Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: Truth for the Heart

January 9, 2005

JESUS ENCOURAGES HIS DISCIPLES – Part I

John 14:1-6

During the last supper with His disciples, Jesus encouraged them regarding certain events that were soon to happen. As I’ve already written, this is one of the most intimate and informative of all His conversations with the disciples.

He encourages His disciples to maintain a trouble free heart – v.1

“Let not your heart be troubled, You believe in God, believe also in me.”

The disciples had enough to discourage them. The LORD JESUS had just informed them that He was leaving them (John13:33). He also told them He was going to die (John 12:32, 33) as well as that one of them would betray Him to the Romans (John 13:21). Jesus knew their hearts. They were troubled in their hearts. Jesus reminded them that the solution for a troubled heart is faith – in the Father and faith in Him in the same way. This suggests an equality between the Father and the Son. “You believe in GOD, believe also in me.” (literally) it reads “in ME also believe.”

He promises to prepare a place for them in the Father’s house v.2

“In My Father’s house are many mansions (or rooms). If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

The Father’s house refers to heaven where there are many dwelling places (literally “rooms”). There is room there for all of the redeemed. If it were not so He would have told them. Jesus would not have them build on false hopes. “I go to prepare a place for you.” This statement probably has two implications. Jesus went to the cross to prepare a place for His own. It is through His substitutionary atonement that believers are assured a place in heaven. Also, He is preparing a place in heaven. We have no idea what is involved here. Dwelling places perhaps implies permanence. We have a permanent residence in heaven. A prepared place for a prepared people!

He promises to return for them v. 3-5

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

Having informed them of His preparation for them in heaven, He now promises to return for them. This no doubt is one of the clearest references to the return of Christ to be found in the New Testament. “I WILL COME AGAIN”. He then states His major purpose for returning. To receive them to Himself (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). I believe this passage in John is a reference to the rapture of the church. Jesus bought us with His blood in order that we might be with Him forever in the Father’s house. What a comfort this is.

The disciples were not ignorant of this fact. He said, “And you know the way where I am going.” Some of the ancient texts read, “And where I go you know, and the way you know.” This is probably the more accurate reading in light of the question asked by Thomas in verse five “Thomas said to Him, Lord we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way?

He explains the answer to Thomas’ question V.6

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father, but through Me.”

I would like to devote one entire pen pulpit to the treatment of verse six – so we’ll do this next week

Is there anything in your life – habits perhaps –that is dragging you down – that is preventing you from moving forward with the Lord? Is there something to which you need to apply the Word of God by faith? I’ve allowed Hebrews 4:12 to search my heart so I know in my life there are some things I need to get victory over, so I’ve made a pact with myself and with my Lord, that in the year 2005 I’m going to deal with them! Let me challenge you to do the same.

Looking forward to a great New Year -