Reading for March 13th

 Read John 14.1-17. In verses 1-14: Jesus the way to the Father. In verse 1: An assurance forms an inclusio, a passage defined by beginning and ending with the same word or phrase (see 14.27). Do not let your hearts be troubled. In verses 2-3: I will come again, a reference to a parousia or second coming. In verses 4-11: Misunderstanding of the way. In Judaism the law is the way to God (compare Acts 9.2; 22.4; 24.14) and truth (compare 1.14; 6.55; 8.31-32; 17.17; 18.37). As the way to the Father, Jesus was the life-giving truth (see 6.35, 48; 11.25. In verses 8-10: Jesus' central message is his relation to the Father. In verses 13-14: In my name, the request should be consistent with the character of Jesus. In verses 15-17: The Spirit Paraclete promised to believers. The Father, at the Son's request, gives the Advocate ("Paraclete," Comforter or Helper, a title used of the Spirit here and in 14.26; 15.26; 16.7, of Jesus in 1 Jn 2.1); he take the place of Jesus. He is also called Spirit or truth (15.26; 16.13). Where the presence of the earthly Jesus (the incarnate Word) was temporary, the presence of the Advocate is forever. Comments or Questions..