14:2 Father’s house Jesus is referring to the heavenly abode, where God the Father sits enthroned (Isa 6:1–6). Jesus had already declared God’s symbolic earthly dwelling, the temple, to be insignificant in comparison to God’s work through His new temple, Jesus (see John 2:19; compare note on 1:14). This and Jesus’ condemnation of the conduct of the earthly keepers of His “Father’s house” establish Jesus as a better, heavenly alternative (2:16).

dwelling places There is room for many people in God’s kingdom and His heavenly abode, where those who accept Jesus dwell eternally.

14:3 will come again Jesus is describing an event that will occur after His ascension to God’s heavenly abode (v. 2). Consequently, this refers to His return to earth, not His resurrection.

you may be also Refers to Jesus’ followers living with Him in God’s heavenly dwelling place.

14:4 the way Meaning His betrayal, suffering, death, and resurrection (12:27–34).

14:6 the way The person and work of Jesus serves as believers’ pathway to God the Father.

Jesus’ ‘I Am’ Statements Table

the truth Since there were divergent Jewish traditions, it was difficult for the Jewish person of the first century to know which tradition was Yahweh’s will. See note on 1:14 (compare 1:17).

the life Refers to Jesus as the source and power of believers’ resurrection to eternal life. See note on 11:25.

except through me Salvation does not come through the law, sacrifices, religious practices, or the overthrow of foreign oppressors—all of which were beliefs held by Jews in the first century. Instead, Jesus Himself is the channel through which people can have relationship with God the Father and spend eternity with Him.

14:7 have seen him Jesus equates His presence with God’s presence.

14:8 Philip See note on John 1:43.

Lord See note on 13:6.

14:10 Father is in me God the Father dwells in Jesus. They are one.

14:11 works Jesus’ signs and actions demonstrate He is the Son of God and the Son of Man sent to suffer and die for God’s people so they may have a restored relationship with God without sin standing in the way (see note on 11:47). Yet some don’t believe even after seeing signs. Doing God’s work is the way believers demonstrate their love for Jesus (v. 21).

14:12 he will do also Jesus empowers believers to do God’s work on earth, which includes performing miracles (compare Acts 2:43).

greater This term refers to the amount of miracles (as described in John 14:11). Believers will collectively (and perhaps individually) perform more miracles than Jesus. It is Jesus’ intention to extend the work of the Spirit beyond Himself to all believers, as He had already begun to do (Luke 9:1–6).

14:13 whatever you ask in my name Refers to those occasions when He is given credit for the work, rather than the person performing the work, and when it is in His will. Jesus provides several examples for this (e.g., John 11:41–42). Miracles must be performed for the purpose of leading others to believe (11:15).

may be glorified in the Son Miracles are meant to make God’s greatness known (13:31–32).

14:17 with The term here refers to the Spirit leading Jesus’ disciples; the Spirit is presently their guide and source of power, similar to the prophets’ relationships with God.

in you This refers to the Spirit dwelling in the believer—making them, when they choose to follow God’s will, a testimony by which others can see and understand God (compare note on v. 2).

14:19 because I live Jesus is prophesying His appearances after His resurrection (see note on 13:33).

14:21 keeps them Refers to loving God and others, as Jesus has loved people. See note on v. 11.

14:26 Advocate The Greek term used here, paraklētos, refers to a legal assistant in a court who pleads someone’s case before the judge (compare 1 John 2:1). The judge is God, and people are judged based on whether they follow Jesus’ command to believe that eternal life comes through His death and resurrection (John 12:48–50). When on earth, Jesus was the means for believers to interact with God the Father since their sin prevented them from doing so directly. The Spirit is sent to do the same work. This is one of His many tasks. Paraklētos is used throughout Greek literature in a legal context (e.g., Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Antiquitates Romanae, 11.37.1; Demosthenes, De falsa legatione, 1). Jewish writer Philo uses the legal term in a religious context, referring to a sinner pleading their case (e.g., Philo, Antiquitates Romanae, 166).

Paraklētos Word Study

will teach The Spirit, as God’s means of communication on earth, instructs believers and leads them to follow God’s will. The Spirit gives them access to God, His plans, and His wisdom. He can do so because of Jesus’ sacrifice for sins.

14:27 Peace Refers to wholeness in their relationship with God. They now have a way (the Spirit) to reach God—unencumbered by rituals, sacrifices, or laws—and atonement for their sins (Jesus’ death and resurrection), so that they are free to communicate with God and be in His presence.

14:28 I am coming to you Refers to His resurrection. Jesus wants His disciples to know that His coming suffering and death is not the end of His ministry; it is the beginning of His ministry’s final purpose and the completion of God’s will for Jesus’ life.

going to the Father Refers to His ascension. Jesus’ disciples should have rejoiced and recognized this was essential for Him to complete God’s work and to unite them with God the Father.

Chairō Word Study

14:29 you may believe The expected result of witnessing Jesus’ work (compare note on John 14:6).

14:30 has no power over me Jesus is empowered by God the Father (12:42, 49). Since all authority ultimately finds its source in God the Father, the rulers of this world do not have authority over Jesus (19:11).