John 14 reminds me of listening to the coach. In a loud gym, I could always hear my coach’s voice offering short instructions. I knew he was on my side, and that he could see things I could not. Today’s chapter includes some of the most quoted verses in the entire Bible; perhaps you need to hear one today. We begin after supper, immediately before Jesus would be arrested, beaten, and crucified. There is a clear urgency in His words of comfort. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me”. Everything was about to change for them. In times of trouble, faith in Christ still leads to peace with God. He continues with a promise for the faithful, “My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with Me”. Many miss the reference to the Jewish wedding that is mirrored in this statement. After the groom proposed and paid the dowry, he then went to build the family home. After it was completed, he would return and take his bride to live together in their new home. We are living in the time of preparation. Jesus is unequivocal, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”. God’s standard is perfection. Friend, you can try to earn your salvation though your own perfection or you can accept His guaranteed proposal.
Next Jesus teaches about unity with God. He begins, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father”. Every Jewish feast and festival pointed toward the Messiah’s once and for all sacrifice. The righteous requirement of the Law could only be satisfied by a sinless Man. God alone is sinless. He continues, “The words I say to you I do not speak on My own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in Me, who is doing His work”. Many hate the concept of God having authority over their life. It is alarming to see who people cite and reference as their source of wisdom and guidance. As a follower of Christ, it is wise to read His words and follow His example, “whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing”. Finally Jesus teaches that our access to the Almighty is through the Son, “And I will do whatever you ask in My Name”. Jesus intercedes on our behalf. This is the reason that we pray in His name.
In sports, and in life, there is a great deal of conditioning done on our own. For the rest of the chapter, Jesus explains how to train. First He says “If you love Me, keep My commands”. Jesus did not give them another to-do list. He said, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you… the Spirit of Truth”. Working out with a dedicated partner is much easier. We all need encouragement and accountability. Jesus adds, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you”. Some understand the feeling of abandonment very personally. He then describes a level of unity that is beyond understanding to most. “You will realize that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you”. There is perfect oneness between God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit. We are included into this unity when we ask. Jesus explains, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you”. He makes it very clear, “Anyone who does not love Me will not obey My teaching”. In times of struggle, what voice do you hear? Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you”. Some hear words of discouragement and doubt. Jesus says, “I do not give to you as the world gives”. He purchased what we cannot afford and gives it freely because only He can. As they were preparing to leave, Jesus reminded them again, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”. My friend, please hear the words of hope from the Messiah to His beloved, “I am going away and I am coming back to you”.