John 14–17
Common Theme
Jesus reveals the intimate relationship between Himself, the Father, and the Spirit, inviting His disciples into that divine fellowship. These chapters center on love, unity, and the indwelling presence of God through the Spirit as the foundation for their mission in the world.
Questions
- How does Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit reshape the disciples’ understanding of His physical departure?
- What does true unity look like among believers when modeled after the oneness between the Father and the Son?
God Shot
God is revealed as relational and self-giving, desiring to dwell within His people and share His own love with them. The Father glorifies the Son, and the Son glorifies the Father, showing that God’s heart is one of perfect unity and love that overflows toward His creation.
Deeper✝
John 14
In John 14:1-31, Jesus addresses his disciples’ troubled feelings regarding his impending departure. He reassures them that he is preparing a place for them in heaven and promises to return. Jesus emphasizes that access to the Father is only through him, as he embodies the truth and reveals God. Thomas’s inquiry leads to the profound declaration that knowing Jesus equates to knowing the Father. Philip’s misunderstanding highlights that Jesus is the full embodiment of God, not merely a teacher.
Jesus promises that after his departure, believers will perform greater works through the Holy Spirit, who will come to guide and empower them. This Spirit, referred to as the Paraclete, will continue Jesus’s work and reveal the truth about God. Jesus reassures his disciples of his return, which will establish a deep spiritual union with them, emphasizing that love for him is demonstrated through obedience.
The chapter concludes with Jesus promising the Spirit’s role in teaching and recalling his words, offering peace to his troubled disciples. He encourages them to rejoice in his return to the Father, affirming that his mission is part of God’s plan. The text underscores the exclusivity of Jesus as the way to God and the significance of his resurrection and the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, urging a hopeful anticipation of Jesus’s return and the transformative power of the Spirit in their lives.
John 15
In John 15:1–16:4A, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the relationship between himself and his followers. He identifies himself as the true vine, emphasizing that disciples must remain spiritually connected to him to bear fruit. This connection involves being pruned for greater productivity, with fruitfulness being a natural outcome of a vibrant spiritual life. Jesus stresses the importance of love among his followers, which reflects God’s love for them. He elevates their status from servants to friends, indicating a deep, secure relationship with God.
Jesus warns of the world’s hatred towards his disciples, paralleling the treatment he received during his ministry. He prepares them for potential suffering and persecution, reminding them that their faith may lead to conflict with the world. The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Paraclete, will empower and support them as they witness for Jesus.
The text also highlights the significance of spiritual attachment, suggesting that true discipleship encompasses a mystical connection with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Love is the primary fruit expected from this relationship. Furthermore, Jesus redefines the concept of God’s vineyard, indicating that true belonging is through attachment to him rather than geographical or religious heritage. This shift signifies a profound theological transformation, where Jesus becomes the central figure for spiritual life and connection to God, replacing traditional notions of land and temple.
John 16
In John 16:4b–33, Jesus prepares his disciples for the challenges they will face after his departure. He acknowledges their sorrow but emphasizes that his glorification is essential for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will guide and empower them. The Spirit’s role includes exposing the world’s errors regarding sin, righteousness, and judgment, ultimately revealing the world’s guilt in rejecting Jesus. Jesus explains that the Spirit will continue to provide revelations to the disciples, ensuring that they remain connected to his teachings.
As Jesus discusses his impending departure, he reassures the disciples that they will see him again after a short time, referring to his resurrection. This promise brings them joy and understanding, transforming their relationship with him and enhancing their prayer life. Jesus highlights the importance of asking in his name, marking a new spiritual era.
Despite their initial confidence, the disciples will soon face fear and confusion, leading to their scattering. However, Jesus reassures them that he will not be alone, as the Father will remain with him. He encourages them to take heart, as he has overcome the world, providing comfort amid future trials.
The text emphasizes the church’s mission to convey the truth about the world and the Spirit’s ongoing work in revealing God’s message. It also highlights the peace that Jesus offers, which coexists with worldly troubles, assuring believers of victory through faith in him. Ultimately, the passage underscores the transformative power of the Spirit and the hope of Christ’s return.
John 17
In John 17:1–26, Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and all future believers. He begins by addressing God as "Father," emphasizing his intimate relationship with Him and acknowledging the completion of his earthly mission to glorify God. Jesus highlights that eternal life is found in knowing God and himself, revealing God’s name and personhood to the world. He expresses gratitude for the disciples, whom he sees as a remnant belonging to God, and prays for their unity and protection as they face a hostile world.
Jesus’s prayer for his disciples includes a plea for their sanctification, which involves being set apart for God’s mission. He commits himself to this mission, indicating that his sacrifice will enable the disciples to experience a new holiness. He then extends his prayer to future believers, asking for their unity to reflect the love and oneness shared between him and the Father. This unity is crucial for the church’s mission, as it will demonstrate God’s glory to the world.
The text emphasizes that Jesus’s prayer invites believers to recognize their role in the church, which is built on the apostles’ teachings. It highlights the dynamic relationship between God and believers, encouraging a community that embodies God’s glory through transcendence, teaching, fellowship, and mission. Ultimately, Jesus desires for his followers to experience the profound love and glory of God, fostering a community that reflects this divine relationship.
✝Deeper summary excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.