By request – a brief study on John 14
John 14 is very full of study material. There are some puzzling
statements, some short statements that need to connect with other Bible verses.
There are promises made by the Lord that seem to exceed practical reality. And
yet for all the complexities, these verses yield to the sincere inquirer some
very precious gems.
My first approach, to keep this brief, will be to highlight
(with a coloured pencil) the obvious references to the Lord Jesus.
Verse 1 “ You believe in God, believe also in Me” It was not
so hard to believe in the Almighty God of Israel, but here is a seemingly
ordinary man, in ordinary clothes saying “believe in Me, just as you believe in
God! This takes faith, but as He points out latter, His claim is backed up with
evidence. For those who do ‘believe in Him’, this gives the victory, even in
difficult times like was about to burst upon His followers.
Verse 2. " I go to prepare a place" Most Jews
hoped for a better future for their nation. John who recorded this
conversation, had seen in his lifetime the nation of Israel go from bad to
worse by virtue of their unbelief. Now he by the Spirit of God, identifies a
greater hope. Jesus had been teaching about heaven from the beginning of His
ministry, but now at the end, He makes it clear, that heaven is a special place
for His own loved disciples. In fact the whole chapter is presented in the
atmosphere of affection for His own disciples.We could puzzle over the thought ‘prepare
a place’, but I press on to find Christ in the next verse.
Verse 3 He who with meaning and authority said “ I go”, now
with the same confidence says “I will come again” . This is different from
verse 19 which refers to His return on the day of His rising from the dead.
This ‘coming’ in verse 3 is explained by it’s purpose - ‘to
receive you unto myself’ This is the fulfilment of a relationship begun on
earth. This is the precious hope, to be caught up, to be forever with the Lord.
Verse 6. He has aroused
new thoughts for the listeners, who confess ‘we don’t know where or how’ these
things can happen.
(how good it is to do Bible study with this lowly attitude) .
In response the Lord gives a brief yet profound, deep and meaningful answer.
“I am the way..”
Their minds from youth had been implanted with the way to God being
through confession, ceremonies, sacrifices, learning -
things largely connected with the temple in Jerusalem. Now Jesus
declares – “I am the way” . He is to replace the old covenant way. He
fulfilled the old covenant way, and so made a new and living way to God. [the
very colours of the curtain in the temple that obstructed the way to God,
expressed the glories of the Lord Jesus – Blue –the one who came from heaven.
Purple – the King to reign forever. Scarlet – the true humanity of Jesus. Fine twined linen – the strength
of the holy Son of God. But wait a minute – I have just diverted into typology,
which is helpful and instructive, but for another day. However such is not irrelevant
– remember when Jesus died, that very curtain was torn into two pieces from the
top to the bottom. No explanation is given, but it’s significance is rather
obvious. The ‘way to God’ has been opened by the death of the Lord Jesus, and
that is the general teaching of this chapter – the disciples of The Lord Jesus going
to the Father by the Lord, and the Father coming to the disciples (verse 23).
I suggest we pause here and let the wonder of it all fill your
mind.
Some of you have learned about the tabernacle/temple types –
cherish the expanded understanding it gives you. Some of you have been
suppressed by teachings of inferiority and an unworthiness to draw near to
God.- claim with boldness the promise of a new and living way through the blood
of Christ. Some of you have lived in the shallows of preoccupation with earthly
affairs – grasp the moment of opportunity and taste of the bliss of heaven – to
know HIM, to love HIM, to trust HIM and let Him reveal the Father to you as
never before!
Well I haven’t proceeded far, and my pen with my mind is
running in many directions connected with this simple yet overwhelming statement
“I am the way” eg for your study Acts 4.12 Peter announces this as
the only way. Hebrews 7.19 this is the better way of drawing near to God. Ephesians
1.5, 5.20 He is our means of acceptance with God !
Isn't He wonderful, wonderful ,wonderful
Isn't Jesus my Lord wonderful
Eyes have seen ears have heard
It's recorded in Gods word
Isn't Jesus my Lord wonderful
To be continued tomorrow
J Mckee
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