Reading the end of John 13 and the beginning of John 14 without the chapter break helps us gain insight as Jesus approached the fulfillment of His purpose on earth. The disciples struggled to understand. Peter was confused about himself. Thomas was confused about his destiny. And Phillip was confused about his Lord.
Jesus tells Peter he is not as strong and loyal as he thinks he is… but he still should not let his heart be troubled. Jesus tells Thomas that the destiny of the believer is God… through Christ. Jesus tells Phillip that His own life is lived fully in His Father. From these words, we can learn about ourselves, our destiny, and our Savior. Praise God that Jesus accomplished what no one else could… He prepared the way to the Father. He is the way.
“Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You shall seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, I now say to you also, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you shall follow later.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a cock shall not crow, until you deny Me three times. Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.”
Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, how do we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”
Phillip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Phillip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how do you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me; otherwise believe on account of the works themselves.” (John 13:33 – John 14:11… New American Standard Version)