This week, we see Jesus trying to comfort His disciples about His upcoming death and departure from this world.
Jesus told the disciples that since Judas the betrayer had left the Upper Room, now things were in motion for Him to be glorified. He will be glorified by obeying God’s will to die on the cross. Jesus also told the disciples that He would be leaving them soon. He gave them a new commandment. He commanded them to love others in the same way He loved them. How did Jesus love them? He loved them humbly and sacrificially.
Peter asked Jesus where He was going. Jesus told Him that they could not follow Him now but later. Peter promised to lay down his life for Jesus. Then Jesus prophesied that Peter will disown Jesus three times before sunrise the next morning.
The disciples are thinking geographically; they think Jesus is going to another city without them. But Jesus was telling them that He was going to heaven to be with His Father.
Jesus told His disciples not to let their hearts be troubled. He promised to go prepare a place for them in heaven, and then He promised to return to take them to heaven.
Thomas said they don’t know the way to the place where Jesus was going. Jesus said He is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus is the only way, the only truth, the only life. He is the only way to be reconciled to the Father, the only truth that reveals God, the only life to give us eternal life.
Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father so they could believe. Jesus reminded them that the Father was in Him and He was in the Father. He urged them to believe His words and His works. They testify that He is fully God.
Jesus explained that believers can participate in God’s work. Believers now do greater works – greater in scope and quantity – than Jesus.
Then Jesus told the disciples (and us!) to pray in His name, according to God’s will.
Things to Think About
- Jesus said others will know we are His disciples when they see how we love others. Are you known by your love? Do you love the way Jesus loves?
- Life is tough, but Jesus is tougher.
- Jesus’ second coming will be visible, physical, personal, and triumphant.
- Jesus calmed His disciples’ troubled hearts by promising them an eternal home with the Father. What is troubling your heart? Trust it to Christ.