John 14:22–26 (WEL) Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will show yourself clearly to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If a man loves me, he will obey my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling place in him. 24 “The one who doesn’t love me doesn’t obey my word. The word you hear is not my own but the Father’s who sent me. 25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring all things to your memory of whatever I have said to you.”
V22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will show yourself clearly to us and not to the world?”
Jesus was referring to His death and burial; the nonbelievers would not see Him anymore. The believers, however, did see Jesus from His resurrection (John chapter 20–21) to His ascension (Acts 1:9).
V23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If a man loves me, he will obey my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling place in him.”
Jesus repeats the message of John 14:15 and John 15:10.
The Greek word for love is G25 ἀγαπάω agapáō, which means a love of choice, faithfulness, loyalty, safety, attachment (bonding), etc. It is God’s type of love. It is not selfish, not mocking, not hurting (abuse), etc. Its character traits are found in 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a.
If I love God in this sense, then I will be loyal to God and also faithful, with attachment (bonding) to Him. It will be seen in obedience, for He is the King of kings. This is the servant Jesus wants. It is the kind of servant we can be with the assisting grace of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 12:9). It is measured by time. How much time do I spend with God? Do I read and study His word (the Scriptures)? Do I pray at all times? Do I have the worldview of God? Do I want and strive to live by the Law of Christ (the rules in the New Testament)? A good servant will do all His master has asked for the best he/she can to bring honor to the master. Compare Genesis 24.
V24 “The one who doesn’t love me, doesn’t obey my word. The word you hear is not my own but the Father’s who sent me.
The first obedience anyone can do is believe and place faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. See 2 Thessalonians 1:8 and 1 Peter 4:17. Rejection is disobedience—John 3:36 of a person who will not obey.
If one does obey the Gospel by placing their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone, then their life must be observed in obedience. We obey Jesus, God the Son, first of all, then comes other types of obedience as to parents, government, employment, etc.
Love for God is fulfilled in obedience to the teachings of the New Testament and the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
Jesus emphasizes that this is not a teaching principle invented by Himself but by His Father, God the Father.
V25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you.”
Still with you means these were spoken in the upper room discourse. The things that Jesus teaches here for the disciples and for us believers are necessary for us to have a successful Christian life.
Jesus’s words are life, truth, promise, etc.
Comments:
Pulpit Commentary: “This term, ἀκούειν, suggests moral as well as physical hearing, and means whosoever allows my thought to penetrate his nature, hears and understands, hears and acts accordingly (cf. Matthew 11:1).”
God initiates and convicts (John 16:8), opens the heart and mind (Acts 16:14), and calls to salvation. Either we believe, or we reject. Belief is the condition—belief in Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Acts 4:12).
V26 “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring all things to your memory of whatever I have said to you.”
The Holy Spirit is basically a helper. His ministry may be as an advocate, a counselor, a comforter, one who gives grace for strength and service, etc.
God the Father sends and the Son, Jesus, sends (John 15:26). God is one God and three persons.
We learn:
- The words of Jesus are very important. We must listen.
- About the importance of the Holy Spirit.
Questions:
- Have you placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation?
- As a Christian, do you obey the words of Jesus Christ?