John Chapter 14 in the Amplified Bible “Jesus Comforts His Disciples“ “Jesus’ Oneness with the Father“ “Role of the Spirit”

Introduction

John Chapter 14 records a poignant moment between Jesus and His disciples, where He comforts them before His impending crucifixion. In this chapter, Jesus assures His disciples of His continued presence with them through the Holy Spirit, encourages them to trust in God and in Him, and teaches them about the role of faith and obedience in their relationship with Him.

Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!

Verses 1-4: Jesus Comforts His Disciples - ““Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and I will take you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. And [to the place] where I am going, you know the way.””

Jesus reassures His disciples, telling them not to be troubled but to trust in God and in Him. He promises to prepare a place for them in His Father's house and assures them that they know the way to where He is going.

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This passage encourages believers today to trust in Jesus' promises and to have faith in God's plan, even in difficult times. It reminds us of the hope we have in Christ and the assurance of our eternal home with Him.

Verse 5-7: “Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going; so how can we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. Jesus’ Oneness with the Father - “If you had [really] known Me, you would also have known My Father. From now on you know Him, and have seen Him.””

Thomas expresses doubt about knowing the way to where Jesus is going. Jesus responds, saying He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him.

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This statement emphasizes the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ. It challenges believers to have a firm conviction in Jesus as the only way to God and encourages us to share this truth with others.

Verses 8-14: “Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father and then we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and you do not know Me yet, Philip, nor recognize clearly who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you I do not say on My own initiative or authority, but the Father, abiding continually in Me, does His works [His attesting miracles and acts of power]. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe [Me] because of the [very] works themselves [which you have witnessed]. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in My name [as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it.””

Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father. Jesus responds, saying that He and the Father are one, and that anyone who has seen Him has seen the Father. Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will do greater works than He has done, and He assures them that whatever they ask in His name, He will do.

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This passage highlights the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father, emphasizing the importance of faith and prayer in the believer's life. It encourages believers to trust in Jesus' authority and promises, knowing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.

Verse 15-24: ““If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments. Role of the Spirit - And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another? Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come [back] to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. On that day [when that time comes] you will know for yourselves that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. The person who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me; and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him [I will make Myself real to him].” Judas (not Iscariot) asked Him, “Lord, what has happened that You are going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered, “If anyone [really] loves Me, he will keep My word (teaching); and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling place with him. One who does not [really] love Me does not keep My words. And the word (teaching) which you hear is not Mine, but is the Father’s who sent Me.””

Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit, the Helper, to be with the disciples forever. He emphasizes the importance of obedience as evidence of love for Him and the Father. Jesus assures His disciples that He will manifest Himself to those who love Him and keep His word.

Relevance To Today’s Believers:This passage speaks to the ongoing presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. It challenges us to obey God out of love for Him, knowing that our obedience is a demonstration of our love and faith in Him.

Verse 25-31: ?“”I have told you these things while I am still with you. But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] You heard Me tell you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming back to you.’ If you [really] loved Me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going [back] to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does take place, you may believe and have faith [in Me]. I will not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of the world (Satan) is coming. And he has no claim on Me [no power over Me nor anything that he can use against Me]; but so that the world may know [without any doubt] that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father has commanded Me [and act in full agreement with Him]. Get up, let us go from here.””

Jesus tells His disciples that the Helper, the Holy Spirit, will teach them all things and bring to their remembrance all that He has said to them. He speaks of His imminent departure but assures them that He is going to the Father.

Relevance To Today’s Believers:This passage emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and teaching believers. It reminds us of the importance of remembering Jesus' teachings and relying on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding.

Summary

John Chapter 14 offers profound insights into the nature of Jesus' relationship with His disciples and the promises He made to them. For today's believers, this chapter serves as a source of encouragement, assurance, and challenge. It encourages us to trust in Jesus' promises, to have faith in God's plan, and to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and understanding. It challenges us to obey God out of love for Him and to share the truth of Jesus as the only way to God with others. Ultimately, John Chapter 14 reminds us of the hope we have in Christ and the promise of eternal life with Him.

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