The way to the Father
John 14:1–14FocusKnowing and seeing Jesus
Connection to the wholeJesus answers the disciples' troubled questions by directing them to Himself and to the words and works revealing the Father.
interpretation John 14:18
KJVI will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Read it in context
Love, obedience, and the Comforter
Start reading at John 14:15 (John 14:15 to John 14:24).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The promise of the Comforter is joined to keeping Jesus' commandments and the assurance of God's presence with those who love Him.
- 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
- 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
- 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
- 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
- 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
- 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
- 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
- 14:22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
- 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
- 14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 14:1–16:33): Jesus addresses His disciples in the farewell teaching after Judas's departure, answering questions from Thomas, Philip, and Judas who is not Iscariot. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Love, obedience, and the Comforter. Read John 14:15 through John 14:24 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The promise of the Comforter is joined to keeping Jesus' commandments and the assurance of God's presence with those who love Him. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Love, obedience, and the Comforter (John 14:15 to John 14:24). Start reading at John 14:15. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 14:15, John 14:24, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- will not John 14:16,27 John 16:33 Ps 23:4 Isa 43:1 Isa 51:12 Isa 66:11-13 2 Cor 1:2-6 2 Thess 2:16
- comfortless Lam 5:3 Hos 14:3
- will come John 14:3,28 Ps 101:2 Hos 6:3 Matt 18:20 Matt 28:20
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 14
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
FocusGod's abiding presence
Connection to the wholeThe promise of the Comforter is joined to keeping Jesus' commandments and the assurance of God's presence with those who love Him.
interpretation Peace before the departure
John 14:25–31FocusRemembering His words
Connection to the wholeJesus explains the Comforter's teaching work, leaves peace, and prepares the disciples to understand His departure through what He has told them.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.