John 14: "If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments"
What might your thoughts be if you knew you would die in just a few days or hours? Would you worry about how painful death might be or worry about those who would be left behind? John 14–16 includes some of Jesus’ last teachings to His Apostles before His suffering and death.If you were one of Jesus’ disciples at that time, what would you have been concerned about if you knew Jesus was going to die and leave you? As you read the next several chapters, think about how Jesus’ teachings would have brought comfort and calmed the fears of the Apostles.
Understanding the Scriptures
John 14
| Whither (vv. 4–5) | Where | |
| Sufficeth (v. 8) | Will satisfy | |
| Abode (v. 23) | Home | |
| Prince of this world (v. 30) | Satan (see “Understanding the Scriptures” for John 12:31, p. 85) |
John 14:2—“In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions”
The Prophet Joseph Smith said this passage should read “In my Father’s kingdom are many kingdoms” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 366).
John 14:4–6—“I Am the Way”
Jesus Christ died for us so that we might be redeemed from the grave. He also lived for us, “leaving us an example, that [we] should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). The way to eternal life is to follow the Lord’s perfect example. Those who were followers of Jesus Christ were said to follow in His “way” (see Acts 9:2; 16:17; 18:25–26).
“The road to the celestial kingdom is one way. When we fail to search the scriptures, we may find ourselves going the wrong way on a one-way highway” (L. Lionel Kendrick, in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, 13; or Ensign, May 1993, 13).
John 14:16–26—Who Are the Two Comforters?
The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God … then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints. … Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 150–51).
Studying the Scriptures
Do activity B and one of the other activities (A or C) as you study John 14.
Which Way Do I Go?
- According to John 14:1–6, where were the Apostles supposed to go? How were they to get there? (see also 3 Nephi 18:24).
- Ponder what you have done to travel the Lord’s way. Write two or three principles you must live to continue along that way.
Scripture Mastery—John 14:15
- Identify two commandments you are now striving to keep that show your love for the Savior.
- What promise did Jesus give to those who showed their love by keeping the commandments? (see John 14:16–21).
A Prescription for Heart Trouble?
- According to John 14:1, 27, what condition did Jesus counsel His Apostles against?
- Write about at least three things Jesus taught in John 14 that would help them avoid that condition.
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