If you love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15 WEB
Chapter four of John’s gospel begins with Jesus encouraging his disciples to believe in him as they believe in God. As the Son of God and the final sacrifice for human sin, Jesus reassures his followers by revealing his preparations for their being received in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus’ words, loving actions, and miracles instill confidence in his followers. They know that Jesus lives by the word and God. Also, the disciples experienced Christ actively keeping his word to them.
As the chapter progresses, Jesus says in John 14:6-7, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and have seen him. WEB” Saying, “keep my commandments,” Jesus means for us to live in obedience to the commandments of God and the teaching he presented during his ministry here on earth. Everything that Jesus said and did is an example of the will of God for our lives.
The Authority of God
Christ came in the authority of our heavenly Father. His instruction to “keep my commandments” is a direct reference to his divinity as his words mirror the fourth commandment of God prohibiting the worship of idols. In giving this command God describes himself in Exodus 20:6 as, “showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. NIV”
Jesus said in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one. WEB” When the Lord says, “keep my commandments,” he speaks with the authority of God. As the Son of God and perfect likeness of our heavenly Father, those who experienced Jesus, saw and heard exactly what God expects in the behavior of a righteous man. Further, the commandments given in the Old Testament and the commands of Christ come from the same source, our Creator.
A New Commandment
More than an emotional response or just a feeling, love is something we do. God expects us to live in obedience to his word as an act of love. As Jesus says in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. WEB” When we keep the commandments of Christ, we prove our love of God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the clarity of your holy word. Thank you for the example of love you gave in the life of Jesus Christ. Guide my steps to conform to your will. Bless me as I live in obedience to your word. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: God Is With Him
