Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
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 hence.
John 14 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of John, offering profound comfort and reassurance to Jesus' disciples in the face of His impending departure. Coming after the Last Supper, where Jesus predicted His betrayal (John 13:21) and Peter's denial (John 13:38), this chapter marks the beginning of an extended discourse filled with promises and teachings that extend far beyond the immediate context, speaking to all believers across time. This chapter is a treasure trove of spiritual truths, revealing Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life, and promising the gift of the Holy Spirit. Let's delve into the richness of John 14, exploring its meaning and significance for us today.
A Heart Undisturbed (John 14:1-3)
Jesus begins with a direct and compassionate appeal: "Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me" (John 14:1). In the face of dire predictions and uncertainty, Jesus seeks to calm the disciples' fears. He calls them to trust in Him, just as they trust in the Father, emphasizing their unified divine nature and purpose. The peace He offers isn't the absence of trouble, but rather a steadfast assurance amidst the storm.
He further comforts them with the promise of a prepared place in His Father's house: "In my Father’s house are many rooms... I am going away to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2). This speaks of a future heavenly dwelling, a permanent and secure home for believers. Just as a Jewish father would add rooms to his house for his newly married son, Jesus is preparing our eternal home. This imagery offers immense hope, reminding us that we are not abandoned, but rather eagerly awaited.
The promise culminates in His return: "I will come again and take you to myself" (John 14:3). This refers to the rapture, when Jesus will return to receive His saints and take them to heaven (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). When our time comes, we have no need to fear, because Heaven has been prepared for us.
The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:4-7)
Jesus assures His disciples that they know the way to where He is going (John 14:4). Thomas, however, expresses his confusion: "Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" (John 14:5). Thomas' question highlights a common misunderstanding. The "way" isn't a path or a set of instructions; it's a person.
Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). This is a profound statement of Jesus' unique role in salvation. He is the universal point of access to God, the only means by which we can come to the Father. Knowing Jesus is knowing the Father (John 14:7).
Seeing the Father in the Son (John 14:8-11)
Philip then asks, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us" (John 14:8). Philip's request echoes a desire to see God's glory directly. However, Jesus gently corrects him, revealing that He is the very manifestation of the Father: "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9).
Jesus emphasizes the unity of Father and Son: "I am in the Father and the Father is in me" (John 14:11). He is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus' words, actions, teachings, and miracles serve as proof of this concept.
Greater Works and Answered Prayers (John 14:12-14)
Jesus makes a remarkable promise: "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12). This doesn't imply that believers will surpass Jesus in divine power. Rather, it speaks to the scope of impact. Jesus' earthly ministry was limited geographically and temporally. However, through the Church, His message has reached billions across the globe.
He further assures them that "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13). Prayers aligned with His purposes and will, offered in His name, will be answered. This promise underscores the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's will in our lives.
Love and Obedience (John 14:15)
Before promising the Holy Spirit, Jesus makes a crucial connection between love and obedience: "If you love me, you will keep my commands" (John 14:15). Obedience isn't merely a duty; it's the natural outflow of a heart filled with love for Christ. Love is first and foremost a decision, not an emotion. Our relationship with Him drives our desire to please Him.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17)
Jesus promises to send "another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16-17). The Greek word translated "another" here means "another of the same kind," emphasizing that the Holy Spirit shares in the divine nature. He is God with us, empowering us to live out God's will in our lives.
The Holy Spirit is "the Spirit of truth," guiding us into all truth (like Jesus; see John 14:6). The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn't know Him. The only way to know and receive the Spirit of God is through knowing and receiving Jesus Christ. When we trust in Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, ministering the presence of God to us.
Not Orphans, But Loved and Known (John 14:18-24)
Jesus comforts His disciples with the promise, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:18). He would send the Holy Spirit to be with them.
He further explains, "Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me" (John 14:19). Though He would be executed, He would rise from the grave and show Himself to His disciples. "Because I live, you also will live" (John 14:19). Jesus shares His resurrection life with His followers through the Holy Spirit, who connects us to the Trinitarian God: "you are in me, and I am in you" (John 14:20).
Judas (not Iscariot) asks why Jesus will reveal Himself to them but not to the world (John 14:22). Jesus explains that His love is available to all: "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them" (John 14:23). Those willing to come to Jesus in love and obedience will find the Father and Son coming to make their home with them.
The Spirit's Role in Remembering and Understanding (John 14:25-26)
Jesus promises that the Father will send the Holy Spirit in His name, to teach them all things and remind them of everything He has said to them (John 14:26). This applied to the first disciples, helping them recall Jesus' words and record them in Scripture. But the Spirit also helps believers today, enabling us to recall Scripture at the appropriate time and helping us to understand its meaning and application to our lives, as He activates "the mind of Christ" in us (1 Corinthians 2:10-16).
Peace in the Midst of the Storm (John 14:27-31)
Jesus promises, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). He is not promising the absence of a storm, but rather peace in the midst of it. This is the peace of God, "which transcends all understanding, [and] will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
He encourages them to rejoice that He is going to the Father (John 14:28), because it meant His mission was almost complete. Jesus was explaining all these things in advance so that when the time of suffering arrived, they would believe that He was truly the Messiah, the Son of God (John 14:29).
Jesus acknowledges that "the prince of this world is coming" (John 14:30), referring to Satan. But He declares that Satan has no power over Him because He is without sin. The Son of God became a man so that He might defeat the devil and restore God’s kingdom rule, through His love for the Father and His obedience to what the Father commanded (John 14:31).
John 14 is a chapter filled with comfort, truth, and hope. It reveals Jesus as the way to the Father, promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, and assures us of peace in the midst of life's storms. By trusting in Jesus, obeying His commands, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can experience the fullness of God's love and grace in our lives.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
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 hence.
John 14 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of John, offering profound comfort and reassurance to Jesus' disciples in the face of His impending departure. Coming after the Last Supper, where Jesus predicted His betrayal (John 13:21) and Peter's denial (John 13:38), this chapter marks the beginning of an extended discourse filled with promises and teachings that extend far beyond the immediate context, speaking to all believers across time. This chapter is a treasure trove of spiritual truths, revealing Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life, and promising the gift of the Holy Spirit. Let's delve into the richness of John 14, exploring its meaning and significance for us today.
A Heart Undisturbed (John 14:1-3)
Jesus begins with a direct and compassionate appeal: "Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me" (John 14:1). In the face of dire predictions and uncertainty, Jesus seeks to calm the disciples' fears. He calls them to trust in Him, just as they trust in the Father, emphasizing their unified divine nature and purpose. The peace He offers isn't the absence of trouble, but rather a steadfast assurance amidst the storm.
He further comforts them with the promise of a prepared place in His Father's house: "In my Father’s house are many rooms... I am going away to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2). This speaks of a future heavenly dwelling, a permanent and secure home for believers. Just as a Jewish father would add rooms to his house for his newly married son, Jesus is preparing our eternal home. This imagery offers immense hope, reminding us that we are not abandoned, but rather eagerly awaited.
The promise culminates in His return: "I will come again and take you to myself" (John 14:3). This refers to the rapture, when Jesus will return to receive His saints and take them to heaven (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). When our time comes, we have no need to fear, because Heaven has been prepared for us.
The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:4-7)
Jesus assures His disciples that they know the way to where He is going (John 14:4). Thomas, however, expresses his confusion: "Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" (John 14:5). Thomas' question highlights a common misunderstanding. The "way" isn't a path or a set of instructions; it's a person.
Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). This is a profound statement of Jesus' unique role in salvation. He is the universal point of access to God, the only means by which we can come to the Father. Knowing Jesus is knowing the Father (John 14:7).
Seeing the Father in the Son (John 14:8-11)
Philip then asks, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us" (John 14:8). Philip's request echoes a desire to see God's glory directly. However, Jesus gently corrects him, revealing that He is the very manifestation of the Father: "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9).
Jesus emphasizes the unity of Father and Son: "I am in the Father and the Father is in me" (John 14:11). He is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus' words, actions, teachings, and miracles serve as proof of this concept.
Greater Works and Answered Prayers (John 14:12-14)
Jesus makes a remarkable promise: "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12). This doesn't imply that believers will surpass Jesus in divine power. Rather, it speaks to the scope of impact. Jesus' earthly ministry was limited geographically and temporally. However, through the Church, His message has reached billions across the globe.
He further assures them that "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13). Prayers aligned with His purposes and will, offered in His name, will be answered. This promise underscores the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's will in our lives.
Love and Obedience (John 14:15)
Before promising the Holy Spirit, Jesus makes a crucial connection between love and obedience: "If you love me, you will keep my commands" (John 14:15). Obedience isn't merely a duty; it's the natural outflow of a heart filled with love for Christ. Love is first and foremost a decision, not an emotion. Our relationship with Him drives our desire to please Him.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17)
Jesus promises to send "another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16-17). The Greek word translated "another" here means "another of the same kind," emphasizing that the Holy Spirit shares in the divine nature. He is God with us, empowering us to live out God's will in our lives.
The Holy Spirit is "the Spirit of truth," guiding us into all truth (like Jesus; see John 14:6). The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn't know Him. The only way to know and receive the Spirit of God is through knowing and receiving Jesus Christ. When we trust in Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, ministering the presence of God to us.
Not Orphans, But Loved and Known (John 14:18-24)
Jesus comforts His disciples with the promise, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:18). He would send the Holy Spirit to be with them.
He further explains, "Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me" (John 14:19). Though He would be executed, He would rise from the grave and show Himself to His disciples. "Because I live, you also will live" (John 14:19). Jesus shares His resurrection life with His followers through the Holy Spirit, who connects us to the Trinitarian God: "you are in me, and I am in you" (John 14:20).
Judas (not Iscariot) asks why Jesus will reveal Himself to them but not to the world (John 14:22). Jesus explains that His love is available to all: "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them" (John 14:23). Those willing to come to Jesus in love and obedience will find the Father and Son coming to make their home with them.
The Spirit's Role in Remembering and Understanding (John 14:25-26)
Jesus promises that the Father will send the Holy Spirit in His name, to teach them all things and remind them of everything He has said to them (John 14:26). This applied to the first disciples, helping them recall Jesus' words and record them in Scripture. But the Spirit also helps believers today, enabling us to recall Scripture at the appropriate time and helping us to understand its meaning and application to our lives, as He activates "the mind of Christ" in us (1 Corinthians 2:10-16).
Peace in the Midst of the Storm (John 14:27-31)
Jesus promises, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). He is not promising the absence of a storm, but rather peace in the midst of it. This is the peace of God, "which transcends all understanding, [and] will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
He encourages them to rejoice that He is going to the Father (John 14:28), because it meant His mission was almost complete. Jesus was explaining all these things in advance so that when the time of suffering arrived, they would believe that He was truly the Messiah, the Son of God (John 14:29).
Jesus acknowledges that "the prince of this world is coming" (John 14:30), referring to Satan. But He declares that Satan has no power over Him because He is without sin. The Son of God became a man so that He might defeat the devil and restore God’s kingdom rule, through His love for the Father and His obedience to what the Father commanded (John 14:31).
John 14 is a chapter filled with comfort, truth, and hope. It reveals Jesus as the way to the Father, promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, and assures us of peace in the midst of life's storms. By trusting in Jesus, obeying His commands, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can experience the fullness of God's love and grace in our lives.