John 14:1-14
Today's Passage: John 14:1-14
Jesus washed the disciples' feet, he announced that he would be betrayed, and he told his disciples that he would be leaving soon. The disciples were confused and disappointed that Jesus was leaving. Jesus knew that telling them he was leaving would rack their brains and cause a storm of emotions to spring up in their hearts. This troubled heart was displayed by Peter at the end of chapter 13 when he brashly insists that he will go anywhere or do anything for Christ - even lay down his own life. Jesus corrected Peter, revealing to him the truth: that even he would turn his back on Jesus.
That is where chapter 14 picks up. Jesus extends grace to his disciples by refocusing their eyes on who He is. He says “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” Jesus is painting a picture of the kingdom of God for his disciples. He explains His heavenly home to the disciples and basically says, “Yea, I’m going to leave, but there will be a time and place where you will be where I am forever.” At this point, I imagine that the disciples' heads are spinning and that is why Thomas chimes in, asking Jesus for a roadmap. “We don’t know where you’re going, how are we supposed to get there?”
Jesus responds not by reprimanding Thomas’ confusion but by presenting a route that they had not considered. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is a verse that many of us are familiar with. The only way to enter into a relationship with God the Father is through God the Son - Jesus. While reading this, part of my brain wants to go, “Bam! Doesn’t that make sense disciples?”, but the disciples do not respond in a way that denotes clarity.
Philip says, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.” Philip wants Jesus to reveal the Father in a way that is familiar to him. Jesus did just say “I am”, so can He not bring them a burning bush or something? Jesus did not match up with the Jews expectations. Even the disciples had a hard time seeing Christ for who He truly is. How we live out our faith is dictated by how clear our view of God is. God is knowable and has made Himself known through all of scripture and specifically through the Son.
How clear is your view of Christ today? Are you asking for a roadmap? Or do you see Him as the only way, truth and life?
Written By: Paulette Black
Jesus washed the disciples' feet, he announced that he would be betrayed, and he told his disciples that he would be leaving soon. The disciples were confused and disappointed that Jesus was leaving. Jesus knew that telling them he was leaving would rack their brains and cause a storm of emotions to spring up in their hearts. This troubled heart was displayed by Peter at the end of chapter 13 when he brashly insists that he will go anywhere or do anything for Christ - even lay down his own life. Jesus corrected Peter, revealing to him the truth: that even he would turn his back on Jesus.
That is where chapter 14 picks up. Jesus extends grace to his disciples by refocusing their eyes on who He is. He says “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” Jesus is painting a picture of the kingdom of God for his disciples. He explains His heavenly home to the disciples and basically says, “Yea, I’m going to leave, but there will be a time and place where you will be where I am forever.” At this point, I imagine that the disciples' heads are spinning and that is why Thomas chimes in, asking Jesus for a roadmap. “We don’t know where you’re going, how are we supposed to get there?”
Jesus responds not by reprimanding Thomas’ confusion but by presenting a route that they had not considered. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is a verse that many of us are familiar with. The only way to enter into a relationship with God the Father is through God the Son - Jesus. While reading this, part of my brain wants to go, “Bam! Doesn’t that make sense disciples?”, but the disciples do not respond in a way that denotes clarity.
Philip says, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.” Philip wants Jesus to reveal the Father in a way that is familiar to him. Jesus did just say “I am”, so can He not bring them a burning bush or something? Jesus did not match up with the Jews expectations. Even the disciples had a hard time seeing Christ for who He truly is. How we live out our faith is dictated by how clear our view of God is. God is knowable and has made Himself known through all of scripture and specifically through the Son.
How clear is your view of Christ today? Are you asking for a roadmap? Or do you see Him as the only way, truth and life?
Written By: Paulette Black
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