Jesus continues His farewell discourse in this chapter by softening the blow a bit after having told His chosen ones that He is leaving them.  Verse 2 is translated in ways in some versions that confound the meaning.  The King James says it in such a way as to make people think they will have their own mansion in heaven.  The ESV (and NASB) simply says “In my Father’s house are many rooms (dwelling places),”  not intending to convey that space is small, but to drive home the point that we are going to live with God – not separated from Him.  Jesus is telling them that they will follow Him, and He will prepare a place for them.

Thomas points out that since they do not know where He is going, they do not know the way.  Jesus then said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  In Acts 9:2, Christians are for the first time described as belonging to “The Way,” a term which is repeated in scripture as well as by secular historians (such as Josephus Flavius).  It is hard to imagine that the term did not come from these words of Jesus.

Six of Jesus’ disciples, later called apostles, or The Twelve

In verses 13-14, Jesus says “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”  We must remember first that other scriptures define prayer properly.  Secondly, in this age, a person’s name represented what that person was as a being – who they were, so to speak.  So praying in Jesus’ name means praying in a way consistent with His will and His character.

Jesus then offers more reassurance to His apostles in verses 15-28, as He confirms that He is one with the Father, and that He is going to Him.  But He will not leave them as “orphans.”  The promise of the Holy Spirit in these verses is for the apostles, not for us.  As those who He is sending, they will need the guidance of the “Helper” to speak His word and make the will of God known.  As His chosen ones, the Holy Spirit also help them remember all that He has told them.  But  Jesus says that He will no longer talk much with them.

The end is very near, but that end will be very much a new beginning.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.