God’s Renewing Word of Love
Introduction
John 14:15-31: Today’s reading continues the “Farewell Discourse” or final words of Jesus to his disciples prior to his arrest, trial, and death. Jesus promises his followers that he will send the Holy Spirit to teach and guide them. The reading concludes with Jesus offering his followers his own peace and his promise that he will return.
Scripture Reading
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, you will obey my commandments. 16I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever. 17He is the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot receive him, because it cannot see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you.
18“When I go, you will not be left all alone; I will come back to you. 19In a little while the world will see me no more, but you will see me; and because I live, you also will live. 20When that day comes, you will know that I am in my Father and that you are in me, just as I am in you.
21 “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. My Father will love those who love me; I too will love them and reveal myself to them.”
22Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “Lord, how can it be that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?”
23Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and my Father and I will come to them and live with them. 24Those who do not love me do not obey my teaching. And the teaching you have heard is not mine, but comes from the Father, who sent me.
25“I have told you this while I am still with you. 26The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.
27“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. 28You heard me say to you, ‘I am leaving, but I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father; for he is greater than I. 29I have told you this now before it all happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe. 30I cannot talk with you much longer, because the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me, 31but the world must know that I love the Father; that is why I do everything as he commands me.
“Come, let us go from this place.
Today’s Key Verse: John 14:21
[Jesus said:] “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. My Father will love those who love me; I too will love them and reveal myself to them.”
Reflect
How do you understand the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? In what ways does the Holy Spirit teach and guide you? Reread verse 27. What is your understanding of the peace that Jesus offers?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you have sent the Holy Spirit to teach and guide me in the way of truth. Teach me to accept and obey your commandments and help me to live in accord with your will. Fill my heart with your peace. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
John 15:1-17: Jesus is the real vine.