The Gospel Of John, Chapter 14
In this chapter, Jesus tells us more about who he is and what his plans are for humanity. Although the idea leaves us with many unanswered questions, it's compelling to think that Jesus is even now "preparing a place" for everyone that chooses to trust in him! We can only imagine what that existence will be like. But considering he's been working on it in some fashion for two-thousand years, it will probably be pretty neat.
Verse 6 is a famous quote, and one that makes blending the teachings of Jesus with the various religions and spiritual leaders of history impossible.
Someone might be under the impression that verses 13-14 mean we should think of God as a big genie. But notice that Jesus says that anything we ask for in his name, he will do. To do something in someone's name means that you are representing them and their interests. So asking for something that does not parallel the will of God will not result in it being granted. These verses are surrounded by commands to believe in Jesus and to obey him. Given the real meaning of these verses, and the context we find them in, it would seem that prayer is often less about getting what we want and more about trying to line ourselves up with what God wants.
In the last couple of weeks, we've asked the Coffee House Question, "What is something that someone has done for you that made you feel loved and appreciated?" Everyone has some kind of "love language". Maybe when someone compliments you, gives you a gift, or serves you in some practical way, you feel loved by them. Ever wonder how God wants to be loved? The answer is right here: Obedience. (Verses 15, 21, 23-24) Real love for God will be carried out through making choices that are in line with what he desires. Obedience to God doesn't "get us into heaven", but it is the way that we communicate our love to God.
Jesus also promises to send the Holy Spirit to those who trust in and follow Jesus. Although the Holy Spirit is mysterious, he is not an "it", as we sometimes think of him, but he is as much a person of the the trinity as Jesus and the Father. The Holy Spirit is our teacher(verse 26) and the one that "leads into all truth"(verse 17). In a culture where so much is relative and any and all things can be equally "true", it's refreshing to be reminded that God promises real, solid truth to those that follow him. Not a "maybe truth" or one "possible truth", but actual truth.
It's interesting that when Jesus promises "peace", he points out that the peace he gives is different than the peace given by the world. (verse 27) The peace referenced here is more than positive thinking, or the absence of conflict. It's the ultimate kind of peace that results from knowing two things:
1. God is in control of everything.
2. We can have a perfect relationship with God. (Who, by the way, is in control of everything. Good friend to have, huh?)
What makes the peace that Jesus gives different, is that it is real. The human mind is an amazing creation, and through various forms of prayer, relaxation and meditation, we can "feel peace". And there's absolutely nothing wrong with feeling peace that way. But until we trust in Jesus to make payment for our selfish choices, we won't have real peace between us and God, regardless of what we may feel.
Thankfully, God is anxious to restore our relationship with him and made it possible for us to do so when we acknowledge our sins and choose to trust Jesus with our lives, now and forever.(2 Peter 3:9)
Don't forget to read chapter 15 for next week!
Coffee House Question: What kinds of activities help you release tension and relax?
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