Today’s Reading: John 14:1-18

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” – John 14:1

Jesus was in the upper room with his disciples, explaining to them all that was about to happen. He had just washed their feet and Judas had already left the room to betray Jesus. It was just the eleven of them now, listening to Jesus. What Jesus was saying was stirring up many emotions for them so four of the disciples spoke up, asking Jesus for clarification.

Peter wanted to know where Jesus was going and why he could not go with him. Thomas wanted to know how they could find the way to where Jesus was going if they did not know where he was headed. Philip wanted Jesus to show them the Father before he left, and Judas (not the one who already left the room) wanted to know why Jesus was choosing them to reveal all of this information instead of sharing it with the whole world.

LOSS OF ACCESS

For three years, Jesus had just been an arm’s reach away. He had been available to answer their questions and teach them through parables. They had left their families and their lives to be wherever Jesus was, and they were now very accustomed to his presence. If Jesus was leaving them and they were not allowed to follow, that meant Jesus would no longer be accessible to them whenever they wanted to talk to him or listen to him or just sit quietly in his presence.

LOSS OF DIRECTION

For three years, the disciples had followed Jesus wherever he led them. They did not have to decide where to go because they had already decided who to follow. If they did not know the way to where Jesus was going, how were they going to be able to follow him? They were sitting across the table from him, yet they were already feeling lost and alone.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that 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. And you know the way to where I am going.” – John 14:1-4

The disciples were not going to have to guess how to find the way to Jesus, because he had already taught them the way. They did not need to come to him, because Jesus was going to come back for them; the groom would return for his bride. They knew the way because Jesus was the way, and he had just spent the last three years allowing them to get to know him.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” – John 14:6-7

Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.” – John 14:9-11

Just as the disciples had watched God work through Jesus over the last three years, they would now have the opportunity to watch God do amazing things through them. God was going to give them the words to say; God was going to heal the sick and deliver those who were possessed by demons by working through them.

“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. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” – John 14:12-14

The disciples were not losing access to Jesus, because all they had to do was ask for anything in the name of Jesus and it would be done. They were not going to lose direction because the power of the Spirit they had witnessed and experienced was going to be living within them, guiding them and directing them according to the will of God. Jesus was leaving them fully equipped to do ministry, because he was not leaving them alone.

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans — I will come to you. –John 14:15-18

HE WILL NOT ABANDON US. HE WILL COME BACK FOR US. JESUS IS WORTHY OF MY TRUST AND IT IS IN HIM THAT I PUT MY HOPE…ALL DAY LONG!

When what is ahead is unknown, we can submit to God’s sovereignty and say – I trust you, Lord. Show me your perfect ways and teach me how to walk the path you have set before me. Guide me in what is true and teach me what you need me to learn. You are my God and you are my Savior. I place my hope in you no matter what today brings. I trust you — all day long (Psalm 25:4-5).