John 14: The Way, the Truth, and the Life
Finding Comfort and Assurance in the Promises of Jesus
John Chapter 14
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“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.
Where [I] am going you know the way.”
Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.
The Advocate
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always,
the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live.
On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.
Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”
Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, [then] what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.
“I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that [I] told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.
I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me,
but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me. Get up, let us go.
Commentary on John Chapter 14
Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life: Jesus reassures his disciples by declaring himself the way to the Father, the truth of God’s revelation, and the source of eternal life. This statement emphasizes the unique and essential role of Jesus in salvation.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises to send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to guide, teach, and remind the disciples of his teachings. The Spirit’s presence ensures that the disciples are not left alone and empowers them to continue Jesus’ mission.
Unity with the Father: Jesus emphasizes his unity with the Father, revealing that to know him is to know the Father. This unity is extended to believers, who are invited into a relationship with God through love and obedience.
Peace and Assurance: Jesus offers his peace to the disciples, a peace that transcends worldly understanding. He encourages them not to be troubled or afraid, as his departure is part of God’s plan and will lead to greater things.
Catechism References for John Chapter 14
CCC 459: Discusses Jesus as the model of holiness and the way to the Father, reflecting his declaration as the way, the truth, and the life.
CCC 729: Explores the role of the Holy Spirit as the Advocate, sent by the Father and the Son to guide and empower believers.
CCC 2615: Reflects on the power of prayer in Jesus’ name, emphasizing the promise that whatever is asked in his name will be granted.
Applying John Chapter 14 to Daily Life
Follow Jesus as the Way: Embrace Jesus as the path to God and strive to live according to his teachings. Reflect on how you can align your life with his example and seek his guidance in your decisions.
Rely on the Holy Spirit: Invite the Holy Spirit into your life to guide, teach, and empower you. Pray for the Spirit’s presence and be open to its promptings in your daily activities.
Cultivate Peace: Accept the peace that Jesus offers and let it transform your heart and mind. In times of trouble or anxiety, turn to Jesus for comfort and reassurance.
Live in Unity with God: Foster a deep relationship with God through love and obedience. Recognize that your actions and choices reflect your love for Jesus and your commitment to his word.
Action Plan
Find Comfort in Jesus' Promises:
Read Jesus' assurance about preparing a place for His followers and His promise to return (John 14:1-4).
Reflect on the comfort and hope these promises provide, especially in times of uncertainty or fear.
Consider how you can hold onto these promises in your daily life, finding peace and reassurance in Jesus' words.
Seek Guidance from the Holy Spirit:
Focus on Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate who will teach and remind believers of His teachings (John 14:15-17, 26).
Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life as a source of guidance, wisdom, and comfort.
Make a conscious effort to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in your decisions and actions, inviting His presence into your daily routine.
Live Out Love and Obedience:
Study Jesus' teaching on the connection between love and obedience to His commandments (John 14:21-24).
Reflect on how love for Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to His teachings and commands.
Identify specific ways you can live out this love and obedience in your relationships, work, and personal life, aligning your actions with Jesus' example.
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