Day 14: Never Left Alone (John 14)
Some folks might raise an eyebrow at the idea of the Trinity since the word itself isn’t found in the Bible. But chapters like John 14 paint a vivid picture of God’s unique and wonderful nature.
Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus emphasizes His unity with the Father. He speaks on the Father’s behalf, and seeing Him is akin to seeing the Father. In this chapter, Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit, who will come after His departure. Jesus says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
Just as Jesus came representing the Father, the Spirit comes representing Jesus. The Spirit will keep teaching us and reminding us of Jesus’ teachings. Unlike Jesus in the flesh, the Spirit resides within the hearts of those who love Him.
Our task now is to follow Jesus’ example, showing love for Him and compassion for others. And whenever we need guidance, the Spirit, our Divine Counselor, will be there to help us out.
PRAYER
Jesus, I’m grateful for the reassuring words we find in today’s chapter. It’s incredible to think that these words you spoke so long ago are still here for me to read today! Thank you for the Holy Spirit’s work, and I pray that I’ll keep growing in my understanding of you.
John 14 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Jesus the Way to the Father
14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe[a] in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.”[c] 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know[d] my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, but if you do not, then believe[e] because of the works themselves. 12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If in my name you ask me[f] for anything, I will do it.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, you will keep[g] my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate,[h] to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be[i] in[j] you.
18 “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me, and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words, and the word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.
25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate,[k] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.
REFLECTION & APPLICATION
In this chapter, Jesus made more than just a promise about the Holy Spirit. Take a moment to revisit the verses and uncover Jesus’ other assurances.
When you picture Jesus preparing a place for you, what thoughts or feelings come to mind?
What reasons does Jesus give the disciples for not being troubled or afraid?
Apprenticeship Questions
What is God saying to me from this passage? What is standing out?
What is God inviting me to do in response? How can I take a small step in following Jesus in this way this week?
Who am I prompted to share this challenge with? Sharing is part of how we apprentice to Jesus. Invite a friend to join you each day for a morning coffee and conversation about God.