John 14 John14:one of the many chapters in the Bible that give us hope, strength and a real sense that Jesus loves us, and so does the Father. It opens with a simple, yet striking sentence Do not let your hearts be troubled. That alone is comfort, for we live in a world that causes much worry and heartache. Jesus tells us that we must believe in God and also in him. Next, He tells us My Fathers house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? Since this earth is not our permanent home, we are told of our real home; a home where we are told has many rooms,and Jesus says hes going to prepare a place for us-each of us has a place in the house of God. And we know that this is true, and he reassures us by saying if that were not so,would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? Furthermore, He tells us You know the way to the place where I am going.-He gives us the way, the direction to get home. And this is the way: Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Our home is with the Father and the only way we can get there is through Jesus. He is not only the way, but he is also the truth. Why would we need the truth? Well Satan is the father of all lies and will try to get Gods children to stray away by making them believe in lies, cause confusion, etc. In a world infested with lies, Jesus tells us that He is the truth. Lastly, He tells that He is the life. And this life is the gift of eternal life that all who believe in Him have. Jesus also basically tells us that we can ask Him for anything we need, And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. Take note that what we ask for must be for the glory of the Father through the Son,and also, we must ask in His name, in Jesus name, because it is only through Him, that we can do anything. He intercedes for us. Next comes a simple, yet deep sentence; If you love me, keep my commands. Since all who claim are Christians follow Jesus, surely we must love him then, because how can you follow someone who you dont love or believe in? And, as Christians, its our duty to follow his commands, to show that we love him, just as when you love a friend or family member, there are things u can and cannot do(e.g. you cannot lie to that person; you need to be there for that person). And Jesus gave two commands, he tells us to love the Lord God with all our hearts, soul mind and strength, secondly he tells us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. In fulfilling these laws, we automatically fulfil all the other laws, because you wouldnt hurt the person you love, for love covers a multitude of sins(1Peter4:8). Next, Jesus tell us that And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever-the Spirit of truth. The Lord knows we cannot do it on our own, we need help, and this help is provided through the Spirit of God who guides us into all truth. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. The Holy Spirit will be our teacher in everything, and will remind us of the words of life spoken by Jesus. Then Jesus says Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Reading that alone is enough to calm the hot coals that the world heaps onto a persons heart. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, His peace is the true peace, not the peace of the world that lasts like a breath. Jesus provides peace for our restless souls; He gives us rest:Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest(Matthew11:28). He also repeats Do not let your hearts be troubled, but now theres an addition to it-and do not be afraid. Fear is a common element that we all face. Living in a world governed by darkness, murder, and all forms of evil, we are told to not let our hearts be troubled or to be afraid;so we must not ALLOW our hearts to be troubled or to be afraid. We have power over that-but only through the power that Jesus gives. John 14 gives us hope of a better home and future; it gives us hope that we are not alone; it gives us strength; it gives us direction; it gives us truth; it gives us the secret to eternal life; it gives us peace; it gives us guidance. It is a seed of hope, a rushing river of peace that calms the soul and spirit. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 07:55:08 +0000