Saturday, March 20, 2010

14:5 thru 14:31 (Mar 19)

There is so much in this passage. Jesus lays out many things very plainly for his disciples. The disciples want to know the way to the Father's house (v5). Jesus tells them that he is the way - the only way. It is another restatement of the heart of John's gospel.

Philip asks to see the Father. Being in the Father's house would be wonderful, but Philip desires most to see the Father. Jesus tells him clearly that Philip and the others have already seen the Father (v9). The Father and the Son are one. Jesus emphasizes that the Father lives in him and does His work through Jesus (v10). In the same way, the Father will work through us when we have faith in Jesus (v12-14).

Jesus teaches them that he will send them help. He uses a legal term "Counselor". I like how the study notes characterize this: "It is a broader meaning than 'counsel for the defense'. It referred to any person who helped someone in trouble with the law." We all have "trouble with the law" of God and need the help of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Father lives in Jesus and does His work through Jesus, the Spirit of Truth lives *in* us and is *with* us (v17). We are never alone! Never "orphans". We have help remaining in Jesus and obeying his commands (v21).

And Jesus tells them that the help of the Spirit of Truth will not be taken away from them. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

The disciples want to know why Jesus will not reveal himself to the whole world, since he is the Messiah. Jesus tells the disciples to trust him - and to trust in him. He will go away *and* he will come back (v28). He must go away for the sake of the world. When he comes back, he will fulfill the other prophecies about the Messiah.

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