Read the Passage: John 14

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: John 14

Jesus’ Teaching (14:1–14)

Although Jesus had predicted Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial, it seems that the disciples did not fully understand what would transpire in the next few hours. Indeed, although the disciples should have been supporting Christ, it was He who began to comfort them in John 14:1–4. Here Jesus exhorted the disciples to believe in Him, and He encouraged them by teaching that He was departing to prepare a place for them. The term translated “mansions” (John 14:2) in this passage refers to a safe dwelling place. The idea here is that if the disciples would believe in Jesus (cf. John 14:1), then they would have a safe dwelling place in the “Father’s house” (John 14:2). When Christ claimed to be “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), He was identifying Himself as the means, the substance, and the goal of salvation. Indeed, Jesus is object and gain of salvation.

In response to Jesus’ exhortation to believe in Him, it seems that Philip—as well as, perhaps, others—was confused, as he said, “Lord show us the Father and it is sufficient for us” (John 14:8). This request reveals that while the disciples knew that the Father was God, they did not fully believe that Jesus was divine. Predictably, Christ’s response was to confront Philip over his unbelief, and to again claim to be God, saying, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). As He had done earlier (cf. John 5:36; 10:38), so again at John 14:11 Jesus appealed to the miracles He had done as being proof of His divine nature. Furthermore, at John 14:12–14 Christ taught that His followers would do greater works than Him, as long as such works were in accord with His character—a teaching that refers to the scope of believers’ works, not to the magnitude of their works.

Disciples’ Love (14:15–21)

At John 14:15, Jesus taught, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” This connection between love and obedience is logical and is taught elsewhere in Scripture (cf. Luke 6:46; 1 John 5:2–3). At John 14:21, Jesus reiterates the idea that love of Christ will result in keeping His commandments. Furthermore, Jesus teaches that both He and the Father love those who love Him—and Christ even notes that He will reveal Himself to those who love Him. Next, for the first time in John’s Gospel, at John 14:16–18 Jesus teaches about the coming Holy Spirit, whom Christ refers to as a “Helper” (John 14:16) and as “the Spirit of truth” (John 14:17). These names speak to some of the roles of the Holy Spirit—namely, comforting believers and illuminating Scripture. Furthermore, Jesus reveals an important and new truth—that is, the idea that the Holy Spirit will indwell believers.

Spirit’s Ministry (14:22–31)

14:22f In John 14:22–24 Jesus responds to a question from the disciple referred to as “Judas (not Iscariot).” Observer that there are three men named Judas in the Gospels: (1) Judas Iscariot, (2) Judas the brother of Jesus (cf. Matt. 13:55), who is also called Jude (cf. Jude 1), and (3) Judas the son of James (cf. Luke 6:16) who is also called Thaddius (cf. Mark 3:18), Lebbeaus (cf. Matt. 10:3), and, here in this passage, Judas “not Iscariot” (John 14:22). Judas’ question to Jesus at John 14:22 was logical, for without an understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the disciples couldn’t fathom how Christ could manifest Himself to them while not being evident to the world. In response, Jesus again cited the connection between love and obedience, and commented further on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In regard to a believer, Jesus said He and the “Father . . . will make our home with him” (John 14:24).

In John 14:15–31 Jesus again taught about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. This teaching was because Christ knew that He would soon depart from the world (cf. John 7:25, 28–29). First, as He had done at John 14:16, so again at John 14:26a Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as a Helper. The term used here refers to one who helps by comforting. Second, just as He had noted at John 14:17, so again at John 14:26b Christ revealed that the Holy Spirit will “teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” The Holy Spirit does this, for He is the Spirit of truth (cf. John 14:17), Jesus is the truth (cf. John 14:6), Scripture is truth (cf. John 17:17), and the Father seeks those who will worship Him in truth (cf. John 4:24). Third, at John 14:27 Christ referred to the peace that the Holy Spirit brings to those whom He indwells (cf. Rom. 14:17; Gal. 5:22).

Application Questions:

1. Did the disciples understand that Judas would soon betray Jesus and that Christ would shortly ascend to heaven?
2. What did Jesus mean in claiming to be “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6)? How do we perform work in Jesus’ name?
3. Did the Holy Spirit indwell believers in the Old Testament (cf. Ps. 51:11)? Can the Holy Spirit ever not be present with a Christian?
4. What does it mean to “quench” (1 Thess. 5:19), to “grieve” (Eph. 4:30), or to “resist” (Acts 7:51) the Holy Spirit?
5. Have you experienced the comfort, teaching, and peace of the Holy Spirit as you’ve walked with God?