notes is that "we think God cares most about our happiness, but Jesus shows us he cares most about our wholeness." How can you grow in aligning your desires with God’s purpose for your wholeness rather than just temporary happiness?
5. If Jesus makes the invisible God visible, then our lives should reflect him to others. How can you go and live in a way that helps others see the true nature of God through you this week? What specific attitudes or actions can you model that reveal God’s compassion, righteousness, and presence?