John 14
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1“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. 2In 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. 3If 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. 4Where I go, you know, and you know the way.” 5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. 7If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and have seen him.” 8Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” 9Jesus 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?’ 10Don’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. 11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 12Most 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. 13Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it. 15If you love me, keep my commandments. 16I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever,— 17the 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. 18I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you. 19Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also. 20In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21One 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.” 22Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23Jesus 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. 24He 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. 25I have said these things to you, while still living with you. 26But 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. 27Peace 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. 28You 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. 29Now I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you may believe. 30I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world comes, and he has nothing in me. 31But 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.
World English Bible (public domain)
“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."”
John 14:6
Summary
In John chapter 14, Jesus comforts his disciples as he prepares them for his impending departure. He reassures them not to let their hearts be troubled, emphasizing trust in God and in himself, indicating that he is the way to the Father. He speaks of the many rooms in his Father's house, symbolizing the promise of eternal life and a prepared place for believers. Jesus explains that through knowing him, they also know the Father, affirming his divinity and unifying relationship with God. He encourages them to ask in his name, promising that whatever they ask will be granted, highlighting the power of prayer and the importance of abiding in his teachings. As the chapter progresses, Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit as the Advocate who will teach and remind them of his words, ensuring that they will not be left alone. He underscores the significance of love, stating that those who love him will keep his commands, and through this obedience, they will experience the profound peace that he offers. The chapter concludes with an assurance that he has overcome the world, providing hope and encouragement in the face of adversity. Theologically, this chapter underscores essential Christian beliefs about Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the interplay of love, obedience, and faith. It invites believers to cultivate a deep relationship with Christ, emphasizing that their understanding and experiences of God are intrinsically tied to Jesus's teachings and presence in their lives.
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Chapter outline
How John 14 unfolds
John 14:1–3 Comfort in Troubling Times
Jesus reassures his disciples not to be troubled, promising a place for them in his Father’s house, indicating hope amidst their fears.
John 14:4–11 The Way to the Father
Jesus declares he is the way, truth, and life, showing that knowing him is essential for knowing the Father.
John 14:12–14 Promise of Greater Works
Jesus promises that those who believe in him will do greater works and assures that he will respond to their prayers in his name.
John 14:15–21 Love and Obedience
Jesus emphasizes the connection between love for him and keeping his commandments, indicating that such obedience leads to divine love.
John 14:22–24 Revelation and Relationship
Judas (not Iscariot) asks for clarity, and Jesus explains that love and obedience will lead to a deeper revelation of God.
John 14:25–27 Role of the Holy Spirit
Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit as the Counselor who will teach and provide peace, reinforcing his ongoing presence with the disciples.
John 14:28–31 Overcoming the World
As Jesus prepares for his departure, he highlights his relationship with the Father and reassures them of his love and victory over the world.
Key verses
John 14:6The key verse encapsulates Jesus's role as the exclusive path to communion with the Father, central to Christian belief.
Main themes in John 14
Comfort in Troubling Times
The theme of comfort is evident in John 14, particularly in verses 1-3, where Jesus reassures his disciples amidst their anxiety about his impending departure. He speaks of going to prepare a place for them, emphasizing that this is not an end but a promise of future reunion and hope. This assurance directly addresses their fears of separation, affirming his ongoing presence through the Holy Spirit, which develops a sense of peace throughout the chapter.
The Way to the Father
The declaration of Jesus as the way appears prominently in verse 6, where he emphasizes his unique role in accessing the Father. This statement deepens the understanding of Jesus's identity and mission, as he reveals that true knowledge of God comes through him. The chapter highlights the necessity of faith in Christ for spiritual relationship.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The introduction of the Holy Spirit in verses 16-17 marks a significant theme, presenting the Spirit as an ongoing guide for the disciples. Jesus assures them that the Spirit will teach them and remind them of his words, which is essential for their future ministry. This highlights the continuity of Jesus's presence through the Spirit after his departure.
The Call to Obedience and Love
The call to love and obedience is emphasized in verses 15 and 21, linking the disciples' love for Jesus with their actions. This connection reveals that true love manifests in obedience to his teachings, fostering a reciprocal relationship with God’s love. The chapter frames obedience as the pathway to deeper intimacy with Christ.
Cross-references
Passages that echo John 14
- John 16Both passages discuss the role of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing guidance and comfort for the disciples.
- 1 John 5This connects with the theme of belief and assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus.
- 1 John 2It echoes the importance of knowing Jesus and keeping his commandments as a mark of true love.
- John 15Develops the concept of love and obedience, illustrating the vine and branches metaphor for Christ's followers.
- John 10Connects through the imagery of Jesus as the shepherd, reinforcing his protective and guiding role.
- John 1Echoes the theme of Jesus revealing the Father and his identity as the incarnate Word.
Study questions
Questions for studying John 14
- What does Jesus mean by 'my Father's house' in verse 2?
- How does Thomas's question in verse 5 prompt Jesus's response?
- What is the significance of Jesus saying he is 'the way' in verse 6?
- How does Jesus connect love and obedience in verse 15?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play according to verses 16-17?
- In what way does Jesus promise peace in verse 27?
- What does Jesus imply about his relationship with the Father in verse 28?
John 14: frequently asked questions
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Studied in
Where John 14 comes up on ScriptureDepth
- ArticleWhat the Bible Says About Heaven: Key Passages Explained
- ArticleWhat the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit: Key Passages Explained
- ArticleWhat the Bible Says About Obedience: Key Passages Explained
- ArticleWhat the Bible Says About Peace: Key Passages Explained
- ArticleWhat Does Shalom Mean in the Bible? More Than Absence of Trouble
- ArticleWhat the Bible Says About the Trinity: Key Passages Explained
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