What is John 14 about?
John 14 is part of Jesus' farewell talk to his disciples at the Last Supper, on the night before the crucifixion. It begins, "Let not your heart be troubled," and Jesus promises, "In my Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you." When Thomas asks the way, Jesus answers, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (verse 6). He tells Philip that whoever has seen him has seen the Father. He promises to send "another Comforter," the Holy Spirit, to be with them forever (verse 16), and gives them his peace: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you" (verse 27).
What does John 14 mean?
John 14:6
Jesus said these words to his disciples on the night before his crucifixion. He had told them he was going to prepare a place for them, and Thomas asked how they could know the way. Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." He does not merely show the way to God; he is the way. He is the truth, revealing what God is really like, and the life, giving eternal life to those who trust him. The second half is plain: "no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Christians see this as the heart of the gospel: we come to God through Jesus.
John 14:27
Jesus spoke these words to his disciples at the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed. He had just told them he was going away, and they were confused and afraid. Instead of leaving them a possession, he leaves them his peace. It is "my peace," the same calm trust in the Father that Jesus himself had, even facing the cross. "Not as the world giveth" means this peace does not depend on circumstances, and the world cannot give it or take it away. Then comes a gentle command: "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." His presence makes that possible.
Explore by topic
Tap Listen on the first screen to hear John 14 read aloud, then keep listening into the next chapter. About the audio Bible