John 14

As you start reading John 14, remember that it's right after John 13, where Jesus is telling His disciples things like: One of you is going to betray me (v. 21)... I will be with you only a little longer (v. 33)...Where I am going, you cannot come [follow] (v. 33 and again in v. 36)... Peter, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times (v. 38). Right after this, Jesus says, Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. Chapter 14 is a powerful text anyway, but read it in its context, trying to put yourselves into the sandals of the disciples, and the text comes alive. I am going there to prepare a place for you... [and] I will come back and take you to be with me...And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of Truth...I will not leave you as orphans... Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Amazing words. So often read these words in the context of our life situation, and it is well that we should take comfort in them, but usually we are not faced with the kind of grief and world shattering events that the disciples were faced with in the 24 hours to follow. If these words were spoken with that in mind, then how much more should they comfort us in our needs.

I'd like to point out a few more verses. First of all, verses 12-14. These have always struck me as odd, to be honest, but here, I think, we see the playing out of the Rabbi/talmidim idea. What is the goal of the talmid? To become like the rabbi! In my life, I find that I have a hard time mustering that kind of faith. I also have a tough time wrapping my mind around verse 14. I think it can be ripped out of context (and often is, quite badly), but notice that it is connected to verse 13: the purpose of everything that happens is so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.

Also, something that really struck me when I was learning in Israel a few years ago is the emphasis that Jesus puts on obedience. Look at verse 15: If you love me, you will obey what I command. Now I don't believe in a "works righteousness" by any stretch, but perhaps we have swung the pendulum so far the other direction that we have forgotten this very straightforward statement from the mouth of Jesus: obey.