John 14 - NLT Student Life Application Study Bible

14:6 The Way Jesus gives us the invitation to eternal life. As both God and man, he himself is the entry point to that life, and he paid the price for us to get there, even though it meant giving up his own life. Some people resent Christianity because Jesus says that he is the only way to God the Father, and they think this claim is too exclusive and narrow-minded. In reality, the way would be wide enough for the whole world if everyone chose to take it. But some people want to go their own way, and that just won’t work.

14:15-17 Who Is the Holy Spirit? The Advocate—the Spirit of God himself—would come upon the disciples just before Jesus’ ascension (20:22) and be poured out on all the believers at Pentecost shortly afterward (Acts 2:1-21). The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us (and all believers), helping us live as God wants us to and building Christ’s church on earth. He will never leave us (John 14:16); the world at large cannot receive him (14:17); he lives with us and in us (14:17); he teaches us (14:26); he testifies about Jesus and reminds us of his words (14:26; 15:26); he convicts us of sin, shows us God’s righteousness, and announces God’s coming judgment on evil (16:8); he guides us into truth and gives us insight into future events (16:13); and he brings glory to Jesus (16:14). By faith we can have access to the Spirit’s power every single day. (See more on the Holy Spirit.)

14:15-26 How have you experienced the Holy Spirit leading you into truth? See Acts 2:1-41 for the next passage about the Spirit. See The Bible’s Big Story.

14:27 Real Peace The Holy Spirit’s work brings deep and lasting peace to our hearts and minds. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, Jesus’ peace gives us confident assurance in any circumstance. With his peace, our souls are settled, secure in his love for us, and we aren’t afraid for the present or the future. This doesn’t mean, however, that if our fear and anxiety are persistent and serious, we shouldn’t seek out professional help or take medication to help correct a chemical imbalance—these solutions can be part of God’s provision for our healing. Rest in the comfort that Jesus has promised that he will give us peace if we are willing to accept it from him. (For more on experiencing God’s peace, see Philippians 4:6-7.)