John Chapter 14

Do not be troubled:
(Read John 14:1-3) 
The disciples were troubled by the uncertainty of their future when Jesus told them about his soon departure.  Jesus comforted them by saying “Let not your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1).  Have you ever felt troubled about an uncertain future?  Jesus told his disciples to place their trust in God and his Word. Also, he wanted them to remember that they are only pilgrims here and they are going to heaven.  Jesus is coming soon to receive us so that we can be with him forever. Worrying is a choice.  Believers should replace worry with trust in God. Jesus gave them the message of hope and encouragement to trust in God and also in him.  Only faith in God's promises settle our troubled hearts because God's Word never changes (Matthew 24:35). Jesus gave the reason for His departure. He is going to prepare a place for them in heaven.  Their troubles and trials are only temporary. Here the emphasis is not the place but the person of Christ. “You will be with me”. There is no more sorrow and separation when Christ will come to take us home. Jesus will personally come to escort us to the Father's house. Heaven's blessings will far outweigh earthly sorrows (2 Corinthians 4:17). One day we will be in the presence of the Lord.  There will be no more fear, no more death, no more pain and no more sorrow.  This is our blessed and comforting hope (Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:18).  This hope should motivate us to live a holy and faithful life (1 John 3:3). It should make us more enthusiastic about the Lord's work (1 Corinthians 15:58). Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people.  Yes, we can trust God in His Word. We will never be separated from our blessed Savior. 
 
Jesus is the only way to the Father:
(Read John 14:4-17)
The disciples did not understand where Jesus was going. Thomas said "Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"  Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).  Christ is the only way to the Father (John 10:9).  He is not one of many ways to get to heaven but the only way. In this pluralistic world many people hate these exclusive claims. Jesus alone is the source of truth and life. And whoever has the Son has life. Christ is the embodiment and fulfillment of all truth (John 8:32).  Those who believe in Christ know the truth and the truth shall set them free (John 8:32). Truth is the reality of God, revealed in the scriptures and in the person of Christ.  Jesus is the source of eternal life. He gives eternal life to all those who receive him as Lord and Savior.  Eternal life speaks of the quality of relationship we have with God.  Philip requested "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us".  Jesus said "Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?  Those who see Jesus, see God the Father.  To know Christ means to know the Father" (John 14:9-10). Christ's words and works show the unique relationship between the Father and the Son. Christ promised the disciples that they would do greater work than he does. When Christ's work was limited to a small geographical area, disciples were able to reach the whole world with the gospel. Jesus is actually working in and through us.  If we love Jesus, we will obey his command.  Our obedience merits nothing, rather it is the proof of our love for Christ's death on the cross for us. Jesus said, "If you ask anything in my name, I will do it for you".  His name speaks of his character. Effective prayer is in agreement with the character of Christ and his will. We should pray in Christ's name because there is only one mediator between God and men.  God wants us to bring our requests to Him.  He answers our prayers. Pray that God would teach you to pray according to his will (John 14:13-14). Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments".  

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit:
(Read John 14:18-31)
Jesus said to His disciples that He will not leave them as orphans.  He promised to send the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the comforter, helper and counselor. He comes alongside to help us in our needs. Christ would go away but the Holy Spirit will come to abide with believers forever. The Holy Spirit is the third person in the trinity. He has the same quality and character of Christ. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but the third person in the divine trinity. We see the three persons of Godhead in the baptism of Christ, in the believer's baptism, in the creation account of the universe and in the benediction of Paul (Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; Genesis 1:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth who guides us into all truth. His indwelling presence gives believers the ability to love and obey God. The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). Apart from the work of the Holy Spirit nobody can be saved (John 3:6).  All believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6).  But the Holy Spirit gets more of us as we live in obedience to Christ.  This is called the filling of the Holy Spirit. We should be filled with the Holy Spirit so that the Scripture becomes alive in us (Ephesians 5:18, 19).  Obedience is the proof of our love for the Lord. Our obedience demonstrates our gratitude for Christ who has given His life for us.  Christ promised his disciples that "When the Holy Spirit comes, he will teach them all things and bring to their remembrance all that he has said to them (John 14:26). This was fulfilled in the writing of the New Testament. When the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us, we become the temple of God (Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 6:19).  Jesus promised his peace to his disciples (John 14:27). This peace is different from the peace the world offers.  Only this peace could calm our troubled hearts.  When we live in obedience to Christ, we will enjoy this peace. Jesus is the perfect Son of God, and Satan had no claim on Him.  Are you troubled in your heart? Are you fearful of the future?  Jesus is able to deliver you from all your fears.  Satan is powerful but he is no match for Jesus. Jesus is the prince of peace. Christians have the privilege and responsibility to reflect God's presence to others. Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?