21 Days in the Book of JohnSample

Jesus often used the “Socratic method” of teaching which used questions to emphasize the learning readiness of the student. In the gospels, He asked 107 different questions. In this chapter, He focuses on answering questions though.

Here are a few things I’d like to point out about Chapter 14:

1. Jesus knows His disciples were about to experience a traumatic event. They would be confused when He died. His goal was to comfort them and encourage them to keep believing. Peter wanted to know where Jesus was going. He answered the first question by saying, “I am going home to the Father.”
2. Thomas, the doubter, loved Jesus but often lacked faith. He was a bit of a pessimist and pointed out that they did not know the way to where Jesus was going. Jesus answered the second question by telling the disciples that He was the way.
3. Philip, the analytical disciple, wanted to know what the Father was like. After serving Him for 3.5 years he didn’t fully understand Jesus’ nature. Jesus answered this in three ways. First, He explained how He and the Father are alike. They are equal in nature, separate in person, but submissive in duties. Then He revealed that true believers magnify the attributes of God and told them God would give them the ability to ask anything in His name. Thirdly, He foretold a Comforter that would come to reveal these truths to His followers.
4. Judas, who later changed his name to Jude so he would not be confused with Judas Iscariot, asked the final question. He wanted to know how Jesus would show Himself to His followers but not the rest of the world. Jesus explained that through fellowship, the indwelling Spirit, and an inner peace they would be reminded of Him.