Untitled Sermon

John Jesus Declares Himself to Be the Way to the Father (14:5–7)

From now on, you do know him and have seen him (v. 7). This translation refers to future knowledge, but the words translated from now on (apʿ arti) can also mean “now already” or “assuredly.” Such a statement of their present knowledge of the Father would be more in keeping with how the conversation progresses in the next section, for Jesus’ affirmation that they have seen the Father introduces a new term to the discussion, which triggers the next question and the next stage of his teaching.

John Jesus Speaks of Both His Relation to the Father and His Disciples’ Relation to the Father (14:8–21)

Again we have the language of agency, reflecting the idea that one’s representative is “like to himself” (m. Berakot 5:5; see note on 5:21). But the way Jesus describes this relationship goes far beyond the notion of an agent, for he speaks of a mutual indwelling: I am in the Father, and … the Father is in me (v. 10). He does not simply represent the Father, he presents him.

John A. Heaven—The Father’s House (14:1–4)

Some question exists about the grammatical nature of the verbs rendered trust in this verse. The NIV offers the preferred translation with the verbs appearing in what Greek scholars would call an imperative/imperative pattern. Rather than saying, “You have trusted in God so now trust in me,” or some similar phrase, both sections of the sentence offer a command.

John A. Heaven—The Father’s House (14:1–4)

The simplest explanation is best: my Father’s house refers to heaven, and in heaven are many rooms, many dwelling-places. The point is not the lavishness of each apartment, but the fact that such ample provision has been made, that there is more than enough space for every one of Jesus’ disciples to join him in his Father’s home. Besides, have they not just been encouraged to trust him (v. 1), and always found strong reason to do so? Can they not therefore be assured that if heaven were other than what he has described, he would have told them?”

John (B. Jesus—The Father’s Reflection (14:5–11))

Thomas was an honest follower though always the skeptic, so he was the first to ask, Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way? Jesus’ response is the key verse of the passage, memorized by Christians all around the globe. Jesus is the way—reconciliation; Jesus is the truth—illumination; Jesus is the life—regeneration. This is the exclusive gospel. The New Testament knows nothing of universalism—the idea that God will find some way to save everybody. What could be clearer than Jesus’ words in verse 6, No one comes to the Father except through me. This announcement in John 14:6 prepares the way for the author of Hebrews to write, “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body” (Heb. 10:19–20).

John D. The Holy Spirit—The Father’s Counselor (14:15–24)

First, the spirit was dwelling “with” the apostles in the Gospel era. In Greek the words “with you” literally mean “beside you.” In that sense, the Holy Spirit had a companion ministry to the apostles. He was beside them, but not inside them.

Second, Christ predicted that the Spirit would be in them. After the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, the same Spirit who was beside them would be inside them. Christ also changed verbal tenses to show the difference in the two relationships of the Spirit to the apostles. The verb menei (“dwells”) is in the present tense, whereas the verb estai (“will be”) is in the future tense (Gromacki, p. 136).

Not only that, but this indwelling will be endless—the new Counselor will be with you forever.