It’s Who You Know

GETTING STARTED

D. L. Moody was a shoe store clerk who came to know Jesus as his Savior, and then became one of the most influential preachers of the 19th century. During a speaking engagement at the University of Cambridge, some audience members ridiculed his poor language skills. Moody is quoted as pointedly stating to the hecklers, “Young gentlemen, don’t ever think God don’t love you, for he do!” In the end, his preaching had a profound effect on many there, including some young men who formed a group known as the “Cambridge Seven” (Google it). In Moody, we have a great example of, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” 

  • Have you ever observed a situation where a simple act or statement had a profound effect beyond what seemed possible? What was that like?

READ THE WORD: JOHN 16:25-33 (ESV)

25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. In verses 26-27, what reason did Jesus give as to why he would not need to approach the Father on the disciple’s behalf in the future?
  2. What did Jesus tell the disciples in straightforward language in verse 28, and what was the disciples’ response?
  3. In verses 29-30, what did the disciples believe was the source of their peace or security?
  4. Where did Jesus point them for peace in verse 33?
  5. In what areas of your life do you seek peace from knowledge, power, or things other than through relationship with Jesus?

RESPOND TO GOD

As Jesus neared the end of his earthly ministry, he tied up loose ends. Jesus explained why his followers would not need to rely on him to represent them before the Father any longer. They would have direct access to God, not because of their actions, but through their faith in Jesus. Jesus’ final words reminded his disciples that their peace would not come from knowledge, but from confidence that the one who is guiding circumstances knows what he is doing. It’s not what you know, but who you know. Our confidence, our peace, can only come from Jesus, who has overcome the world.

  • Pray to that recognize the source of God’s love for you is through Jesus. Seek peace, purpose, and confidence in relationship to Jesus and not through other sources.