There is nothing more wonderful than to be able truly to call God “Father”. Not everyone has that right. In today’s reading we discover how anyone can call Him “Father”.
My Father’s house
Read John 14:1
• Why do you think the disciples’ hearts are troubled?
• What has Jesus said about Himself (13 v 33), and about the most brave of their little group (13 v 38)?
They’re really frightened of being left on their own.
• How does Jesus encourage them here?
• What promise does He give about what He will do at the end of time?
• How should they respond?
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PRAY THRU
It can be very hard living in the world with Jesus not being physically with us.
Pray that you will trust in God (the Father) and in Jesus His Son, and believe His promise about when He returns at the end of time.
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The way to the Father’s house
Read John 14:5
Thomas speaks for the whole group when he asks his question. They don’t get it— the way to the Father is sitting in front of them speaking to them! If they keep their eyes on Him, they see the Father truly, and they are on the only way to eternal
life. They don’t need to know anything more than this.
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TIME OUT
Verse 6 is unpopular in the world today. Probably it always has been. There is only one Way to the true God. Have a look at Acts 4:12 for an example of Christians saying that courageously. Discuss with a friend how you can find ways of saying
this today among your non-Christian friends.
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Jesus and the Father
Read John 14:8
Different questioner, same problem: they still don’t get it!
• What do you think Philip wants from Jesus?
• How does Jesus answer him?
• What is the relationship between the Father and Jesus?
• What evidence have they seen that this is true?
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APPLY
Think of some of the miracles in John’s Gospel, especially the raising of Lazarus in chapter 11. Can they be explained in any other way except that Jesus is the Father’s unique Son? Believe that Jesus and the Father are uniquely close.
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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