John 14 - NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible

14:1 troubled. Because they are confused and afraid that Jesus will imminently depart (13:33,36). You believe in God. See NIV text note. Cf. Ps 56:3–4; Isa 26:3–4.

14:1–4 Jesus Comforts His Disciples. Jesus himself is “troubled” (12:27; 13:21) because he is heading for the agony of the cross, yet he is still the one who comforts others.

14:2 My Father’s house. The abode of God; in one sense, the ultimate temple (see Rev 21). rooms. Dwelling places. The Son provides more than enough space for every one of his followers to join him (cf. Luke 16:9).

14:2–3 The disciples should not be “troubled” about Jesus’ departure because it will benefit them.

14:3 I will come back. Jesus’ second coming (see v. 28; 21:22–23).

14:4 Because they know Jesus. the way. Raises the question in v. 5 and anticipates v. 6.

14:5 Thomas (cf. 11:16; 20:24–25) does not understand that Jesus just spelled out the destination (vv. 2–3).

14:5–14 Jesus the Way to the Father. Jesus is the only way to the Father, is in the Father, is going to the Father, and answers prayer to glorify the Father.

14:6 Answers the question in v. 5. I am. See note on 6:35. the way. To God—because Jesus so mediates God’s truth and God’s life. the truth. See notes on 1:14; 3:33. the life. Cf. 11:25–26; see notes on 3:14–15; 5:21, 26–27; 6:35,63,68; 11:1—12:50. except through me. Jesus is the exclusive way to God (Acts 4:12). Those who claim to know God but reject Jesus do not know God (see 5:39–47 and notes). Christianity is not merely one viable religion among many.

14:7 me . . . my father. See 5:37–38; 8:19.

14:8 Cf. Exod 33:18.

14:9 such a long time. During Jesus’ ministry. Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. See 1:14,18 and notes; 12:45.

14:10 I am in the Father . . . the Father is in me. See 10:30 and note. I do not speak on my own authority. See 5:19–30 and notes.

14:11 works. See 5:36 and note. The miracles themselves are signs (see Introduction: Purpose and Addressees).

14:12 greater things. Not more works or more spectacular works but works that point to Jesus in the age that Jesus’ death, resurrection, and exaltation introduce (cf. the parallel in 5:20 and the similar contrast in Matt 11:11). This promise of greater things anticipates the need for enabling power (vv. 16–17). because I am going to the Father. The basis for the “greater things.”

14:13 in my name. In accord with Jesus’ character and thus for God’s glory. This qualifies the prayers Jesus answers (cf. conditions in 15:7; Mark 11:24; 1 John 5:14). so that. Introduces the purpose for which Jesus answers our prayers (cf. 7:18; 8:50,54; 12:28).

14:13–14 I will do whatever you ask . . . ask me for anything . . . and I will do it. A stunning promise.

14:15 Also vv. 21a, 23a, 24a (cf. 15:10,14; 1 John 5:2–3). God’s people obey Jesus because they love him. See 15:9–10. Similarly, Jesus obeys the Father (4:34; 6:38; 8:29).

14:15–31 Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit. The Father will give Jesus’ followers the Holy Spirit after Jesus departs.

14:16 he will give. Jesus describes this sending in complementary ways (v. 26; 15:26; 16:7), granted the tight cohesion of the Father and Son (5:19–30). another. Besides Jesus (1 John 2:1). advocate. Greek paraklētos (translated “Advocate” in v. 26; 15:26; 16:7), hence some call him the “Paraclete”; a counselor who helps those in trouble with the law.

14:17 Spirit of truth. Also in 15:26; 16:13. He communicates the truth (v. 26; 16:12–15) about Jesus, who is “the truth” (v. 6). See Introduction: Characteristics and Themes, 5. world. See notes on 1:9,29; 3:16. cannot accept him. See 1 Cor 2:14. he lives with you and will be in you. God was “with” believers under the old covenant, not least by dwelling among them in the temple, sometimes appearing in a pillar of cloud or fire, and coming upon individuals by his Spirit. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Spirit will come upon believers and permanently indwell them (v. 23; 7:39).

14:18 Doubtless the disciples still feel abandoned, so Jesus consoles them (cf. Deut 31:6; Josh 1:5; Heb 13:5). I will come to you. Probably after Jesus’ resurrection (vv. 19–20; 16:16–30; 20:19,26) but possibly with the gift of the Spirit (vv. 16–17, 25–26) or at Jesus’ second coming (vv. 3,28).

14:19 I live. Jesus’ resurrection.

14:20 On that day you will realize. Jesus’ resurrection will radically change how his followers think (cf. 2:22). They will comprehend what he has told them about his relationship with the Father in vv. 7–11. you are in me, and I am in you. See 15:1–17 and notes.

14:21 See v. 15 and note. has. Grasps with the mind.

14:22 Cf. note on 7:3–4. Judas wrongly assumes that Jesus, as the Messianic King, must now startle the world with undeniable, irresistible power and splendor.

14:23 obey. See v. 15 and note. make our home with. Cf. Eph 3:17. This anticipates the consummation, when God will live with his people (Rev 21:3,22). See “Temple.”

14:24 The opposite of vv. 15, 21a, 23a. not my own. See 5:19–30 and notes.

14:26 Advocate. See note on v. 16. the Father will send. See note on v. 16. in my name. As Jesus’ emissary, just as Jesus was the Father’s emissary (5:43; 10:25). teach you . . . remind you. Explains how Jesus’ disciples who were with him during his earthly ministry (15:27) come to more accurately and fully understand Jesus’ teaching (16:13–15) since they repeatedly fail to understand its significance before his resurrection (2:22; 12:16; 20:9; see Introduction: Characteristics and Themes, 7).

14:27 Peace . . . peace. Reflects the Hebrew šālôm, the customary Jewish word of greeting (see 20:19,21,26) and farewell. Peace fundamentally characterizes the Messianic kingdom anticipated in the OT (Num 6:26; Ps 29:11; Isa 9:6; Ezek 37:26; Hag 2:9) and fulfilled in the NT (Acts 10:36; Rom 1:7; 5:1; Eph 2:14–17). The pax Romana (“Roman peace”) was won and maintained by a brutal sword, and many Jews thought their Messiah would secure peace with an even mightier sword. Instead, the Messiah secured it by suffering and dying (Col 1:20). as the world gives. The world promises peace but cannot give genuine peace. troubled . . . afraid. For individuals, Jesus’ peace secures composure in the midst of trouble and dissolves fear (16:33; Phil 4:7; Col 3:15). See “Shalom.”

14:28 You heard me say. See vv. 2–4,12, 18–19. you would be glad. The disciples have been responding in an emotional, self-centered way rather than rejoicing that Jesus will depart to his own “home” after accomplishing his mission. the Father is greater than I. The Father in his undiminished glory is greater than the Son in his incarnate state. That is the primary thought here, for the context shows that Jesus anticipates his departure precisely because it means he will return to that glory (17:5). This does not imply that Jesus is less than fully God because “greater than” does not refer to their being and essence (see notes on 1:1; 5:17–19,23; 8:24; 12:41). Yet “the Father is greater than I” also echoes 3:17; 5:19–30. The difference in roles between the Father and the Son means the Father sends his Son into the world and the Son obeys (v. 31); the Father “shows” him what to do and the Son performs it (5:20). The functional submission of the Son reaches back into eternity.

14:30 prince of this world. See note on 12:31. coming. In the person of Judas (13:2,27) and others. He has no hold over me. Satan could have a claim on Jesus only if he could justifiably accuse him, and Jesus is sinless.

14:31 The world (like Satan) may think that Jesus is defeated by his death, but Jesus’ obedient death vindicates him and displays how deeply he loves the Father (10:17–18). let us leave. May mean that they leave the upper room and proceed to Gethsemane (18:1).