What Jesus Really Said: The Meaning of Jesus' Teachings in John: "These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me." (John 14:24)

"Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me." (John 14:24)

What are 'these words'?

The phrase 'these words' is being translated* from the Greek word λόγος (logos). While this can mean 'words,' it can also mean "teachings," "doctrine," and "the sayings of God" according to the lexicon.

Jesus is thus stating that his teachings are coming from God. It is not the independent words he is referring to. For example, a person can say the word "trees" and be referring to a forest of trees - unrelated to God. But a person who is teaching on behalf of God may use the same word "trees" to refer to a spiritual context. Both use the same word, but one is teaching God's philosophy while the other is talking about the forest.

In the same way, Jesus is referring to those teachings that he has been giving his followers. These teachings relate to the goal of life of loving the Supreme Being. They relate to living our lives in such a way that is pleasing to God. This is the philosophy that Jesus is referring to that "belong to the Father."

Who is 'the Father who sent me'?

Jesus is stating that his teachings are coming from the Supreme Being. The Greek word πατήρ (patēr) can mean "father" only in the physical sense, between a physical offspring and the male ancestor. It can also refer to a forefather or an ancestor. But these also refer to those of the physical body.

When used in the spiritual context, as Jesus uses it, the more appropriate translation refers to, as stated in Thayer's lexicon, "the Originator." Thus the more appropriate translation would be "the Creator."

Jesus is not referring specifically to his Father, as if God is not everyone else's father. Rather, Jesus is referring to the Creator, who the Father of all of us, who created all of us, and who is our eternal merciful well-wisher.

It is clear from Jesus' statement that the Supreme Being dispatched Jesus to teach us. This means there are two individuals - God (the sender) and Jesus (who was sent). Jesus is clearly - according to his own teachings - not the Supreme Being.

What about obeying Jesus' instructions?

This first sentence here is:

"Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching.

This juxtaposes with Jesus' previous statement where he said:

"Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching." (John 14:23)

This means that Jesus is putting double emphasis on following his teachings. It is not that his teachings are a casual byproduct of following Jesus. Following his teachings is following Jesus.

This contradicts the sentimental approach some choose as they proclaim their love of Jesus. They may say they love Jesus, and even do things in the name of Jesus. But Jesus is saying here that if they loved Jesus they would be following his teachings.

This point is also made elsewhere by Jesus in a different way:

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (Matt. 7:21-23)

This connects Jesus' point about following Jesus' teachings with the primary element of Jesus' teachings - doing the will of the Supreme Being.

Why are Jesus' words, 'not my own'?

This part of Jesus' statement also clearly indicates that Jesus is doing the will of the Supreme Being, as his teachings are coming from the Supreme Being. Jesus is, therefore, acting as God's representative: Jesus states this elsewhere:

"My teaching is not my own. It comes from Him who sent me." (John 7:16)

Jesus also taught that the reason he is teaching the teachings of the Supreme Being is that Jesus wants to please his beloved Supreme Being:

"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me." (John 6:38)

And what is Jesus' most important and primary teaching?

“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matt. 22:37-38)

Consider the intimacy of this situation carefully. Jesus is not only asking us to love the Supreme Being and do God's will, but he himself is loving the Supreme Being and doing God's will by teaching us this.

It is clear from these statements that Jesus enjoys an intimate loving relationship with the Supreme Being. The Supreme Being is a person - and He simply wants us to return to our loving service relationship with Him. He wants us to come home to Him and be happy.

Here is the translation of this verse from the Lost Gospels of Jesus: