“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 14:1-14, where Jesus once again emphasizes that Jesus and God the Father are One. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God does not want believers to be troubled - where He is going He is saving a place for us (in Heaven) and when He returns for second time He will take us there. We should rest in this promise - see vv1-4. In response to Thomas and Philip, Jesus shares in v6 that "I am the way, and the truth, and the life," and "no one comes to the Father except me," and that He and Father are One (vv7, 10-11) so if we know Jesus, we know the Father. Jesus encourages us to believe (questions are OK but don't stop believing) - see vv11-12. Jesus also shares that He wants believers to do the works that Jesus does - v12 - and "greater works than these [a believer] will do, because [Jesus] going to the Father." Here Jesus reveals that the Holy Spirit will be with them and He will share more on this in vv15-31. Finally, in vv13-14, Jesus shares oft misinterpreted text on prayer - we should not view Jesus as a vending machine with our prayer. Focus on understanding God's will for our lives as He transforms our heart and mind to think more like Him. Then our prayers will be for His purpose - not our own.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: The disciples are troubled because Jesus is sharing that He is leaving them (soon to be crucified) and they cannot join Him where He is going (at least not yet). Again, this is God revealing Himself to the disciples but there is still mystery to what and how this will occur. Mystery is not reason to doubt God but to question Him and remain in Him, leaning on what you know is true and that He is faithful. Thomas and Philip seek to understand but Jesus appears a bit frustrated with them because He feels by know they should know the answers to their questions (Thomas - how can we know the way - v5, Philip - show us the Father - v8).
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid doubting God or disbelief because we do not fully understand what He is saying in scripture. Claim the promise that Jesus is saving a place for us in Heaven. Follow the example of Jesus who is faithful. Believe.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - and You are saving a place for me in Heaven. Thank You! I am not deserving of how You love and save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
