October 20, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 14
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 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.
3 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.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
John Chapter 14 is a central section in the Gospel of John, offering profound insights into Jesus’ teachings about His relationship with the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the future of believers. This chapter forms an essential part of the so-called “Comfort Discourses” of Jesus, which are found in chapters 14 through 17 of the Gospel of John. In these speeches, Jesus prepares His disciples for His impending ascension, provides them with comfort, and gives them instructions for life after His physical departure. John 14 addresses key themes such as Jesus’ identity as the way to the Father, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the unique peace that Christ grants to His followers.
Commentary
Jesus, the Way to the Father (Verses 1-4)
Jesus begins the chapter with an encouragement to His disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me!” (Verse 1). These words are meant to comfort the disciples in a time of uncertainty and fear. Jesus emphasizes that He is the way, the truth, and the life (Verse 6). This statement underscores His unique role as the mediator between God and humanity. Only through Him can believers gain access to the Father. Jesus assures His disciples that He is going to the Father to prepare a place for them and that He will return to take them to Himself. This strengthens the disciples’ trust in His divine mission and the eternal fellowship with Him.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit (Verses 15-17)
Jesus promises His disciples the Holy Spirit, the “other Comforter” or “Advocate” (Verse 16). The Holy Spirit is to remain with believers and work within them to teach them and remind them of everything Jesus has said (Verse 26). This promise ensures that the disciples will not be left alone after Jesus’ departure. The Holy Spirit will function as a source of truth and spiritual assistance, strengthening and guiding believers in their discipleship.
The Peace of Christ (Verses 27-31)
Jesus speaks about the peace He leaves with the believers: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (Verse 27). This peace differs from what the world offers, as it encompasses deeper spiritual and emotional tranquility. Jesus encourages His disciples not to be afraid, as His peace dwells within them. He reminds them that He is going to the Father and assures them that through their faith in Him, they will share in His life (Verse 19). This peace is a sign of divine presence and support in life’s challenges.
The Unity of the Father, Son, and Spirit (Verses 20-21)
Jesus emphasizes the deep unity between Himself, the Father, and the believers: “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you” (Verse 20). This unity implies a close fellowship and dependence of the believers on Christ and the Father. Those who keep Jesus’ commandments show their love for Him and are loved by God. This relationship is characterized by mutual love and revelation, highlighting the intimate connection between God and the believers.
The Significance of the Word and the Holy Spirit (Verses 22-26)
Jesus explains that His word comes directly from the Father and that those who love Him will keep His word (Verse 23). Jesus’ word is an expression of the Father’s will and character, giving believers a direct insight into God’s nature and intentions. The Holy Spirit serves as a teacher and reminder, keeping the believers mindful of Jesus’ teachings and supporting them in their spiritual growth.
The Farewell Conversation and the Assurance of Peace (Verses 27-31)
In the concluding part of the chapter, Jesus once again assures His disciples of His peace and encourages them not to fear. He explains that the ruler of this world—Satan—has no power over Him and that His return will mark the completion of His work. This assurance gives believers confidence and hope for the ultimate overcoming of evil.
Summary
John Chapter 14 provides a profound teaching from Jesus about His divine mission and the future relationship of believers with God. Through His statements as the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus conveys to His disciples that access to the Father is only possible through Him. The promise of the Holy Spirit as Comforter and Teacher ensures that believers will be spiritually supported even after His departure. The peace that Jesus grants is distinct from worldly peace, offering deep inner tranquility and security in God’s presence. Finally, Jesus emphasizes the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and encourages believers to live in love and obedience to His commandments. This chapter strengthens believers’ trust in Jesus’ leadership and the ongoing divine support through the Holy Spirit.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 72—“In Remembrance of Me”
This chapter is based on Matthew 26:20-29; Mark 14:17-25; Luke 22:14-23; John 13:18-30.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 72 deals with one of the most central moments in the life of Jesus and Christian theology: the institution of the Lord’s Supper, which Jesus celebrated with His disciples during the Passover festival. This moment, described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, marks the transition from the Jewish tradition of Passover to a new covenant, symbolized by the bread and wine that Jesus referred to as His body and blood. This act points both to His impending sacrifice on the cross and to the hope of Christ’s return. This chapter describes the profound significance of the Lord’s Supper, the despair of the disciples in the face of the impending betrayal, and the symbolic power of the promise of redemption.
Commentary
In this chapter, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, making it a central rite for His followers. During the Last Passover meal, which traditionally commemorates the liberation of Israel from Egyptian bondage, Jesus gives the meal a new meaning. He takes the bread and the wine and declares that these elements represent His body and His blood, which are given for the sins of the world. Thus, the Passover, which was a symbol of the Jews’ liberation from physical slavery, is transformed into the Lord’s Supper, which signifies the liberation of humanity from the bondage of sin through Jesus’ death.
The institution of the Lord’s Supper marks the beginning of the “New Covenant,” which is sealed by Jesus’ death and resurrection. This new order replaces the old Jewish law and the ritual sacrifices. Instead, Jesus’ sacrifice and the remembrance thereof take center stage in the believers’ faith life. The chapter makes it clear that the Lord’s Supper is not merely a symbolic act but a means of spiritual strengthening that fosters community with Christ and among the believers themselves.
Judas’ behavior, as he focuses on his betrayal amidst this sacred act, highlights the stark contrast between Jesus’ gracious offer and human sin. Jesus is aware of Judas’ betrayal but continually gives him opportunities to repent, underscoring Jesus’ infinite patience and mercy. Despite the darkness surrounding Judas, the invitation to grace remains open until the last moment.
Another central point in this chapter is the emphasis on spiritual preparation and self-examination before partaking in the Lord’s Supper. Believers are called to participate at the Lord’s table in holiness and reverence. No one is to be excluded from this celebration, but it is necessary for each individual to examine their own heart before partaking in the Lord’s Supper.
Summary
Chapter 72 of the book The Life of Jesus offers a deep reflection on the institution of the Lord’s Supper by Jesus during the Passover festival. Jesus uses this opportunity to explain the bread and wine as symbols of His impending death, which will free humanity from sin. This new celebration replaces the traditional Jewish Passover and marks the beginning of the New Covenant, established through Christ’s sacrifice. The act in which Judas plans to betray Jesus demonstrates the serious consequences of sin and betrayal. At the same time, Jesus demonstrates God’s profound mercy through His patience and offer of grace. The chapter highlights the significance of the Lord’s Supper as a source of spiritual strength and community with Christ and among believers, and emphasizes the necessity of self-examination and preparation before participation. It reminds believers to live in anticipation of Jesus’ return, which is proclaimed in every celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
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