John 14:12-17

JOHN 14:12-17

Notes on the Text

Jesus is with His disciples in the upper room the night He was betrayed. He speaks to them poignantly and at length (13: 1 2 - 16:33) about His impending death, resurrection, and exaltation. He comforts them with the encouragement and reassurance: "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." In the verse preceding the text He urges the disciples to believe in Him for His "very works' sake."

In v. 12 Jesus states that the person who believes in Him as the way, the truth, and the life (v. 6), one in essence with the Father (v. 10), and who continues in that faith

(present participle), will do the same works Jesus was doing. The disciples would not only have memories of Jesus' deeds, but they themselves would perform those deeds. In their subsequent ministry they healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, and made the crippled whole. (Acts 2:43; 3:7; 4:30)

But Jesus assures them that they will per- form still greater works. The reference here is to the bringing of the Gospel to the world, the conversion of large numbers of both Jews and gentiles, and the preservation in faith of many amid temptation and persecution. These works are greater than the mir- acles because they manifest grace more clearly, fulfill men's deeper needs more directly, and bring results that are more enduring. Jesus' ministry was but the first- fruits of a great harvest that began on Pentecost and continued throughout the history of the church. (Acts 2; 8:40; 12:24)

These greater works are possible because Jesus is "going to the Father." Conversions became possible because Jesus altered man's relationship to God. Only because He completed His work of redemption could the disciples be His instruments for spiritual conquest. The greater works are affected through the exalted Christ.

V. 13. Faith, which puts the disciples in union with Christ and enables them to participate in His works, manifests itself (among other ways) in prayer. This verse states that the disciples can ask for anything they wish; but it appears that the introductory kai connects their asking to the "greater works." While so engaged, they will want to ask Christ's blessing. Thus, Jesus stresses praying in His name, mentioning His name and asking in accordance with Christ's revelation of Himself. They are to pray in the knowledge of Christ as God and Savior. Such prayer will be heard, Christ will do what they ask, and the Father will thereby be glorified. As men are converted, grasping the Son in faith, they will also praise the Father.

V.14. Jesus reiterates His promise regarding prayer, making it clear that the disciples can address Him as well as the Father. Here is a strong emphasis on Jesus' deity. Whatever they ask will be done, pro- vided the Father is glorified thereby.

V.15. Prayer is addressed to a loving Lord, who instills love in those who pray. Love manifests itself in obedience. The disciples are reminded that as lovers of Christ they will keep, pay attention to, observe, His commandments. The commandments of Christ include all His teaching, both Gospel behests and moral precepts. Where there is love for Christ there is recognition of His authority and observance of His will.

V.16. As the disciples endeavor to carry out His instructions, Christ will ask (erwteso) - a verb that emphasizes Christ's equality with the Father) the Father to help them. The result: They will be given "another Counselor," one who is called to their side to aid them. Jesus, their first Counselor, was with them on earth for a limited time only; the other Counselor sent by the Father will be with them always. The future tense (dwsei) points to Pentecost.

V. 17. The Counselor who will then be given is called "the Spirit of truth." This title implies the Spirit's distinct personality and true divinity. He will help the disciples to understand truths that were already battling against their old conceptions and to readjust their beliefs.

The world, of course, cannot understand such enlightenment; "it is not able" to "receive the Spirit." The unbelieving world insists on walking by sense and by sight, and outward sense cannot apprehend the invisible Spirit. (1 Cor. 2:8-14)

But the disciples know the Spirit, for He is "abiding with them," and soon "He will be in them" in a much fuller measure, granting them new knowledge and power. The receptiveness of the disciples at this time and on Pentecost had its origin in the Spirit's indwelling.

Sermon Thoughts

In the days of the apostles, miracles were wrought in support of the greater works. But the time came when miracles were no longer needed because the greater works themselves were sufficient proof. Thus, we must not demand physical miracles of believers today. We must also be careful not to equate every social movement with the works of Christ nor to limit His concern to such work. There is one great work, greater than all: the preaching of the Gospel. The Gospel creates faith and produces fruits of faith. It delivers men from the bondage of corruption and restores them to the glorious liberty of the Children of God. There is no greater work than the proclamation of this Gospel.

Faith enables Christians to participate in Christ's works here and now. To be a believer is therefore not a static thing but a dynamic engaging in truly great works. These are done by Christ Himself in us and through us. Christ can achieve great things even when our faith is no bigger than a grain of mustard seed. (Matt. 17: 20)

Christ sends His Holy Spirit to possess and empower us. We are "strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man" (Eph. 3: 16 ) . Feeble in ourselves, we are strong in the Lord.

We can boldly ask Jesus for help and guidance, trusting in His advocacy and seeking His glory.

Suggested Outlines

The Wonderful Works of Christians

I. They Are Made Possible by Christ

II. They Are Guided by the Holy Spirit

We Can Now Do the Works of Christ

I. Because Christ Has Gone to the Father

II. Because Christ Has Given Us His Spirit

There Is Work to Be Done

I. What a Privilege!

II. What a Challenge!

III. What a Comfort!

How to Be an Active Christian

I. Be Sensitive to the Spirit

II. Pray in the Name of Jesus

III. Demonstrate Your Love

What We Need Is More Spirit

I. So that We Ask More Confidently

II. So that We Love More Perfectly

III. So that We Work More Faithfully