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
And it would appear that the disciples have now understood Him
They are not probing Jesus with more questions; they just follow
APP: What a tremendous word picture: their obedience is displayed
Jesus refers to the prince of this world – this is to Satan and what is coming
IMP: Satan has no power over Christ; he has no accusations that will stick
His actions are coming; his victory short; his defeat is through Jesus Christ
Then Jesus tells them, “Come now, let us leave”
The teaching in the upper room has ended
He says: I’ve taught you, I’ve loved you, and I’ve shown you who God is
Let’s depart from here, and go and do what must be done
∆ Big Idea
This chapter a beautiful picture of what Jesus has come to do
He has come to show us the Father, to demonstrate God’s love
But, make no mistake: His message is clear: There is no other way
Many try to take the “building a place for you” and turn it into a religion
As if God is a magical wish granter just waiting for you to ask
He is not – He is sovereign, He is holy, and He is just (fair, impartial, complete)
The question we all have to deal with is:
“What will, or what have I done, with who Jesus says He is?”
Pray
