The Most Profound Chapter in the Bible.
I’m not exactly sure when I wrote that in my Bible, but this is what is written at the top of the page of John 14. Even now as I read John 14 I’m still in awe the same as when this note was written. The red letters of Jesus stir my heart.
14:1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”
Many things in this world can trouble our hearts. Whether it’s situations at work, family dynamics, finances, sickness, the news. But we know (because it is written!) that our trust should only be in God and His promises. But Jesus also says to trust in Him. The way to eternal life is secured as we trust in who Jesus is. To trust Him means you have to know Him and to believe who He is.
14:2 “I am going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
Jesus has prepared a place for us and He is coming to get us!! Can you imagine?! We are temporary citizens here. In the meantime He is preparing us to receive what He has prepared!
14:4 “And you know the way to where I am going.”
The way is narrow, but wide enough for all the world; to anyone willing to walk the path.
14:6 “I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
“I am.” I love these words. Jesus teaches the way, He teaches the truth and promises an eternal life. Jesus didn’t say I will show you, He said I am. As Jesus approached the hill where He would die, He knew that the cross would make these three things possible. It’s impossible to reach God unless we go through Jesus (the cross is important!). It’s not religious rituals, recited prayer or acts of service – Jesus clearly states it’s only through Him.
14:7 “If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
The religious Jews could not accept Jesus because they expected a political king; not an eternal king. For those that understood exactly who Jesus was; they also understood God as the Father. And to have seen Jesus was to have seen God. Colossians 1:15, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” Jesus reveals God to us. And as the darkness fell on the land upon Jesus’ death and the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, it became evident to all who were there exactly who Jesus was.
14:12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
Jesus left behind disciples to continue spreading the Good News beyond the areas He had visited. Jesus knew His disciples would influence many across foreign lands – the reach would be “greater.” You and I are called to be disciples. Let us reach every corner.
As you read this today maybe you have asked yourself “exactly how do I find this place Jesus has prepared? How do I find the way, the truth, and the life?”
Romans 10:9 “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Rejoice this Good Friday!
Heather and Lisa
