St. John’s Gospel (33): A Troubled Heart (John 14)

St John’s Gospel (33): A Troubled Heart (John 14)  

John 14: X Chiastic Outline
Troubled Heart (1)
  Going to the Father (2-9)
      His Words and Works (10-14)
           My Commandments (15)
                 The Spirit (16-20)
           My Commandments (21)
        His Words and the World (22-24)
  Going to the Father (25-26)
Troubled Heart (27-31)

This passage is a chiastic dialogue (i.e., series of parallel thoughts that circle a center). It begins with Christ’s encouragement to not have a “troubled heart” (v1) and it ends with the same idea (v27). At the center is the promise of the coming Spirit. More than any other Gospel, John reveals the emotions of Jesus through his dialogue with others. In revealing His departure to the Father, Jesus is both pastoral and critical to Thomas and Phillip who question Him. He has both a sinking heart and a commanding voice calling forth faith. He makes plain the “way” to the Father is through Him (v6). Jesus is in the Father and Father is Him, such that to “see” Jesus is to see the Father (v9). Believe this from the words of Jesus, or believe on the basis of the works of Jesus. Those who believe will do even greater works that Jesus did (v12). This means that the works that flow from abiding in the Father will be greater in the apostles and finally the body of corporate believers (i.e., the Church) than even the works in the earthly ministry of Jesus. The works flow from asking in His name (vv13-14). If you love Him you will obey Him in doing His commandments.

The result of this prayerful obedience is that Christ will ask the Father to send the Spirit (another Helper v16). So the Spirit of truth will be sent to the disciples and through this we will know that Christ is in the Father and we are united to Him (v19). In all of this, Judas (not Iscariot) is still concerned about announcing Jesus as Messiah to the world (v23). But Christ makes clear that the task of the disciples is to keep His word, rather than worry about Christ’s publicity. The coming of the Spirit is necessary so that they may be properly taught. The Spirit will bring to their remembrance Christ’s word. Finally, Christ encourages them to not lose heart at His death (going to the Father), but to have His peace.

Exhortation:

Trouble - Christ will come to us in the Resurrection.
Way - Jesus is the only way
Peace - Christ gives us peace if we believe in Him;