#1485. Jesus’ Last Words - On Hope (1/4/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional. As we approach Easter, we are reflecting on some of Jesus’ final words from the Last Supper and the Upper Room Discourse in John’s Gospel. 

Fear touches all of us. The news can stir anxiety. The struggles of friends and family can shake our joy and unsettle our hope.

From Jesus’ final words, we are reminded how hope can replace fear.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. The antidote to troubled hearts

Jesus commands, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” This challenges us. Is such a life really possible?

Jesus does not simply promise a trouble-free life—He calls us to a trust-filled life. Peace is not automatic; it flows from believing what He says.

The antidote to fear and anxiety is not found in changing our circumstances, but in allowing Jesus to reshape what we believe.

2. Faith and hope replace fear

Notice how Jesus places Himself alongside God the Father:

In the face of fear and the lies that crowd our minds, we are called to trust Him—His character, His promises, His presence.

At its root, fear is often faith in the wrong things. It listens to voices that say: “God cannot be trusted,” “You are alone,” “There is no good future.”

But Jesus gives us a better word:

This is the language of certainty and belonging. The Christian hope is not vague optimism—it is the sure promise of a future with God. Jesus speaks of a home, a dwelling place, where we will be with Him forever.

3. Jesus is the way

When Thomas asks how they can know the way, Jesus answers:

Jesus does not merely show the way—He is the way - to the ‘room’ that he’s prepared for us. 

Our hope is not based on our efforts, but on a person. Through Jesus, we have the promise of eternal life and a secure future with the Father.

Response

As we reflect on Jesus’ last words on hope, when we are troubled and fearful, firstly, will we trust that Jesus is with us - will we choose to believe or will we choose to doubt?

Will we choose to trust in Jesus’ promise of future hope? When faced with difficulties, sicknesses, and death, will be trust that Jesus is ‘the way’ to a certain hope. 

As we approach Easter let’s hear Jesus say again to us ‘“Do not let your hearts be troubled!”’ He knows our weaknesses, and He wants to help all who will humbly listen to Him. 

As we reflect on Jesus’ words on hope, we are faced with a choice: will we trust Him, or will we give in to fear?

Will we believe that He is with us now?Will we trust His promise of a certain and glorious future?

In the face of difficulty, sickness, and even death, will we hold onto the truth that Jesus is ‘the way’ to an unshakable hope?

As Easter approaches, hear His words again:

He knows our weaknesses, and He wants to help all who will humbly listen to Him. 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we began a short Easter Series - Jesus' Last Words - which is based upon The Upper Room Discourse and Last Supper in John’s Gospel ( (John 13:1–17:26). 

Please read John 13:1-13 and discuss:

• Personal reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• Let Jesus serve us – What does this text teach about how Jesus desires to serve us?

• Let’s serve one another – In what ways are we called to model our service on Jesus’ example?

• Roles and relationships – What roles and relationships has God placed you in, and how can you practically serve like Christ within them?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Modelling Jesus’ service -  From our text, how does letting Jesus serve us and then serving in His likeness bring Him glory and build bridges to share our faith? 

• Easter services - is there anyone that you intend to invite to our Easter services? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for our upcoming Easter Services. 

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?