What does John 14:19 mean?

Explanation

John 14:19 is a statement made by Jesus to His disciples during what is known as the Farewell Discourse.

In this verse, Jesus is preparing His followers for His impending departure from the world, which refers to His death, resurrection, and ascension.

Literally, He is telling them that shortly, He will no longer be visible to the world but will continue to be seen by His disciples.

The deeper meaning emphasizes the relationship between Jesus' life and the life of His followers.

Jesus assures them that because He lives, they too shall live, which suggests His resurrection will pave the way for eternal life for those who believe in Him.

Historical Context

The verse is part of the discourse delivered by Jesus after the Last Supper and before His crucifixion.

The historical context is therefore the imminent end of Jesus' earthly ministry and the beginning of His suffering, culminating in the crucifixion.

This period is marked by both the Roman occupation of Judea and the Jewish religious leadership's suspicion of Jesus.

His words would have held particular poignancy given the disciples' understanding that Jesus was soon to face persecution and death.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives provide a rich interpretation of this passage.

From an evangelical perspective, the verse underscores the doctrine of the resurrection and eternal life.

It is often seen as a promise of Jesus' continued presence with believers through the Holy Spirit.

A more liberal theological approach might focus on the community's experience of the risen Christ and the existential assurance of life in the face of death.

Catholic theology would tie in the aspect of sacramental grace, especially the Eucharist, as a means through which believers experience the living Christ.

Practical Applications

This verse can comfort individuals facing loss or during moments of death and bereavement, reminding them of the Christian promise of eternal life.

It can also be a source of hope for those enduring hardship, suggesting that their faith connects them to a life that transcends their current suffering.

Furthermore, it serves as a motivation for ethical living, rooted in the idea that life in Christ is an abundant and everlasting life that starts now and continues beyond death.

Cross-References

• John 14:18 - "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
• John 11:25-26 - "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"
• John 16:22 - "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."
• John 20:29 - "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

Language Study

The key phrases in this verse are "the world seeth me no more," "ye see me," and "because I live, ye shall live also." In the original Greek text:

• "the world" (τὸν κόσμον, ton kosmon) broadly refers to the people who do not believe or follow Jesus.
• "seeth" (θεωρεῖ, theōrei) implies to gaze at or perceive with the eyes.
• "live" (ζῶ, zō) in this context has a deeper significance, referring not just to physical life, but an eternal, spiritual existence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In some ancient myths, death and resurrection are common themes, such as the story of Osiris in Egyptian mythology or the Sumerian myth of Inanna.

However, in the context of John 14:19, the resurrection is not just a mythical tale but a historical event with spiritual and eternal implications.

Compared to other religious interpretations, the Christian idea of resurrection is unique in asserting the physical resurrection of Jesus as a precursor to the believers' eternal life.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of life and death are based on biological processes, and claims of resurrection are outside the scope of empirical science.

However, some scholars argue that if Jesus' resurrection were a true historical event, it would suggest a reality beyond what science can currently explain, indicating a supernatural dimension to life.

Commentaries

Commentaries provide various insights into this verse.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes comfort, noting that though Christ would be gone from the physical view, He would be spiritually present.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary highlights Jesus' promise of His ongoing presence with His disciples, and all believers, through the Holy Spirit.

Finally, the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges suggests that this verse also pointed to the appearances of Jesus after His resurrection, where He was seen by His followers, but not by the world.