3/19/20 John 14
If you love Me
(John 14:15) If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
At the end of chapter 13 and near the end of the Lord Supper Jesus tells His disciples He is leaving and where He is going they cannot come now, but will later. Chapter 14 continues this discussion in the upper room. Jesus is encouraging His disciples that their hearts should not be troubled about this, but rather rejoice, because Jesus is going to the Father (Jn 14:28). The disciples are a bit confused by all of this as Thomas, Philip, and Judas not Iscariot each ask a question.
There are several important topics with in this chapter like the mention of the Helper (Holy Spirit), abiding in the Father and the Son, the Trinity, and the issue of love. Jesus tells them what love looks like from the Father’s perspective. Jesus is departing and will no longer be with them. Jesus tells them if they truly love Him then they will keep or obey His commandments. The commandments that Jesus has given are the exact words from the Father. Commandments are not simply rules that must be followed, or else. They are loving instructions give from a Father that has great love for his children. Not only does the Father give his children loving instructions, but he provides a Helper or Comforter, the Holy Spirit to encourage them and Help them along. There is a reality of rejecting His help and He will drawn back and let you have your way.
It is imperative that we know the word of God if we are to live in a way that will please the Father and the Son. Jesus says in this passage that He is going to prepare a place for His children and then He will come again. While Jesus is away with the Father we show our love to Him and the Father, by doing what He has asked us to do. Think of it, don’t you want to be doing what you have been asked to do when a parent, superior, or boss shows up? The difference with Jesus is that He knows right now if you are keeping His commandments. He knows right now if you truly love Him. If there is a question in your mind as to what His commandments are start reading the word of God. In Matthew alone there are over 40 commandments given to His disciples that can apply to our lives. That alone will keep us busy for some time.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, I rejoice that Jesus is now with you and I long to be there someday. For now you have given me instructions that I must do if I love you. I praise You for the love of instructing me and providing a Helper to me. Today, as I seek to obey your commandments, my prayer is that you in return will love me and disclose yourself to Me (Jn 14:22), in Jesus name. Amen. (Jn 14:13-14).