Jesus Encourages the Troubled Disciples

John 14:1–12
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

The key statement in this chapter is, “Let not your heart be troubled” (v. 1). We can  understand  why the disciples  would be troubled. Jesus had told them that He was going to die, that one of them was a traitor, that Peter would disown Him three times, that Satan was at work against them and that all of the disciples would desert Him. This would be enough to make them bewildered and discouraged.

Now, to put things in the right perspective, Jesus gave them three basic promises:

1. He is going to prepare a place in heaven (v. 2).
2. He promises to return for His people (v. 3).
3. He makes it possible for us to go to heaven through Him (v. 6).

Thomas still does not understand the meaning of Christ’s statement so he asks a question. In simple terms he says, “I don’t know where you are going, so how could I possibly know how to get there” (vv. 4-5). Jesus makes it clear that He was going to the Father and that He was the only way to the Father (v. 6). Jesus’ statement that “no man cometh unto the Father but by Me” erases the possibility of going to heaven through good deeds, religious ceremonies, giving money, etc (v. 6). We do not have to wait until we enter heaven to get to know the Father. We can get to know Him today and receive from Him the spiritual resources we need to keep going when the days are difficult (vv. 7-12).

Application

There have been times in my life when I have been troubled and tried to work things out myself.  I must remember, the Lord has the answer to our every problem just as He did for the disciples.