John 14:29-31 - Sovereign over Satan

John 14:29-31

29 And now I have told you before it comes to pass, that when it comes to pass, you may believe. 30 I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing to Me; 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go from here.

Message: Sovereign over Satan

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: In my study, I have continued to see a summary of the Christian life and even the gospel: (1) Believe, (2) Ask/Pray, (3) Obey, (4) Help. 

(1) I think Jesus is asking us to believe in Him, believe in the Gospel which is about repenting or turning from your sin. (2) This is followed by asking or praying to God continually in our lives, asking him for help, calling on His name. (3) At the same time we are to obey the commandments He has given us - though I don't right now have what I would call a list of those, but I think this is more of a general statement of the obedience we need to exemplify in our lives. (4) Throughout this process He sends to us a Helper. We have help through the Spirit of Truth to make all of this happen. The Spirit draws us to faith and also sustains our faith and is constantly speaking to us the truth of Jesus and His Words. It is God working in us that makes him willing to come to Christ. John 10:27, "My sheep hear my voice." 

Yet the story throughout these verses of 14 is Jesus asking his disciples to trust Him. He is going away. He will return again, but He is going away. 

Jesus also tells them of events that will happen. He predicts Judas' betrayal. He predicts Peter's denial. He predicts His own death. In these predictions He reminds us that this is for their benefit, so that they will further believe. Just as when Lazarus rose again, it was to confirm faith in the disciples/followers (11:15). 

Verse 29 Jesus says He has spoken these things to us, letting us know about the future and what will occur. He has given prophecy - future information about future events. As we witness those events coming to pass - we may continue to believe. He asks us to believe and in the process of us seeing Him work, we continue to believe. God's work in our lives causes us continually to believe in Him. 

Verse 30 acknowledges the ruler of the world coming. In this gospel, the ruler of the world I don't think has been mentioned much. But the ruler of the world would have much to say to God's people, to tempt them - to seek to pull people away from the truth of Jesus' words - from God the Father. Satan would get a hold of Judas and even Peter for a moment and even Jesus' followers and enemies for a moment in helping send Him to His death. Though the decree of God would remain through all of this. Jesus says this, "he has nothing to Me." Though the ruler of the world is coming and will be present and will work to thwart His work, Jesus makes it clear - Satan has no claim on Jesus. 

Jesus wants this to be clear, because as He is subdued, beaten, shamed, ridiculed, crucified - the appearance will be that He has lost and that Satan has won - but Jesus reminds His people that Satan has no claim on Him. 

Verse 31 feels like a summary of what He has been saying or voicing since 13:31 - "that the world may know that I love the Father." Interesting. In this book of John I continue to see the themes of "believe" "for eternal life" "I am sent by the Father" and now "I love the Father." His love for the Father has been apparent but maybe not explicitly talked about but present, but now He speaks it. And possibly what He is saying is his impending death on the cross, though it looks like Satan will be the victor in this, in fact, His death will prove once again His Love of the Father. All we know in His crucifixion His Love for the Father. Luke 23:46 says upon his last breath, "Father, INTO THY HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." His death is for God's glory. 

Jesus does commandment and this commandment is singular. Interesting. He does the commandment. I don't think this commandment is necessarily the same as the commandments He mentioned in 13:34 or 14:21. I think the commandment the Father gives to Jesus is more specific to Him and His purpose. This is Jesus' purpose and that is to redeem all of mankind, once and for all, through his death, burial and resurrection.  

To his disciples and followers He says now, "Arise, let us go from here." Perhaps this is simply Jesus telling His disciple to arise or leave the supper room which started his discourse in John 13:2. The entire time of John 13 and 14 has been teaching speaking and teaching at the Table, at the meal. All His disciples have been present for this, even Judas. 

Summary: Jesus comforts His disciples, assuring them of His ongoing commitment to them and His decree to die for man, once for all. The ruler of the world is coming, but God's purposes are still clear.

Promise: God is sovereign over even the devil, the prince of the world. There may be times that we think the power has shifted, but it is clear Jesus remains the victor and Satan has no claim on Him. 

Prayer: Lord God, what a Joy it is continually to read and study Your word. How wonderful it is to know that this book of history includes me and includes your love for me. Even for the disciples at this time it may have looked confusing and scary, but you remind them and me of the importance of listening to You and trusting Your words. You are sovereign over all and You know the future and You know me.  I will follow You wherever You go, Wherever, Lord, You lead me, I surrender my will for the love of Thee.  

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.