By the Way
From Relational to Missional John 14 -17
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With Judas gone, Jesus begins to feel the weight of the moment and begins to share what is really on his heart. His hour has come. It is all about to begin. It is now time to make sure that the ones he has shared his life with for three years understand that He is literally about to pour His life into them. Calling them children in his own endearing way, Jesus tries to brace them for his departure once again. This time he adds a new dimension to the love He has been showing and commanding them to express. Whereas the law and prophets could be summarized with “loving your neighbor as yourself”, Jesus now asks them to love one another “as He has loved them”. It is not enough to love your neighbor with a humanitarian form of affection – a true disciple of Christ must love as Christ loved. And yet, they have no idea to the degree to which that love is about to be expressed. Peter tries to cover the awkwardness of their confusion by asking where Jesus was about to go – rather than what He was about to do. Jesus explains that the where is not for him or the others at this time. This is a cup Jesus must drink alone. Their time will come. By the way, He is not talking about heaven – He’s talking about His suffering. Peter takes the defensive stance and declares his dying devotion. But Jesus knows better. He peers deep into Peter’s eyes as though to say, “You have no idea what you are capable of!” – He then prophesies that before this night is over, you will deny me not once, not twice, but three times! Talk about a slap in the face. Peter tries to reaffirm his commitment along with the rest of the disciples present, and though their voices sound strong, their promises are hollow (Matthew 26:35) for they have no idea what is going on. Jesus looks around the room and sees the confusion and bewilderment in their eyes. This great celebration, that each of them has approached with great anticipation and excitement is collapsing around them. They did not understand about the washing of their feet. They did not understand about new meanings being given to the bread and the wine. They did not understand about the talk of a betrayer at the table. They did not understand where Jesus was about to go. They didn’t understand how Peter could deny the Master. They did not understand most of what was happening around them and their faces revealed it. Looking into their troubled eyes, Jesus begins with words of comfort, “Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in GOD – believe also in me.” And then as though He almost forgot to tell them, “By the way, … in my Father’s house, there are many places to dwell …” Stop right here and check something out. Open your Bible to John 14. If you have a red letter edition you are about to see something fascinating. Regardless of your translation, if your Bible records the words of Jesus in red – do the following: Look (don’t read) at chapter fourteen. Now look at chapter fifteen. Now look at chapter sixteen. Now look at chapter seventeen. With the exception of a few interruptions, the four chapters are almost completely crimson. This is the longest single discourse given by the Lord. It is longer than the Sermon on the Mount – and for good reason – it is the last time Jesus will have with His disciples before His arrest, crucifixion and burial. For three years they have witnessed His miracles, signs and wonders. For three years they have heard his sermons, parables, and teachings. For three years, he has poured himself into this small band of fishermen, tax collectors, political activists, philosophers and crooks and for the most of that time, they have been clueless to who he was and what he was telling them. That which Jesus is about to say is of the utmost importance. It will begin in the upper room and follow them out into the night. He will continue teaching them along the dark roads of the countryside as they leave Jerusalem heading towards the Mount of Olives. It will culminate with a prayer of intercession and commission that he will direct to the Father in the presence of the disciples to underscore all that he has just told them. The discourse moves from relational to missional. It begins with their heavenly home, but moves quickly to their present purpose. And yet, it begins almost as an aside to what they have been discussing. As though, before they come … before they take me … before I am removed from among you and the passion begins … there’s something you need to know. So, by the way . . . I AM the Way. By the way … I am making The Way By the way … you will live your lives “by the Way” By the way … you will share Me with others . . . “along the way”.
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About the Book
“By the Way” is an in-depth Bible study of the final discourse of Jesus contained in John 14–17 before His passion. It highlights the dual relationship that we have “in Him” and “He in us.” It expounds on not only the “home in heaven” He is preparing for us but also the “home in us” we are preparing for Him. It examines the person and work of the Holy Spirit as He relates to our Divine relationship with the Son. It looks at what it means to “pray in Jesus’s name,” what is “eternal life,” and the purpose for which God saved us. “By the Way” is designed to be a foundation for discipleship and can be easily understood by new believers and easily transferred to those they lead to Christ. It began as a simple study to explain to internationals without a strong foundation in scripture what it meant to be a Christian. It was later shared in church settings as a personal ministry of the author. This book gives opportunity for the message to be carried farther. “By the Way” is a primer for every new believer in Jesus Christ. Taken from His own words at the close of His ministry on earth, I believe these are four of the most important chapters from the teachings of Christ. I believe you will find the principles basic, solid, and liberating as you endeavor to “be the Christian you have become.”
About the Author
Randy Pool is a believer, a husband and father, a missionary, and a storyteller. Born into a military family, his travels carried him to both coasts and Puerto Rico while still a young child. Then at the age of fifteen, his life was eternally changed by Jesus Christ. Pursuant to a call to ministry, Randy received a BA degree in religion and Greek from Union University. He later earned his MDiv from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary of Memphis. While at Union, he met and married the love of his life, Cindy. After ten years together, three children, and pastoring two churches, Randy and Cindy went to the mission fields of Central America. They served as church planters in Honduras and Nicaragua for eleven years with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Randy and Cindy now live back in Tennessee, where Randy serves with the Mississippi River Ministry, connecting churches to poverty areas within their community. He is still a missionary, now working through the Tennessee Baptist Convention. He sees writing as a channel of information, inspiration, as well as entertainment. Randy has written for several Baptist publications, including Dimension Magazine, Missions Leader Magazine, Nuestra Tarea (Spanish Baptist Magazine), and the Baptist and Reflector (State newspaper). He has three other books in print, The Breach, The Bridge, and Poolside Reflections—all bearing the mark of missions. Randy enjoys life. When time allows, he relaxes with family and friends in hammocks beneath a gallery built on their small homestead in Gibson County, a touch of Latin culture in West Tennessee. He enjoys telling stories that bring humor to life and Christ to heart.