John 14 - NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible

14:1–4 In this chapter, Jesus explained to the disciples why it was better for them that he depart than remain. He gave five reasons why his going was to their advantage: he was going to prepare a better place (vv. 1–4), to show them the way to the Father (vv. 5–7), to provide greater intimacy of relationship with the Father (vv. 8–11), to enable them to do greater works (vv. 12–14), and to send the divine helper (vv. 15–31). This section of the discourse unfolds through a series of questions that began with Peter’s question in John 13:36. The atmosphere in the room would have been extremely tense. The disciples likely felt Jesus’ mission was unraveling right before their eyes. Yet even though Jesus himself faced his greatest crisis, his concern was still for his disciples.

Chapter 14 begins with Jesus continuing to answer Peter’s question from the previous chapter about his departure. Jesus encouraged the disciples not to lose heart. He urged them to believe in him as they believed in God. As Jews, the disciples would have been shocked by the concept that Jesus is equal to God. Jesus wanted them to understand that his departure was beneficial. He was going to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house. The many rooms in the Father’s house are a vivid way of depicting ample room in heaven for all of Jesus’ followers. Jesus assured them that they knew the way to where he was going.

14:5–7 Jesus’ statement that they knew the way perplexed Thomas. Jesus responded to Thomas’s question with his sixth “I am” statement: Jesus claimed to be the way, the truth, and the life. His words strike a note of exclusivity. Jesus is the only way to the Father, and no one can know God except through him. The early church was known as the Way (Ac 9:2). Jesus is the only way to God because ultimate truth resides in him. Jesus taught the truth, lived the truth, and revealed the one true God. Furthermore, Jesus is the life. Life has been associated with Jesus throughout the Gospel. To truly know Jesus is to have eternal life. To know Jesus is to know God the Father.

14:8–14 Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father. He likely thought a theophany might occur, like Abraham (Ge 18:1) or Moses (Ex 3:6) had experienced. The disciples failed to understand that Jesus perfectly reveals the Father by his words and deeds. Philip’s lack of perception demonstrates a lack of faith in the mutual indwelling of the Father and the Son. Philip’s misunderstanding earned a slight rebuke from Jesus. If Jesus’ words were too difficult for him to believe, then he should believe Jesus’ works. In fact, Jesus’ departure to the Father would enable the disciples to perform greater works than he performed. The statement is somewhat surprising. When one considers the amazing signs Jesus performed in this Gospel, how could the disciples do greater works? These “greater things” probably refer to the spread of the gospel throughout the world, bringing salvation to those outside the land of Israel (such events are narrated in the book of Acts). These works would be accomplished by prayer. To pray in Jesus’ name is to make requests that correspond to Jesus’ character and will.

14:15–21 Jesus continued to help the disciples understand why it was better for him to go than to stay. He connected love and obedience for the first of several times in the discourse. Jesus promised he would ask the Father to give the disciples “another advocate” (the Holy Spirit) who would never leave them. Jesus also referred to the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of truth.” The world cannot receive the Spirit, but the Spirit was with the disciples and soon would be in them. Jesus promised the disciples he would not leave them as orphans; he would come to them, referring to his coming to them after his resurrection. Jesus’ victory over death would result in eternal life for his followers. Those who obey Jesus demonstrate a genuine love for him, and they will enjoy an experiential knowledge of God’s presence.

14:22–24 Judas (not Iscariot) wondered why Jesus would show himself to the disciples but not to the world. Jesus did not answer the question directly but encouraged them to live a life characterized by obedience. Those who lovingly obey Jesus will experience the abiding presence of the Father and the Son. To disobey Jesus’ words is to disobey the Father who sent the Son.

14:25–27 Jesus’ final words in the chapter emphasize assurance. Jesus’ departure, however, remains prominent in the discussion. The Spirit would interpret Jesus’ words and ministry to the disciples and remind them of Jesus’ teachings. The Spirit would guide them as they wrote the Scriptures, especially the Gospels (2Pe 1:21). Jesus returned to the topic of peace in the midst of turmoil. Peace is more than just the absence of strife; peace refers to well-being and blessing. Jesus blesses his followers with his peace, the well-being that is the result of being in a right relationship with him. The peace the world gives is dependent on life’s circumstances.

14:28–31 Since Jesus blessed them with his peace, the disciples had no need to fear his talk of departure. Jesus’ comment about going away and coming back is another reference to his death and resurrection. He knew that they did not understand fully what he meant. If they had, they would have rejoiced! It is unlikely Jesus believed they had no love for him, but if they truly loved him, they would be more concerned about him and less concerned about themselves. Jesus’ purpose in telling them these things was for their faith in him to be strengthened when the events took place. Satan had no legal claim on Jesus, because Jesus had lived a sinless life (v. 30). Since Jesus called his disciples to “leave” with him (v. 31), the remainder of the discourse may have taken place on the way to Gethsemane.