John 14: Always With You
Read: John 14, Psalm 14
Who: Who wrote this book? Who did they write it to? What was their reason for writing?
What: What does this passage say about God, me, and my relationship with him?
John 14 begins the section of John’s gospel that records Jesus’ last words before he goes to the cross. Just prior to the beginning of the chapter, he has explained to his disciples that he is going to die. After three years, they are coming to fully believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ. Now, they are understandably troubled and confused.
Two things stood out to me in reading this chapter. Jesus wants to be with his followers and he made careful preparation to provide for them when he is separated physically from them.
Jesus wants to be in the Father’s house with his followers. Verse 3 says, “I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again and receive you; that where I am, there you will be also.” He is going away and coming back to them. (v. 28)
For the anxiety of separation, Jesus has made provision for his followers so that they know they are not abandoned and are resourced on the way to the Father’s house.
They will make it to the Father’s house. “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Jesus, v. 4
He is sending another Helper—the Spirit of truth who will be with them forever, with them and in them. (vv. 16, 17) The Helper will teach them all things and bring to remembrance all that Jesus has said. (v. 23)
Because they love him and keep his commandments, Jesus will give his life to them. (vs. 19) He will be in them, just as he is in the Father, and the Father is in him. Jesus and the Father will love them (v. 21) and they will make their home with them. (v. 23)
Jesus gives them his peace so their hearts need not be troubled and they need not be afraid. (v.27)
His carefully planned strategy will bring them, surely and safely, home to the Father’s house.
Why: Why is this truth important?
Christ followers experience difficult seasons in life when feelings of isolation and abandonment can loom large. The temptation to doubt or give up comes in the tough times. Knowing Jesus’ sure promise to be with us and keep us on the way to the Father’s house helps his followers navigate the dark seasons. He will never leave us. “I am with you always.” Jesus, Matt. 28:20.
How: How would my life/character/perspective be different if I truly believed this truth?
Embracing these truths about God adjusts my perspective about my life. That God wants to be with and have me with him brings me to amazement and joy. That he provides help and encouragement along the way to the Father’s house brings his peace to my troubled heart and anxious mind. That he returns my love to him and that he shows himself to me pushes back my doubts and affirms that he is always with me and that I can trust his plan for my life.
Prayer:
Jesus, I love it that you want to be with me. Thank you that you have provided a way to the Father’s house. Thank you for the Helper who is with me and in me. I know I often give in to my anxious thoughts. Please help me to trust your perfect plan for me. I love you. Thank you for loving me. I want to be with you always.
Johnese Burtram
I am a fellow traveler on the way to the Father’s house, making it my goal to trust Jesus in all things. My claim to fame at RCC is that I am Pastor Jon’s Mamma and Grammy to Kaleb, Ella, Annalyn, and Maricela.