I Am The Way, The Truth, And The Life Series

I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life

John 14:1-31

∆ Jesus Brings Security

Troubled times always bring uncertainty; Jesus brings peace (v1)

If we believe in God, Jesus encourages us to also believe in Him

APP: Jesus is the comforter – He provides certainty for all

In that certainty, He also gives hope of a location

Many create the image in their mind about Jesus building houses for us

True, He was a carpenter, but this is not His job in eternity

His preparing a place for us has less to do with physical needs/desires

Christians are merely pilgrims in this world; our home is where He is

As Jesus refers to his Father’s house, He is speaking about Heaven itself

APP: What Jesus is simply saying is: There is room in Heaven for you!

Many teach that the phrase “I will come back”, refers to the second coming

However, the word use here shows there is more to it

In v1 he has already told them to believe in Him

In v2 He has already told them there is room for them

So, in v3 He says, you will be where I am … so TRUST IN ME

Our promise is that for eternity we will reside with Him

Forget the mansions, possessions, and the desires we have here on Earth

The true reward is to be where He is; where He will be our Lord, forever

If we grasp this, the rest of the chapter builds on it

Thomas asks an important question, although it’s curious

Ever since Chapter 3 Jesus has been telling them who He is

NOTE: There’s hope for us as well … even the disciples didn’t get it

∆ Who is Jesus?

Jesus is the way: reconciliation (the restoration of friendly relations)

Jesus is the truth: illumination (literally, the lighting of truth)

Jesus is the life: regeneration (to regrow what was once dead)

One thing is absolutely critical here: there is no other way

The lie the Devil speaks is: “Somehow, God will save everyone who is good”

This is a false narrative and will lead you to hell, there’s no other way

FACT: Romans 3:10, “There is no one righteous, not even one”

Jesus is exclusive here; please don’t miss this …

When He casts judgment in glory for those who denied Him, this is why

Matt 28:18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Rev 20:11, “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.”

He has already been very clear about who He is, and what He provides

But Philip, appears to be a bit of a doubter here in v8

We are not certain if he is a skeptic, or just asking for clarity from Jesus

Or … maybe he is from Missouri … “the show me state”

What he is asking for is more information: “Show us the Father …”

To this, Jesus’s answer is clear in v9-14 … let’s read it again

Bottom line: Jesus said, I’ve been showing Him to you – we are together!

∆ What Should we Do?

“If you love me, keep my commands”

So … if we keep the commands, Jesus will send us an advocate

This advocate will be with us forever; to lead and guide us always

When Jesus leaves, we will not be orphans – but STILL part of a family

(v19-21) there is a common thread in the Holy Spirit’s dwelling

The emphasis is on behavior: “whoever keeps his commands” (v21)

The Spirit brings balance to life; He brings acknowledgement of Jesus

On the day the Spirit comes, they will know that the Spirit is within them

Judas, the third disciple in this story, then asks for more clarification (v22)

APP: Jesus will always reveal Himself to those who will follow His teaching

He says, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching”

Jesus tells them the key is love: those who love will obey

Re: God has sent the son to draw others: if we love Him we will love God

∆ What does the Spirit do?

Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will remind us of what we know

APP: Remind us of the things we have been taught; things we should do

IMP: We must not drown Him out when we “want to do our stuff”

The guidance we receive from Him is as an advocate; a helper; a teacher

From that guidance, we receive peace and comfort from God

This is how we receive peace (v27) from the Savior

Re: They needed peace in the uncertainty of life … just as we do now!

He again reminds them that He is leaving; but He is going back to the father