Imagine being on the brink of major change, uncertain and a little scared. In John 14, Jesus steps in to reassure His disciples that despite the upcoming challenges, everything will be alright.
The Reading: John 14
World English Bible1 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.
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2 In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.
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3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.
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4 Where I go, you know, and you know the way.”
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5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
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6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
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7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and have seen him.”
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8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
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9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. How do you say, ‘Show us the Father?’
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10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I tell you, I speak not from myself; but the Father who lives in me does his works.
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11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
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12 Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to my Father.
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13 Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
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14 If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it.
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15 If you love me, keep my commandments.
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16 I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever,—
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17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t receive; for it doesn’t see him, neither knows him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you.
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18 I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you.
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19 Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also.
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20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.
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21 One who has my commandments, and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him.”
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22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”
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23 Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him.
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24 He who doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The word which you hear isn’t mine, but the Father’s who sent me.
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25 I have said these things to you, while still living with you.
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26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.
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27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
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28 You heard how I told you, ‘I go away, and I come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said ‘I am going to my Father;’ for the Father is greater than I.
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29 Now I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you may believe.
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30 I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world comes, and he has nothing in me.
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31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father commanded me, even so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
In this chapter, Jesus addresses His disciples' fears and confusion just as He is about to face betrayal and crucifixion. He begins with a comforting command: 'Don't let your heart be troubled.' He reminds them to have faith in God and in Him, revealing a profound truth about His relationship with the Father.
The Promise of a Place
Jesus tells them that in His Father's house, there are many homes. This is not just a metaphor; He's promising them a welcome place in eternity. He's going to prepare a place for them, assuring them that they will be together again. This raises a question from Thomas, who admits they don't understand where He's going. Jesus replies with one of His most famous statements: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.' Here, He emphasizes that knowing Him is the path to understanding God.
A Glimpse of the Father
Philip then asks Jesus to show them the Father. Jesus gently chides him, explaining that seeing Him is seeing the Father. He wants them to understand that His words and actions are not just His own; they reflect the Father's heart. Jesus encourages them to believe in Him and the works He's done, hinting that they will do even greater things.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, referred to as the Counselor, who will be with them forever. This Spirit will teach them and remind them of everything He has said. Before concluding, He gifts them His peace - not the temporary peace of the world, but a lasting peace that calms troubled hearts. He reassures them that though He will be leaving, they will not be alone.
Why It Matters
Finding Peace
The first lesson from this chapter is about finding peace in uncertainty. Just as the disciples faced their fears about the future, we too can find comfort in Jesus' words. It's a gentle reminder that we don't need to carry our worries alone.
Love in Action
Another key takeaway is that love is demonstrated through obedience. Jesus makes it clear that loving Him means keeping His commandments. This is not about rigid rules but about embracing a lifestyle that reflects His teachings.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Additionally, the promise of the Holy Spirit is significant. It shows us that we are never truly alone in our journey of faith. The Spirit is there to guide, teach, and comfort us, helping us live out our faith in tangible ways.
If you're looking for a community to explore these themes, consider checking out a local church. You can find a church near you using the Sancta app, where you can connect with others who share similar beliefs and experiences.
Coming Up Next: John 15
In the next episode, we continue our journey with John 15, where Jesus reveals Himself as the true vine. Get ready to explore the deep connection we have with Him and what it means to bear fruit in our lives!