Good morning,
This week we will study John 14.
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
John 14 is a comforting and empowering chapter that shines light on the path of every believer. Jesus’ promises about the prepared place, His declaration as the way, the truth, and the life, and the promise of the Holy Spirit provide immeasurable comfort and guidance. Furthermore, His teachings on obedience as an expression of love redefine our relationship with God. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/john/14.htm)
Christ tells of His return (14:1-6)
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 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.3 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.4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus comforts His troubled disciples, encouraging them to trust in God and in Him. The Greek word for “troubled” is ταρασσέσθω (tarassesthō), which conveys a sense of being disturbed or agitated.
He speaks of preparing a place for them in His Father’s house and promises to return for them. Jesus speaks of preparing a place for us in His Father’s house (John 14:2-3), providing hope of eternal life and a future with Him.The term “rooms” (μοναι, monai) can also be translated as “dwelling places.”
Thomas questions Jesus about the way to where He is going, and Jesus declares Himself as the way, the truth, and the life.
John 14:6 states, Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ This verse underscores the exclusivity of Christ as the only path to God.(https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/john/14.htm)
To know Jesus is to know the Father (14:7-11)
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.9 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, Show us the Father?10 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.11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father, to which Jesus explains His unity with the Father. “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). This emphasizes the unity between Jesus and the Father. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/john/14.htm)
Believers can do the works Christ did (14:12-15)
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.13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will do greater works: “Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). He underscores that love for Him is manifested in obedience to His commands. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/john/14.htm)
Promise of the Comforter (14:16-26)
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;17 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.18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.21 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. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?23 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.24 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.25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.26 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.
Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, to help and be with His followers.
In John 14:16-17, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, saying, And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The Holy Spirit is our helper and guide.
Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever” (John 14:16). The Greek word for “Advocate” is παράκλητος (paraklētos), meaning helper or counselor. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/john/14.htm)
Sweet peace for believers (14:27-31)
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.28 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.29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in 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 hence.
Jesus further reassures His disciples, promising peace and urging them not to be afraid. He predicts His coming betrayal but reassures them that this happens so the world may know His love for the Father.
Jesus offers His peace to the disciples, distinct from worldly peace. John 14:27 offers peace that the world cannot give: Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.
The Greek word for “peace” is εἰρήνη (eirēnē), signifying a state of tranquility and harmony.
John 14 is a comforting and enlightening discourse by Jesus during the Last Supper. Facing His imminent departure, Jesus offers His disciples profound teachings about heaven, His unique role, the coming Holy Spirit, and the relationship between love and obedience. This chapter provides crucial spiritual insights and promises for every believer. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/john/14.htm)
CONCLUSION
Christ tells of His return
To know Jesus is to know the Father
Believers can do the works Christ did
Promise of the Comforter
Sweet peace for believers
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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