Tag: John 14
Believing and asking and peace!
Scripture reading for April 24: John 14
“”Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 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. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”” John 14:12-15
People who simply live in the natural world are often quite negative and pessimistic about life and its circumstances. They are bombarded each day by negative news and sights and sounds of trouble, violence and pain. Jesus had just told His disciples about His betrayal and coming crucifixion. He told of Peter’s coming denial after Peter had boasted of his willingness to die for Jesus. (John 13:38) But Jesus countered all this negative news with some encouraging instructions and powerful truths.
Jesus promised those who believed in Him that they would do the works that Jesus had been doing, but even greater works because He was going away to His Father. He told them that they had the privilege and authority to ask for ‘anything in My Name’, and He would grant the answer to their prayers! They were instructed not to live with troubled hearts or live in fear during difficult times. (John 14:27) Faith in Jesus would be the key to this optimistic world of possibilities, good works, healing, deliverance and greater works (in number) than even Jesus had done. Faith would involve asking in Jesus’ Name and obedience to His instructions and commands. Jesus promised peace in the troubles to His followers.
Do you ever find yourself weighed down with trouble in your hearts or fear? Do some of Jesus’ statements cause you to have fear about your own loyalty? Are you countering the fear and troubled hearts by believing and living victoriously in peace?
Prayer: Father, forgive me for becoming troubled in heart over the bad news that often overwhelms my senses. May these words of warning and of truth in believing in Jesus Christ daily bring me into Your promised peace and the power to do the greater works that You want to see through my life. Amen.
Ask Me for Anything!
Scripture reading for April 25th: John 14
Key scriptures for over-comers: John 14:11-14 “Believe Me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son may bring glory to the father. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.”
Jesus gave His remaining disciples an amazing promise! He told them that they could ask Him for “anything in My name, and I will do it.” He also told them that because He was going to the Father, they would do even greater miracles than He had done! This was all received by faith that He was in the Father and the Father was in Him. These promises were not just for those disciples, but were written down to call all disciples to faith and action!
Observations for over-comers: Prayer is one of the greatest privileges of a disciple. We have an invitation and a promise of action as we ask for what we need in the name of Jesus Christ! “Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!” (Psalm 105:1-3)
Faith–antidote for a troubled heart!
Scripture reading for April 24th: John 14
After Jesus revealed Judas as His betrayer and Peter’s future denial, the disciples were troubled in their souls about the things that Jesus was telling them. Jesus sought to comfort them and prepare them for what was coming!
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3) Jesus knew that troubling times were just ahead where these men would have their faith shaken and broken. He knew that all would deny Him in their weakness of flesh. But He encouraged them to trust in God and in Him and His word. Jesus was preparing a place for them in Father’s house through the events of the next few hours. They must trust that Jesus would prepare that place by going away and then return to take them there to be with Him.
Thomas told Jesus that he did not know where He was going or the way there. Jesus answered, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Knowing Jesus was also knowing the way to Father’s house. It was the truth that would make them free! (John 8:32) It was the life that would never end! (John 3:16) Jesus told them, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9) Jesus wanted these followers and us to know the way to Father’s house! Have you put your trust in God and His Son Jesus Christ?