John 14. Almost 25 percent of the Gospel of John is one long speech given by Jesus during this last night with the disciples (13:31 – 17:26). He has many things on his mind, and he wants to take this one last opportunity to encourage them, teach them, correct any misunderstandings, and then to pray for them. Jesus has just announced that he is leaving the disciples, and that “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” (John 13:36)

Naturally, everyone is confused about where Jesus is going. Thus, he says, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” (John 14:1). And the disciples are thinking – Ok, sure, but we really would like to go with you. They are both nervous about the Master leaving and wanting to do whatever they can to continue to be with him. Jesus helpfully explains where he is going, how they can get there, and what sort of guidance they will have along the way.

Where is Jesus going? He is going to the Father’s house. “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:2-3) There is so much good news in this statement! Jesus is preparing a place for his disciples. There are many rooms – there is a place for everyone!

Obviously, the disciples would like to know how to get to the Father’s house. Jesus proclaims, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) The way – the path – to the Father’s house is through a relationship with Jesus. We receive eternal life through a relationship with Jesus. This is good news – the disciples have a relationship with Jesus so they should be invited to the Father’s house.

Yet they are still concerned, because this is the kind of thing you would like to be certain about. So, they ask more questions – essentially how will we know if we are doing things right? Jesus answers, “If you love me, you will keep my commands… Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me… he will be loved by my Father… If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make out home with him.” (John 14:15,21,23) Jesus repeats it three times for emphasis – loving God means keeping his commands.

Honestly, keeping all the commands it difficult and Jesus knew his disciples (all of us!) would need assistance. Jesus explains that help is on the way! “He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you…. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:17,26)

A relationship with Jesus is the way to eternal life, and we have the Holy Spirit to help us along the way! We can rest easy in the promise of Jesus, “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you… Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)