"John 14:1-31
Trust in the legacy of Jesus
Are you troubled, distressed, agitated or afraid? Jesus does not want you to be troubled, but to have peace in your heart (vv.1,27).
Jesus knows that his life on this earth is about to finish. He is about to leave his disciples (v.27); he is going back to the Father (v.3). Yet he says to them, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled, distressed, agitated’ (v.1, AMP). ‘Peace I leave with you’ (v.27). Jesus does not leave us alone but passes on to us an amazing legacy.
Jesus has good plans for your future
Jesus says, ‘There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home ... I’m on my way to get your room ready’ (v.2, MSG). In Christ our long-term future is totally secure.
Jesus is coming back for you
The end of earthly life is not the end. Jesus told his followers, ‘I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am’ (v.3).
Jesus has opened the way for you to know God
Thomas asks, ‘How can we know the way?’ Jesus replies, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’ (vv.5–6).
Jesus reveals God for you
Philip says, ‘Lord, show us the Father’ (v.8). Jesus replies, ‘Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father’ (v.9). If you want to know what God looks like, look at Jesus.
Jesus will do even greater things through you
Jesus will do even greater miracles through his disciples than he did while he was on earth (v.12).
Jesus will continue to answer your prayers
‘From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do’ (vv.13–14, MSG).
Jesus will never leave you alone
Jesus says, ‘I will not leave you as orphans’ (v.18). He says that he’ll ‘provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth ... he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!’ (vv.16–17, MSG).
Jesus will continue to love you
‘Those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them’ (v.21b).
Jesus and the Father will make their home with you
Jesus said, ‘Those who love me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them’ (v.23).
Jesus leaves you with peace
‘Peace I leave with you … Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’ (v.27).
How is all this possible? The way in which Jesus passes on his legacy to you is through the Holy Spirit. He will send the Holy Spirit to live in your heart. ‘The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you’ (v.26, MSG).
Jesus had thought it through very carefully and had made a great succession plan!
Lord, thank you for giving me such an amazing legacy. Thank you that you give me the Holy Spirit, to be with me forever. Thank you that you live in me. Thank you that you and the Father come and make your home with me. Thank you that you give me your peace and you promise to answer my prayers.
Thank you that you say, ‘You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it’ (v.14). "
1. Indeed, Lord, today, I ask in Your name to guard my heart and strengthen me as I face incoming trials. You are always with me and may I always listen to You.
2. Thank You, Lord, for freshly baked Banh Mi in the midst of the rain.
3. Thank You for the rain that reminds me of cleansing.
