(1) Overview
The disciples were distracted because of the imminent departure of Jesus. (NET) The same verb [distressed] is used to describe Jesus’ own state in John 11:33, 12:27, and 13:21. Jesus is looking ahead to the events of the evening and the next day, his arrest, trials, crucifixion, and death, which will cause his disciples extreme emotional distress.
14:3 And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too. 14:4 And you know the way where I am going.”
(NET) Where I am going. Jesus had spoken of his destination previously to the disciples, most recently in John 13:33. Where he was going was back to the Father, and they could not follow him there, but later he would return for them and they could join him then. The way he was going was via the cross. This he had also mentioned previously (e.g., 12:32) although his disciples did not understand at the time (cf. 12:33). As Jesus would explain in v. 6, although for him the way back to the Father was via the cross, for his disciples the “way” to where he was going was Jesus himself.
(NET) Where I am going. Jesus had spoken of his destination previously to the disciples, most recently in John 13:33. Where he was going was back to the Father, and they could not follow him there, but later he would return for them and they could join him then. The way he was going was via the cross. This he had also mentioned previously (e.g., 12:32) although his disciples did not understand at the time (cf. 12:33). As Jesus would explain in v. 6, although for him the way back to the Father was via the cross, for his disciples the “way” to where he was going was Jesus himself.
(2) Repeated phrases
a. If you have known me, you will know my Father too v.7.
The person who has seen me has seen the Father! v.9b
I am in the Father, and the Father is in me v.11b
Jesus represents the Father fully and they are in each other.
b. the person who believes in me will perform the miraculous deeds that I am doing v.12b
14:13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name,
14:14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
The believers now represent Jesus just as Jesus represents the Father.
(BKC) But the prayers of believers, as Christ’s representatives doing His business, will be answered. John expanded this teaching in his first epistle. He wrote, “If we ask anything according to His will … we have what we asked of Him” (1 John 5:14–15). To ask Me for anything in My name means to ask according to His will (cf. “in My name” in John 15:16; 16:23–24, 26).
Reflection: Do we pray according to God's will? Is our mind set to represent Jesus on earth? Or do we pray according to what we want and according to our will?
Reflection: Do we pray according to God's will? Is our mind set to represent Jesus on earth? Or do we pray according to what we want and according to our will?
Audrey
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