Believe / The Answer to Your Troubles
January 31, 2021
John 14:1-6
Study Questions

1. Read John 14:1. In light of the surrounding chapters in John, what are the troubles that Jesus was referring to? What are the troubles Christ-followers face today? How are they similar or different?

2. What instruction does Jesus give in order to face our troubles? What did Jesus mean by ‘believe’ in God? What did He mean by stating ‘believe also in Me’? What was He saying?

3. Read vs. 2-3. Jesus is using language familiar to people in his own day. After a man and woman were ceremonially “betrothed” (which equaled being legally married in their culture), the man would return to his parents’ home to begin building an addition for he and his bride to live in and begin their married life. This meant a period of prolonged separation (usually 12 months) while the building took place. Then, when the groom had finished their new home, he would return for his bride, to take her back for a joyous wedding celebration and physical consummation of their union. She would live with him from that point forward. How does this cultural knowledge shed greater light on what Jesus is trying to convey to his disciples here?

4. Describe how you long to be in your Father’s ‘house’. What are some of the things of this earthly ‘home’ that distract you from dwelling on your heavenly home? (See 2 Corinthians 5:1-8; Colossians 3:1-2.)

5. Jesus defines Himself as ‘the Way, the Truth, and the Life’. What is the significance of each of these terms? What is Jesus trying to convey to His disciples about why He came and what He offered people?

6. The second half of v.6 says, “No one can come to the Father except through Me.” This can sound exclusive and narrow in our multi-faith society. What do you think Jesus wanted to communicate by saying this? Consider especially the surrounding context.

7. How has this study impacted your life? What is the Holy Spirit calling you to take into action?