John 14 - Introduction

Building The Faith Of The Disciples John Fourteen

Jesus used some of His last moments with His disciples to comfort them and to encourage their faith. He again predicted His death, but He also gave them hope by speaking of His resurrection. Jesus said He was leaving this earth to go to heaven. The good news is that He is preparing a place for His faithful disciples there. He said, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:2-3) He even told the disciples that they knew the way to reach this heavenly home. Jesus is the way! A life of loving and submissive faith in Jesus leads to that heavenly home. Jesus did not want His death to over burden the hearts of His disciples. He wanted them to see Him as "The Way, the Truth and the Life." Those who follow Jesus must become like Him and do the works that He did. The disciples of Jesus are involved in spreading the great message of Jesus' resurrection to the world.

Jesus gave commands to His disciples and said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15) Jesus called for action from those who would be His disciples. A true follower of Christ is one who loves Him and obeys His will. Jesus promised to send another Comforter to the apostles. This was a promise that He would send the Holy Spirit. The Spirit taught the apostles all things and brought all things to their remembrance that they had been taught by the Lord. The Spirit personally guided the apostles until the end of their lives and through the writings of the apostles guides us today. The Lord loved His apostles and He would not leave them as orphans. They were His little children. (John 13:33) Obedience on the part of a disciple gains a believer the love of Jesus and the Love of the Father. (John 14:21-23) Jesus promised His disciples a peace that the world does not know, cannot give and neither can the world take it away. Why not allow Jesus to give you that same peace?