We read the scriptures by verses. The scriptures have been divided into topics by the translators, these topical divisions often not having any relation to the actual structure of how the scriptures were written. We write in sentences and paragraphs. Sentences are complete statements, and paragraphs are thoughts arranged to show a complete thought or principle. The 14th chapter of John has 2 paragraphs. This entire chapter revolves around the place and ministry of the Holy Spirit, and what He will be in us and to us.
In the beginning of the first paragraph, Jesus is telling the disciples not to be troubled because He is going away. He gives them the promise of a place in His Father's house. And He promises that if He is going to prepare a place for them, then He will come and receive them to Himself again. In other words, Jesus is not doing this to no purpose. He promises that where He is, there the disciples will be also. Thomas ask that Jesus show them the way, and Jesus gives the quote we all know well, that He is the way and the truth and the life, and that no one comes to the Father by through Him.
He says that if they had known Him, then they had also known the Father. This was hard for them, and Phillip asked Him to show them the Father. Jesus answers with the words of if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father, in a mild rebuke, asking how they had not come to know Him, as He had been with them so long. And then He says this: "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works."
Remember these words are you read the rest of the chapter.
It is the same for us. Exactly the same. By the Holy Spirit.
Look and see if it is not true.
In the beginning of the first paragraph, Jesus is telling the disciples not to be troubled because He is going away. He gives them the promise of a place in His Father's house. And He promises that if He is going to prepare a place for them, then He will come and receive them to Himself again. In other words, Jesus is not doing this to no purpose. He promises that where He is, there the disciples will be also. Thomas ask that Jesus show them the way, and Jesus gives the quote we all know well, that He is the way and the truth and the life, and that no one comes to the Father by through Him.
He says that if they had known Him, then they had also known the Father. This was hard for them, and Phillip asked Him to show them the Father. Jesus answers with the words of if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father, in a mild rebuke, asking how they had not come to know Him, as He had been with them so long. And then He says this: "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works."
Remember these words are you read the rest of the chapter.
It is the same for us. Exactly the same. By the Holy Spirit.
Look and see if it is not true.