John 14:1-31
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Jesus the Way to the Father
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
“Come now; let us leave.
I think everyone would say that Truth exists...I believe most would agree and believe that the concept of Truth is multifaceted...While there may not be one definitive answer, the pursuit of Truth through critical thinking, open-mindedness, and open dialogue is a valuable endeavor...But how is Truth defined?...And why isn't everyone's Truth the same, since Truth, is well the Truth?...Since we all have limited knowledge and a little bit different understanding of the world Truth can vary...We rely on our senses, interpretations, and access to information to form our beliefs...What we consider the Truth is often based on the information we have been exposed to, which can vary greatly between people, because each of us have different experiences and exposures...We also have different values and beliefs...Our values and pre-existing beliefs influence what we accept as true...We tend to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs and disregard information that contradicts them...This confirmation bias can create different truths for different people...The different language around the world are imperfect...Words can have multiple meanings in each of our languages, and communication and interpretations can be easily misunderstood...This can lead to people believing different things even when they are referring to the same concept...We can all focus on different aspects of the same situation and come away with different Truths...For example, someone who witnessed a car accident might focus on the damage to the vehicles, while another might focus on the injuries of the people involved...Each of our focuses are different and are biased toward what we focus on...
When we are young I believe that we are swayed and biased by our parents and caregivers for what we believe is Truth...Toddlers rely on caregivers to learn basic truths and facts about the world – the sky is blue, fire is hot, vegetables are good for you...These become foundational truths for them...Caregivers help toddlers interpret their experiences and these can turn into Truths...How young ones react to situations, explain events, and answer questions all contribute to a child's understanding of how things work and what they think Truth is...Caregivers' emotional responses also play a role in a child's Truth...A caregiver's fear of dogs might make a toddler believe all dogs are scary, even if that's not objectively true...
But as we age and mature we seek other ways to find the Truth...We learn about the teaching of source evaluation...Some things are facts, some are opinions, and some are false...Understanding this helps us understand where information comes from and how to evaluate its credibility...Learning about bias, fact versus opinion, and the importance of evidence better helps us find Truth...When we have a safe space for respectful discussion of different viewpoints with others we learn better...This helps us consider multiple perspectives and refine their own values and belief system...When we are genuinely curious and do not ask questions with yes/no answers, but encourage children and even adults to explain their reasoning and we learn to explore different possibilities...For example, instead of "Do you like this book?" ask "What did you like best about this book?...Why?"...And in this we can we more about subjects, including the Truth...
There is the process of critical thinking in how we look at Truth...We evaluate information objectively, considering evidence and different perspectives...We use our reasoning powers and logic of our minds to find Truth...We use logic and reasoning to analyze information and draw sound conclusions of what is Truth...We use science to find different Truths...The scientific method offers a reliable way to gather evidence and test hypotheses about what is True...Being Open-Minded helps us find Truth...Be willing to consider evidence that contradicts our existing beliefs helps us find the Truth...Having respectful dialogues with others helps with finding Truth...When we engage in discussions with people who hold different views to gain a broader perspective and might see Truths in their ideas when we keep our minds open about Truth...
If you you believe in Jesus, then you believe what He said that God's Word is Truth...Absolute Truth is revealed by God: In some religious traditions, Truth is seen as something absolute and unchanging, revealed by a Divine Being...This concept emphasizes faith and the authority of religious texts...And in Jesus' eyes the Absolute Truth is God and His Word...God's Word is the same yesterday, today, and forever...
Our looking for Truth is a journey of seeking and understanding...Other people see and view Truth as an ongoing process of discovery and interpretation, where individuals and communities grapple with complex questions and strive for greater understanding...This approach emphasizes personal search and the evolving nature of knowledge...This kind of belief in truth is changing and a continual process...
Pilate's question to Jesus is a good question, when he asks Jesus, "What is Truth?"...The website Britannica defines truth this way...Truth, in metaphysics and the philosophy of language, the property of sentences, assertions, beliefs, thoughts, or propositions that are said, in ordinary discourse, to agree with the facts or to state what is the case...Truth is the aim of belief; falsity is a fault...People need the truth about the world in order to thrive...Truth is important...Believing what is not true is apt to spoil people’s plans and may even cost them their lives...Telling what is not true may result in legal and social penalties...Conversely, a dedicated pursuit of truth characterizes the good scientist, the good historian, and the good detective...So What is Truth, that it should have such gravity and such a central place in people’s lives?...
Now, I believe, that Truth exists and is a Person...One day a Man, if it is fair to call Him a Man, stood up and said He is Truth...Truth does not and cannot change...Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever...He does not change...So if one believes in Jesus, then Truth is unchangeable and is Eternal...Jesus teaches us that Eternity and Eternal life exists, when He said, "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the Only True God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."...Also Truth is not made of matter...Two plus two equals four, is not matter - but is a universal truth, nonetheless...The sum four is not a function of matter or material things...Truth, therefore, presupposes that we have a mind with thoughts, and we can be logical...A mind with logical thoughts that can learn and gain wisdom and Truth makes Truth Spiritual...
So when He said He is the Truth, the Life, and the Way - He meant for to look to Him in our lives in this Teaching...The Way as Jesus sees it, signifies that Jesus is the path to God the Father...He is the intermediary, the bridge between humanity and the Divine....Following Jesus' teachings and example is the Way to reach God...The Truth is Jesus and He isn't just a source of factual information; He embodies Truth itself...His teachings reveal the True Nature of God, the meaning of life, and the path to salvation...When we Truly know Jesus, we Truly know His Father...Jesus is the Life...Jesus is not only the source of eternal life after death, but also the source of an abundant life here on earth...Following Him brings purpose, meaning, and a deeper connection to Something Greater than oneself...
Let us look and the Truth, the Life, and the Way...These titles are interrelated...Following the Way (Jesus' teachings) leads to the Truth (understanding God and life's purpose), which ultimately leads to the Life (eternal life and a meaningful existence)...These titles emphasize Jesus' centrality in Christianity...He isn't simply a Teacher or Prophet; He is the ultimate revelation of God and the means to connect with the Divine...
So interpret the Truth, the Life, and the Way symbolically...Some interpretations view these titles symbolically..."The Way" could represent a path of righteousness, "The Truth" could be the revelation of God's LOVE, because God is LOVE, and "The Life" could symbolize a life transformed by faith, and an eternal life when we believe in God and the One He sent...The Truth the Life, and the Way are foundational beliefs for Christians....They offer comfort, hope, and a clear path to follow...By believing in Jesus and following His Teachings, Christians believe they can achieve salvation, live a meaningful life, and connect with God...LOVE helps us find the Truth and makes our lives more abundant...
Yet, we know the mind changes and we can change our minds...Yet, without a mind, thoughts, and logic nothing could be proven...Without a mind, thoughts, and logic there can be no Truth...So Truth, seemingly, is Greater than the mind of man, its thoughts, and its logic...There is Something and Some Ways, and Someone above reason, and our mind's ability to reason...So there must be a Mind or a the Source of Truth above man's reasoning mind that is Greater than our minds...For Truth to exist, there must Exist This Absolute Truth...And One who is the Source of all Truth...That we may know God and know His Son is Truth, Eternal Truth...Jesus said that God's Word is Truth...And if we believe that then there is Someone above an beyond the words man has collected over time...There is Someone who is Sacred and Holy and beyond our description with the use of any words...
And when Jesus said He is the Truth, the Way, and the Life - He also in His dialogue with His Disciples promised them the Holy Spirit, whom He calls the Spirit of Truth...And so in His Spirit, we too, have Truth...Believers see the Holy Spirit as a divine guide that helps us understand the teachings of Jesus and His Truths...The Holy Spirit provides guidance and wisdom in making decisions, which lead to the Truth...The Holy Spirit leads us towards a deeper understanding of God and out faith...We finding Truth through our faith...The concept here is that the Holy Spirit helps believers discern Truth based on their faith in God's word (the Bible) and teachings...So the Holy Spirit is The Spirit of Truth...In Christianity, the Holy Spirit is often referred to as "The Spirit of Truth" and guides us to Jesus and His Absolute Truths...
When we look at His question of who do you say that Jesus is, can be answered this Way...Jesus had all the above processes and more honed into His nature...And thus He knows all Truths...Having this Divine Truthful Nature and being full of Grace and Truth and Humility, when Jesus stood up and said I AM Truth, the Way, and the Life - we can believe that He is Absolute Truth...And added He is the Only Way to God...So Jesus is our Mediator and Savior and the Source of All Truth, and our the path to God...So I trust in God and Trust also in His Son...I believe that Jesus was the One to come to earth to save us and serve as an example of what a human can be like...He is the One who Moses and the Prophets wrote about...He is the Anointed One...I believe Jesus is the definition of Truth...I believe He is Unchanging Truth...I believe He is our explanation of what Truth Is...I believe that Jesus and God are One...I believe that when you have seen Jesus you have seen God...I believe, before Abraham was born, I Am did exist...I AM is Truth...God is Truth...