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Sunday School Lesson
After the "kangaroo court" trial of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Matthew 26:57- 68), he was carried to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:1, 2), since these Jewish leaders could not carry out their "death sentence." At the end of this "mock trial" before the governor, the Roman official asked a question that has plagued the human heart since sin entered this race - "What is truth?" John 18:38a. There is no scriptural evidence that this governor waited for the answer to his question. Yet, the "answer" stood before him - this one whom he had condemned to death. The history of the nation of Israel is filled with many accounts of "wanderings." When God called Abraham, the heavenly father - the creator of the universe - instructed him to leave his home area, and go "unto a land that I will shew thee..." Genesis 12:1c. Thus, the wanderings of this nation began. As the New Testament writer recorded a partial list of the great "heroes of faith," he wrote of this man "...he sojourned (to dwell, reside) in the land of promise, as in a strange (belonging to another) country ... For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder (architect) and maker (framer) is God." Hebrews 11:9, 10. Before Jesus was "kidnapped" in the garden of Gethsemane (John 18:1; Matthew 26:36), and dragged before the religious leaders (Matthew 26:57) he spoke words of comfort and instruction to the 11 - Judas had already left (see John 13:30). These declarations have given hope and divine assurance to believers through the centuries. "Let not (a relative negative) your heart (fountain of life) be troubled (to agitate mentally or spiritually)..." John 14:1a. The master knew the nature of the events that would unfold over the next few hours - and the coming events in these personal lives. Thus, these words were given as a divine directive that can apply to any life that is committed to follow the revealed will and plan of God. These men had been taught the scriptures since they were youngsters. This fact was part of their "Jewish heritage." They had been taught that God was the one who provided for and cared for them as a nation, and as individuals. This group of men had been with Jesus for about three and one-half years. They "believed" in him and his ministry. The master knew the need for a "divine transfer of faith" - "ye believe (to have complete trust and confidence) in God (a declaration), believe also in me." John 14:1b. These men knew that "eternal hope" was part of the teaching of the Old Testament - all scripture that was available to them. The savior used words of assurance. "In my father's house (dwelling) are many (much) mansions (residences; abodes): if it were not so ( 'if not'), I would have told (to say to) you." John 14:2a,b. He reminded these men of the declaration of the past - "I go to prepare (make ready) a place (region; locality) for you." John 14:2c. On other occasions, Jesus had told these men that he would not be with them always. He reminded them, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that (in order that) where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3. These men were not ignorant of the unfolding divine plan. "And whither (where) I go ye know (perfect tense, meaning 'to have knowledge'), and the way (path) ye know." John 14:4. Since the disciples were "human," they lived with "human frailties." "Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest, and how can we know the way?" John 14:5. The answer given that night gives assurance today. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way..." John 14:6a. As the children of Israel were led from Egypt to the Promised Land, so our lord will "lead us" to the "place that is prepared." Are we willing to follow? The next "description" addressed that "eternal question in the heart of mankind" - "the truth (that which conforms to reality)." John 14:6b. A study of the life and ministry of Jesus shows the seeking heart that divine plan unfolds in the life of each believer, allowing each person to know a relationship with the heavenly father and know the hope that assures membership in the divine family, as one continues in that provided position. Romans 8:16, 17. Have you "listened for" the divine answer? There is a promise of "life (life on the highest plane)" through Jesus Christ. John 14:6c. Each person is expected to accept this divine provision - "no man (one) cometh (approaches) unto (toward) the father, but (if not) by (through) me." John 14:6d. The master had addressed this thought on another occasion. John 10:1b, 8,10, 12, 13. The master continued his explanation of his relationship to the father. "If ye had known (to have knowledge of; to perceive) me, ye should have known my father also: and from henceforth (from now) ye know him, and have seen (term relates to a distinguishing mind) him." John 14:7. This statement confused Philip. John 14:8. "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time (a fixed or special occasion) with you, and yet has thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen (the distinguishing mind) me hath seen the father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the father?" John 14:9. The savior asked a question - not as a 'test', but to stimulate thinking. "Believest thou not that I am in (can indicate a relationship) the father, and the father in me?" John 14:10a. He, then declared, "the words (the actual words, in contrast to 'expression of thought') that I speak unto you I speak not of (from) myself: but the father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the father, and the father in me: or else believe me for the very works sake (the works themselves)." John 14:10b, 11. Before the master gave the "Great Commission" (Mark 16:15-18) to the "five hundred" (see 1 Corinthians 15:6), he gave assurance to these 11. "Verily (truly), verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on (the point reached) me, the works that I do shall he do also: and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my father." John 14:12.
There are those who have attempted to "use" scripture for greed and gain. The next statement was not given as a "signed bank check drawn on the bank of heaven", but for the glory of the giver - God. "And whatsoever ye shall ask (as a supplicant, leaving the final decision to God) in my name (character; authority; majesty), that will I do, that the father may be glorified (praised; honored) in the son." John 14:13. For you, is Jesus the only way?
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