“If you love me, keep my commandments.”
John 14:15 (WEB)
Do you know where Jesus was when He said this?
He was in the Upper Room preparing His disciples for the crucifixion. He was also preparing them for their own not-so-distant and perilous future.
Keep this in mind before you read further. The Holy Spirit had not yet come to indwell believing hearts on a moment-by-moment basis like we experience Him today. And remember that Jesus knew this.
Now, let’s take a look at our devotion for today.
Look at John 14 to see this passage in context. Then, prepare to ask yourself a question at the end.
“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”
John 14:1 (WEB)
The only way that our heart confirms our redemption is when we believe in God and in His Son, Jesus. Without either one you cannot be redeemed.
Though believers may have moments of doubt, returning to God’s Word and talking to Him daily will help reassure you. Your salvation cannot be lost. (Go back to John chapter 10)
In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2(WEB)
God would never deceive us. He is often accused of distance or disdain for human beings. But this passage fully illustrates how much God wants to share with us. Though there are some mysteries about God that we won’t know for a bit, there is still so much that God has given us.
“If I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and will receive you to myself.
that where I am, you may be there also.“
John 14:3 (WEB)
True believers understand that when Christ died and ascended to Heaven, He did not abandon us; He left so the Holy Spirit would come to dwell in our hearts and Jesus is preparing Heaven for our arrival.
Below I have pasted a verse. Do you know to whom Jesus was speaking?
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 (WEB)
Read John 14:4-6 to see which disciple Jesus spoke to.
And which disciple said this on that same night-
“Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” John 14:8 (WEB)
Look at Jesus’ response to this disciple.
Don’t forget, the disciples were still in the upper room with Jesus. They were still confused about what was happening. They had come to the end of Christ’s earthly ministry, but they didn’t seem to understand that, even though Jesus was telling them.
These men had seen the miracles of their Friend and Lord. Women, Gentiles, and untouchables all had faith to believe. But the disciples were still perplexed.
Do you remember what I asked you to keep in mind before we began this study? That’s the answer to the disciple’s confusion. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher and more.
God is so patient and kind. Even with the Holy Spirit, human beings struggle with faith.
You see, it wasn’t just the disciples that had blurry spiritual vision. You and I do, too. The lost world is certainly blind.
Believers doubt God’s holiness and greatness. This doubt leads to sin which is revealed by rebellion and how we disrespect Jesus through our words, motives and deeds. Isn’t that what happened to Peter later on?
I won’t list all the ways that we rob Him of the reverence that rightly belongs to Him. Every believer knows. That is why our hearts condemn us when we sin.
Think back to Psalm 51. This line from King David was so poignant and gripping.
“Against You, and You alone have I sinned and done evil in your sight.” Psalm 51:4
Jesus wanted His disciples, as well as you and me, to really know and love Him, to trust Him, and to rely on the Holy Spirit who dwells within each believer.
So, back to the key verse-
“If you love me, keep my commandments.”
John 14:15 (WEB)
Look at the statement from Jesus in verse 21. What do you think? How are you doing in your obedience and devotion to God?
“One who has my commandments and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will reveal myself to him.”
John 14:21 (WEB)
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 