What a reading full of great wisdom! Jesus knew his time with his disciples was winding down, but the truths he had to share seemed only to be ramping up. Does that ever happen to you? You’re trying to say goodbye to loved ones, and yet you can hardly part with them, thinking of one more thing to say or one more hug to share.
What spoke to you most in this reading? It probably depends on what is happening in your life right now. Hearing Jesus bring comfort can touch us all at our point of need. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” Jesus doesn’t want us to let the troubles of the world get us down.
What are we supposed to do instead? Trust in Him. I imagine the disciples had their own feelings of desperation as they were trying to make sense of what Jesus was trying to tell them about his departure from this world. Our problems seem so much different, and yet Jesus’ advice is still the same. Trust in Him.
Jesus makes it clear how we can follow him where he is going. There is only one way, and many will never accept or understand this truth. Memorize this (John 14:6), and keep this truth close. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the way. Let that sink in.
Have you ever found yourself like Philip? Questioning God is not a bad thing. He often will answer in unexpected ways. Uncovering those answers in His Word is what happens for me. Yet we see how the lack of belief grieved Jesus. We have a hard time imagining the honor of being in Jesus’ presence. I’m sure it was only after Jesus’ death that they would have a new and more complete understanding. We have all of Scripture to rely on. What a position we are in!
Jesus also makes a promise to those who bring glory to his Father’s name. Verse 14 says, “Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” In Jesus’ name–don’t we close a lot of prayers like that? What do we mean when we say that? We are dedicating our prayers to Jesus through the holiness of his name. We are asking for his divine touch, clinging to the promise he will answer.
John also records Jesus’ words to his followers about the “Advocate,” or Holy Spirit. Now we have the whole Trinity, One God in three persons: God the Son (Jesus), God the Father, and God the Spirit. Have you encountered the Holy Spirit in your life? Did you know the Holy Spirit is there to share wisdom, truth, and the power of God? Why don’t we spend more time getting to know how the Spirit of God can enhance our lives and move us toward being more of who God designed us to be?
This is who God wants us to be: “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” Do you keep the commandments and love Jesus? I think we are all works in progress, doing our best to love Jesus and be more like him. Oh, how much different the world would look if all of God’s creation were striving for that!
Not only was Jesus going to arrange for the Holy Spirit, but he was giving us a gift. Verse 27 says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Can you feel the rush of calm wash over you when you read those words? If you don’t, read them again after imagining Jesus has just taken away every single one of your worries and given you the confident hope in his salvation to replace them.
Jesus knew that Satan’s power would soon overtake him. It had to happen. But we know that it could never be a permanent situation. Jesus said it himself that Satan “has no power over me.” Jesus is going to be victorious. The best is yet to come! Just as Jesus obeys the Father, proving his love, we can, too.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the wisdom you share with me in your Word. It must have been so hard to get ready to leave your disciples because clearly, they weren’t ready. Your Holy Spirit showed them the way, and I want to tap into that same guidance. Fill me anew and refresh my soul. Draw me closer so I can keep my eyes on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
