John 14: 23-29
Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. “He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. “You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. (NKJV)
______________________________________________________________________
Jesus is taking the time to have a serious discussion with His disciples. They have followed him through the journey of His ministry and will soon be faced with the greatest test of their faith. They don’t really understand that Jesus, the one they believe to be their messiah will die even though Jesus has told them that He is leaving. The truth of what is about to happen rests heavily on the mind of Jesus but his disciples simply don’t fully comprehend.
Judas at this point has left. He is betraying Jesus for coins. Soon, Peter will deny Jesus three times out of fear. This is truly an amazing event for several reasons. First, Peter swears that he would never betray his teacher and friend. Secondly, in forgiving Peter and placing in him the responsibility of carrying on His ministries on His behalf, Jesus is showing us the Grace offered by God to each one of us. It is doubtful that Judas expected that his teacher and friend, Jesus would be put to death. He likely expected that Jesus would be arrested and charged with some crime and sent on His way.
This Gospel passage also shares with us that Jesus will return. To the disciples, this sounds like a simple journey when Jesus will be out of contact. Soon they will come to realize that Jesus will not be simply taking a trip. Jesus gives His disciples and in turn, us the opportunity to accept Him as the Son of Man. He’s telling His disciples and us “if you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father”. He’s also giving them a heads-up of sorts telling them, ‘hey, I’m going to provide you with proof of who I say that I am so that moving forward you will be true believers’. Like Thomas will find out first hand, Jesus is providing His disciples the opportunity to be Apostles. This is an amazing moment that is lost on the disciples this very night. Soon though, they will understand.
How blessed are we who have the faith to believe without needing physical evidence. I ask you though, don’t you think we have physical evidence? There are many miracles that occur in the name of Jesus. For true believers, the truth is in front of us every day. How do you exhibit servant leadership and stewardship? How do you evangelize? Are you embarrassed to talk about Jesus? Do you love Jesus? Do you keep His word? Allow the Holy Spirit to teach you and remind you what Jesus as told us.
Closing Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom to realize all that You offer us; Understanding to accept faith’s mysteries; Counsel to help us make Christ-like decisions; Fortitude to be strong in your Word and in defense of it; Knowledge to enlighten our minds to the wonders You offer us; Piety so that we may love, serve and glorify You and a Holy Fear, which allows us to respect You and Your Majesty.
We ask that you send us the Holy Spirit to spark a fire in our hearts and souls to become true apostles of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
