Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him. John 14:23 WEB
This passage occurs in the context of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples. Midway through chapter fourteen of John’s gospel account, our Lord and Savior begins to teach the active love of obedience to the word of God as commanded by Christ.
Additionally, Jesus is teaching of his crucifixion and subsequent departure to heaven. Jesus explains to his disciples that he will not leave them as orphans. Rather, Christ teaches that those who demonstrate love for him by keeping his commandments will live eternally. Although the world will no longer see him, those who love the Lord will receive the Holy Spirit and live forever in the Lord as he lives in each of his faithful believers.
Keep My Commandments
Jesus says in John 14:15-17, “If you love me, keep my commandments. I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever: the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t receive; for it doesn’t see him and doesn’t know him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you. WEB”
Specifically, Jesus teaches the concept of the Trinity as one God. The Father,Son, and Holy Spirit are one in the same. Upon his departure from this earth, Jesus promises that both he and our heavenly Father will come to those who keep his commands and live with them. Of course, this is a reference to the Holy Spirit of God coming to reside in each believer.
The Word Comes From God
In keeping the word of Christ and his commands, we prove our repentance from sin. The commands of Christ are not merely the inventions of man but are divine revelations of the will of God. In addition, they are proof of God’s love, holiness, and righteousness. As Christ says in John 14:24, “He who doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The word which you hear isn’t mine, but the Father’s who sent me. WEB”
Our Lord came to reveal God’s plan for the salvation of mankind. Upon his death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven, he did not leave us on our own. Through the person of the Holy Spirit, Christ remains in the hearts of the faithful, guiding and supporting each of us who believe. As Jesus says in John 14:26, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the aid and comfort of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for living inside my heart and soul. Guide me with your wisdom to follow your commands. Help me to be of service to your heavenly kingdom. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: One of the Pharisees
