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Jesus is the Truth
by Fr. Reid Hensarling
John 14:1-14
Jesus is urging his followers to continue to believe in the Father and to continue to believe also in him, and in this way not to let their hearts be troubled. Jesus has provided many a resting place and place of refreshment for those who move along life's way. If Jesus goes and prepares a place for them, then he will return. Nothing is said about the nature of the place that Jesus prepares. It is sufficient for believers that we will be with the Lord.
Jesus has been showing the disciples the way to where he is going. They should know now how to follow him. If they follow his way, they will be where he is. Thomas doesn't understand his words. He wants more clarity. Jesus is ready to go to the Father and complete his mission. Jesus not only shows people the way by revealing it, but he is the way. He redeems us. Way speaks of a connection between two persons or things, and here the link between God and sinners. Jesus is utterly dependable, as is his gospel message. He is truth. He is completely reliable in all that he says and does. Also, Jesus is both life and the source of life to believers. Jesus is asserting in strong terms the uniqueness and the sufficiency of his work for us sinners. He also states that no one comes to the Father other than through him.
The disciples have not known Jesus fully. To really know Jesus is to know his Father. Until now all has been preparation. They have not really come to the full knowledge of Jesus and his significance. But from now on it is to be different. For they know him and have seen him. Jesus' followers can really know God.
A question from Philip opens the way for some teaching on the intimate relation existing between Jesus and the Father. Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father. Jesus gently rebukes him. To see Jesus is to see the Father. This means that Jesus is the revelation of the Father. Throughout the gospel the deeds of Jesus are signs and the words are God in action. The deeds and words of Jesus are a revelation of God. Both deeds and words proceed from the Father and reveal what the Father is like. Jesus asks his disciples to believe him. Faith has an intellectual content and includes the recognition that what Jesus says is true.
Jesus says that anyone who really trusts him will do the works that he does, and greater things than these. The reason for this is that Jesus goes to the Father; that is, his saving work is consummated. This is probably explained in terms of the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will not come until the Son ascends into heaven. See the book of Acts for the influence and action of the Holy Spirit. After Jesus' departure his followers were able to influence much larger numbers of people and to work in more places since Jesus' influence was confined to a comparatively small area in Israel.
Whatever the disciples ask in the name of Jesus, he will do. This does not mean simply using the name as a formula. This prayer should be in accordance with all that the name of Jesus stands for with faith in Christ, and with prayer that seeks to glorify Christ. The purpose of it all is the glory of God. It is significant that Jesus says that he himself will answer prayer. There is no limit to the power of prayer; therefore, pray boldly in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
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