1 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.
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, shew 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], Shew 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.
12 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.
16 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.
27 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.
Context and Overview
John 14 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of John, occurring during the Last Supper, where Jesus shares profound teachings with His disciples. This chapter is part of a larger discourse that spans chapters 13 to 17, often referred to as the Farewell Discourse. It addresses themes of comfort, faith, and the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Thematic Elements
- Comfort in Troubling Times:
Jesus begins the chapter by comforting His disciples, who are troubled by His impending departure. He reassures them not to let their hearts be troubled and encourages them to have faith in God and in Him.
- The Promise of Heaven:
Jesus speaks about His Father’s house, describing it as having many rooms. He assures the disciples that He is going to prepare a place for them, emphasizing the hope of eternal life and the assurance of a future reunion.
- The Way, the Truth, and the Life:
Jesus declares that He is the way, the truth, and the life, emphasizing the exclusivity of His role in salvation. This statement is central to Christian belief, highlighting the necessity of faith in Christ for eternal life.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit:
Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, referred to as the Advocate or Comforter, who will guide, teach, and remind the disciples of Jesus’ teachings after His departure.
Key Verses and Their Significance
- Verse 1: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”
This verse sets the tone for the chapter, emphasizing faith as a source of comfort and stability in times of uncertainty.
- Verse 6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
This declaration is foundational to Christian theology, affirming that Jesus is the sole path to salvation and a relationship with God.
- Verse 13-14: “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
These verses underscore the power of prayer and the importance of asking in Jesus’ name, linking it to the glorification of God.
- Verse 16: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever.”
This promise of the Holy Spirit is crucial for the disciples, ensuring them that they will not be left alone after Jesus’ ascension.
Implications for Believers
John 14 has significant implications for Christian believers, offering guidance on how to navigate life’s challenges with faith and hope. The chapter encourages believers to:
- Trust in Jesus as the ultimate source of truth and guidance.
- Find comfort in the promise of eternal life and a personal relationship with God.
- Engage in prayer with confidence, knowing that their requests align with God’s will.
- Recognize the active presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, providing support and direction.
Conclusion
In summary, John 14 serves as a profound source of comfort and instruction for believers. It encapsulates key elements of Christian faith, including the assurance of salvation, the importance of prayer, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. The teachings found in this chapter continue to resonate with Christians today, offering hope and encouragement in their spiritual journeys.
