INTERNET BIBLE STUDIES JOHN LESSON 25
Contact: David Parham 940-322-4343

Website: Internet Bible Studies

Lessons Page

e-mail: davidparham@internetbible.net


John Chapter 14: 1-15

Memory verse for this week: Psa 37:30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment..

Introduction: In our last study in Chapter 13, we saw Christ identify Judas Iscariot as the one who would betray Him. In verse 34, Jesus commanded the disciples to love one another as He had loved them. The chapter closed with Peter claiming that there was no way that he would deny Christ, but Jesus told him that before the night was finished, that Peter would deny him three times before the cock crew

 

I. Jesus Foretells His Coming for His Own

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

Perhaps, no greater verses are in the Word of God that comforts us when we are down than these first six verses of chapter 14. What a comfort to us when we are down to know that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us after we die (or taken up in the rapture), and that we will one day be where He is, with the Father. I suppose the disciples were coming to grips with the fact that Jesus was about to be put to death, and they were very troubled. But whatever the reason, Jesus promises them comfort if they would simply believe and trust Him. If you are here this morning, and you have problems and need comfort, I will promise that there is no one who can comfort the troubled heart like Jesus Christ. Another important thought about this verse is that Jesus was God. It is pure and perfect to see how that God and Jesus were both part of the Holy Trinity. How three can be one, I can not understand. But I trust God on this, just as I do on all things that are beyond my human mind to comprehend.

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

1 John 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

1 John 5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

When my mother died in 1997, I believe these verses took on new and lasting meaning to me. I realized that because of what Jesus had done for her, that she was in a far greater place than she had ever been, and that one day due to my salvation, I would see her again. And I don’t think any of us has any idea how wonderful and beautiful heaven really is.

1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

The term mansion comes from the Greek word mone~ meaning "abiding places." God owns it all, all the planets, the stars, the universe, and all that exists. Jesus literally puts his reputation on the line for us in this verse. The apostle John got an opportunity to view some of the ‘abiding places’ in Revelation when he was caught up to see things that were, and are, and are to come to pass.

Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

….. Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

Rev 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

Rev 21:11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

Rev 21:12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

Rev 21:13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

Rev 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Rev 21:15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

Rev 21:16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

Rev 21:17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

Rev 21:18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

Rev 21:19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

Rev 21:20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

Rev 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

Rev 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

Rev 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

Rev 21:24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

Rev 21:25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

Rev 21:26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

 

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

We have a great promise here that we can go to a place that the Lord has prepared for us. J. Vernon McGee in his commentary on John says this is the first promise in the bible where you find mention of God taking anyone off this earth to go out yonder to a place that He has prepared. I’m not sure about this, since even Job, in the oldest book of the bible, claims that he knew that one day he would see the Lord.

Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Brother McGee went on to say "The disciples are startled when Jesus reveals that he is going to take a people—beginning with the apostles—off this earth to be with Christ in the place that He is preparing for them. This is the first time it is mentioned, but it is not the last time. Paul talked about it, saying in 1 Thessalonians 4 that the Lord Himself would descend from heaven with a shout. His voice will be like a trumpet, with the sound of an archangel. He is coming to call His own. The dead in Christ will rise first, and then those believers who are still alive will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air. So shall we ever be with the Lord in that place that He has prepared."

Remember the promise when the Lord ascended to the Father.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

1 Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

1 Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

1 Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

1 Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1 Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1 Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

 

John 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

John 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

We see Jesus explaining to the disciples that he must go and die on the cross of Calvary, and then go back to the Father. Thomas always seemed to have doubts, but I think in this case he simply wanted clarification as to how they (the apostles) would go to be with Jesus. While I do not endorse many of John Calvin’s teachings, I agree with him on these two verses. "Because we need an extraordinary fortitude to endure our long separation from Christ patiently, he adds another confirmation – that the disciples "know" that his death is not annihilation but is a passing to the Father; and they "know the way" they must follow to arrive at the communion of the same glory. Both clauses should be noted carefully. First we must see Christ, by the eyes of faith, in his heavenly glory and blessed immortality. Second, we must understand that he is the first fruits of our life, and that he has opened "the way" which was closed against us. At first sight, Thomas’s question seems to contradict what Christ had said, though he did not mean to disbelieve his Master. I reply: the saints’ knowledge is sometimes confused because they do not understand how or why the things explained to them are certain. When the apostles believed that Christ was departing to the Father, and yet did not know how he would obtain the kingdom, Thomas says, fairly enough, that they "don’t know where" he is going. Hence he concludes that "the way" is even more obscure, for before we start along a road we must know where we are going."

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

This is one of the most clearly written, eye opening scriptures in the Bible. There are not 10 ways, not five ways to the Father, not even two. One way, and that is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Anyone trying to come to the Father any other way will not make it. If we rely on good works, on obeying the law, on doing more good than bad, we will not arrive with the Father. But if we come humbly to Jesus, ask forgiveness of our sins, and repent, God will forgive us of our sins. But it is through Jesus, and Jesus alone.

John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

John 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

It is popular to teach that everyone will be in heaven. We are all shooting for that same common goal, whether we serve God, Buddha, or Muhammad. But according to the Bible, the way to eternal life is a very narrow path, and few there be that find it. And only those that come by Jesus Christ will come to the Father.

 

 

  1. Jesus and the Father are One
  2. John 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

    John 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

    John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

    We talked earlier that God and Jesus are two of the three parts of the Godhead. They are one in mind and have all things common. While Jesus’ very desire was to do the will of the Father, we see the Father putting all things under the son. And the Holy Spirit directs us all in the perfect ways of the Lord. He does not lead us contrary to the teachings of the bible. Some spirit may be leading, but it is not the spirit of the Lord. One of our bible study members this week wrote and said that she appreciated the teaching on how we should try the spirits. She had thought for years that God was leading her to do many things contrary to the Word of God, but now she knows it was not the Holy Spirit, but an evil spirit that desired her destruction. We see Philip asking to see the Father. Is it not human logic that if we can see something, then we will believe. There’s an old saying to not believe anything you hear, and only half of what you see. That may be good worldly advice with magicians and trickery going on around us, but when it comes to the things of God, we must believe to be pleasing to God.

    Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

    Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

    Heb 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

    Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

    Jesus tells them that if they have seen Him, they have seen the Father. The Father over and over gave commendation to the son. At Christ’s baptism, on the Mount of Transfiguration, and the ultimate commendation when Jesus came forth from the tomb.

    Mat 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

    Mat 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

    Mat 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

    Mat 17:4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

    Mat 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

    John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

    To hear Jesus Christ is to hear the words of the Father. Some asked why should they listen to Jesus. The reason is because his is God’s only Begotten Son, and because he and he alone has the words of eternal life.

    John 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

    John 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

    John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

    John 6:69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

    John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

    Jesus points out that if they could not believe him for His words, then believe Him for the very works He had done. Who else had ever done the things that Jesus did? No one ever healed the sick, made the blind to see, physically raised the dead. This was no ordinary man, and no one was ever like him before nor shall ever be.

     

    John 3:35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

    John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

     

    John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

    Are we involved in the work of the Lord today? We should be. Jesus says if you believe on me, the work I do, ye shall do also. Can you and I raise the dead, make the lame to walk, cause the blind to see like Jesus? No… those special powers that the apostles had was for a time to prove that Jesus was who He claimed to be. But the same God that healed those people can heal those in need today, but it is done by prayer and fasting and faith. And it has to be the Will of the Father for things to happen. We should be out doing greater works every day of our life. The hour is coming, and is soon at hand, when the day is finished and time will be no more. If you ever intend to do something for God, you had better do it today.

  3.   The Promise of Prayers and Results to our Prayers in        Jesus’ Name

John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

God gives us some clear instructions on how we may have our prayers answered. First, they must be prayed for in the name of the Son. And they must be prayers of faith. Note that we are to prove our love by keeping the commandments.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

James 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Mat 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Mat 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Mat 7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Mat 7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

Mat 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Mat 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

 

 

Internet Bible Studies are prepared and distributed free of charge. The lessons may not be sold without consent. If you have questions or wish to discuss the lessons, or possibly need help in finding Jesus Christ as your Personal Lord and Savior, contact David Parham at 940-322-4343.

Prov 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

e-mail at: davidparham@internetbible.net

Website: http://internetbible.net

Practice Random Acts of Kindness. Each act spreads, and many will be blessed.