In this remarkable passage of the Book of John, Jesus is addressing His Disciples. He has become fully aware that His time on earth is coming to a close and return to His Father was imminent. As we read this passage, it is understood that Jesus is also speaking to everyone that believes in and relies on Him. 

“Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust and rely also on ME.”  

Jesus saw that the Disciples easily believed in the Father. But even in this late stage, apparently – they were still not seeing Who He Is because He has to reiterate that they must rely on Him also. That His instructions are worthy of trust. The Godhead and Holy Trinity each have separate roles. As we see below, Jesus carries the responsibility of preparing a place for His Saints – the ones given to Him by God as A Gift (see John 17:24 AMP). 

“In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you. And when I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also. ” 

The New King James version translates dwelling places to “Mansions”. The Amplified uses the terms dwelling places and homes interchangeably. Most scholars that have studied this out believe that dwelling places is the more accurate translation. 

“To the place where I am going, you know the way. Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life and no one gets to the Father except by Me. If you had known Me (had learned to recognize Me) you would also have known My Father. From now on, you know Him and have seen Him. “

Once again, Jesus has to plead His case to an unrecognizing disciple. Consider the number of firsthand miracles the disciples witnessed, and hundreds of teachings delivered not only directly to them but to large masses. The veil across the minds of these men that would expose the revelation of Jesus – that their dear friend and spiritual brother was truly the Son of God – had not yet been torn away.

This was the same God that made a covenant with Father Abraham stating that his descendants would number the stars. God never revealed to Abraham that His multitude of descendants would one day worship not only Himself, the Holy God of Israel but also His Son. And that the Covenant God of Israel would one day require His Chosen People to accept His Son and acknowledge that He paid a debt on their behalf for their sins and the sin of their fathers – one that could never be repaid in any other way.

The requirements would not stop there – they would also be expected to embrace Jesus as their Saviour and Lord and adhere to His teachings that would counter their own. God knew when to stop talking. He simply gave Abraham His promise and Abraham launched out in and by faith – to an unknown destination, trusting God to deliver on His Word. God had the right man for the task. 

“ Philip said to Him, ” Lord, show us the Father (cause us to see the Father – that is all we ask) then we shall be satisfied.” Jesus replied, “Have I not been with all of you for so long a time, and do you not recognize and know Me yet, Philip? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say then, Show us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? What I am telling you I do not say on my own authority and of My own accord, but the Father Who continually lives in Me does the (His) works (His own miracles, deeds of power). Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the very works themselves. (If you cannot trust Me, at least let these works that I do in My Father’s name convince you). 

By now, most mere mortals would be at a boiling point, full of frustration and perhaps even rage however Jesus maintained a calm demeanor and continued to use carefully measured words.  (The Holy Spirit’s fruits of longsuffering, and gentleness impressively ripened and on full display.) This indignity suffered by His own team must have felt heartbreaking. He had handpicked each of these men, pouring out His soul, and loving them beyond what any must have ever experienced. Still, they were undecided about who He was and whether He was the Son of God but  Jesus’ resistence to offense was resolute. He so wisely knew not to accept the bait of offense and so we too, must not.

“ I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. And I will do (Myself I will grant) whatever you ask in My Name (as presenting all that I AM), so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son. Yes, I will grant ( I Myself will do for you) whatever you shall ask in My Name (as presenting all that I AM). If you really love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever.”

Tracy Gatewood

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