Sunday – Comforting the Disciples: John 14:1-4
The Greek word “mone” is translated as mansions in v. 2 but simply means “rooms or abiding places.” The appeal and fascination of God’s kingdom shouldn’t be the size or quality of mansion in which we live, but that we will live forever there in the beautiful presence of the Father and Son. Jesus comforted His disciples not by promises of eternal luxury, but by reassuring them that they would have a “forever place” of belonging. No matter how discouraging our way through life may be, we must stay focused on Jesus’ promise to one day receive us to Himself. This life is but a temporary journey to a glorious eternity. (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1)
Monday – The Way, The Truth, The Life: John 14:5-6
These words of Jesus are scorned by modern philosophies and world religions! No wonder our Lord stirred the ire of the Jewish leaders and scholars: “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (v. 6). Jesus said. He wasn’t “a way,” but the “only way.” He wasn’t merely true, but He was the fullness of truth (no real truth exists outside of Christ). He not only supplies life, He is the life. Yet how often do we, His people, seek the gifts but not the Giver? This is tragic, for the greatest gift of all is knowing the Savior, and experiencing Him in our daily lives. He wants to be our All!
Tuesday – Greater Works than These: John 14:7-14
The truth contained in Jesus’ statement to Philip seems terribly misunderstood by many Christians. The reason that Philip asked Jesus to show the Father is that Jesus had made clear throughout His ministry that while He and the Father were one in unity, they were separate in person. Yet, Jesus’ words here reveal the truth that there is nothing to be seen, known, or experienced about the Father that isn’t entirely present in the Son. Even the Father’s power and authority were fully present in Christ, which is why Jesus said that “He” would personally answer their prayers.
Wednesday – The Comforter: John 14:15-18
The English word, comfort, comes from two Latin words meaning, “with strength.” Serving Christ out of love by observing His commandments is linked with His promise to send the divine Agent (the “strengthening One”) to help us. Amazingly, Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would abide constantly with us, and also would be in us. How beautiful it is when we live our lives fully for God— how blessed we are that He supplies the power to remain faithful!
Thursday – The Divine Unity: John 14:19-21
Faith and obedience must be completely linked to follow Christ. He who truly believes in Christ will do even greater works than Jesus did, by faith in Him (John 14:12). But loving Christ and wanting to please Him (honor and obey His commandments) is crucial to a spiritual life of authority and power. We are unified not only in the Lord’s mission and purpose (spiritual works), but also in His love for and perfect obedience to the Father (living righteously). Who we are in Christ should determine how we live and what we do: His life lived in us! (Galatians 2:20).
Friday – Dwelling within the Believer: John 14:22-27
Up until Jesus’ arrest, His disciples believed that all would see the Messiah overthrow the Roman government to establish God’s kingdom on earth. They still believed this, despite Jesus’ repeated denials. Until the end of the age, when the Lord returns, Christ’s resurrection and life is still revealed only to the church.
Saturday – The Benefit of Following Christ: John 14:28-31
Shalom—peace—is a rich word to the Jews. Much more than an absence of strife, it means wholeness, fulfillment, health, prosperity, and security. Those with shalom have joy and contentment. Unsaved people only know peace as an absence of trouble. God’s people have peace in spite of trouble, because of the gift of the Holy Spirit.