Last Words Group Study - Part 2 - Rock Point Church

The big idea

Jesus said goodbye to His disciples with promises of a prepared place, the Holy Spirit, and a peace the world cannot give — promises that still hold for us when life falls apart.

Jesus knew He had to leave His disciples, so He gave them hope for the road ahead: a place being prepared for them, the gift of the Holy Spirit as helper, comforter, and advocate, and a peace that doesn't depend on circumstances. That same hope is available to us in our own darkest moments, and God can turn our pain into a stepping stone for ministry rather than a stumbling block.

Point 1 of 5

Pastor Mark reflects on how hard goodbyes are, noting it's often easier on the one leaving than the one left behind, and Jesus knew He would have to leave His disciples. He shows how Jesus told them not to let their hearts be troubled and promised a place being prepared for them, tying the image to the temple, the place the Hebrews believed heaven and earth met. He illustrates this with a personal story of being invited to a friend's massive beach mansion in Florida, unsure there'd be room, only to find more than enough space, just as Jesus assures there is room for everyone.

Point 2 of 5

When Thomas says the disciples don't know the way, Jesus answers that He is the way, the truth, and the life. Pastor Mark addresses the modern objection that this claim is arrogant, arguing that if all paths to God were equal despite being contradictory, God would be unknowable and no one could offer direct access to Him. He explains that because Jesus, uniquely among religious figures, claims to be God Himself, it follows that He alone can be the way.

Point 3 of 5

Pastor Mark unpacks the original language behind the Spirit's names, explaining the Spirit gives strength and supernatural energy rather than functioning like a personal assistant. He describes the comforter as the one who gives courage and hope in insurmountable circumstances and helps us see how God is working things for our good, and the advocate as the one who defends us before the Father against the accusations of the devil.

Point 4 of 5

Pastor Mark describes this peace as resonating deep inside, independent of outward circumstances, and available in the midst of trials or persecution because it flows from relationship with Jesus. He notes this peace is not the peace of an easy life but of an obedient servant confident in his master, and that living it out creates a sharp distinction between followers of Jesus and the world.

Point 5 of 5

Pastor Mark shares the personal story of his daughter's engagement, celebrated joyfully by friends from both coasts, contrasted with an earlier traumatic season in her life that was not her fault but altered her trajectory and left her fearful and ashamed. He explains how Jesus' light grew brighter through her recovery until she could forgive and now carries compassion for others in darkness, on mission with Jesus to reach the very world that once wounded her.

Take it into your week

Pastor Mark's closing prayer frames the charge as letting God turn our pain into a stepping stone for ministry rather than a stumbling block.