Scripture reading – John 13; John 14
* This Bible study is the second for today and considers the closing verses of John 13 and introduces John 14.
John 14 continued Christ’s conversation with His disciples after the Passover meal was ended. Fear rose among the disciples when they heard Jesus say, “One of you shall betray me” (John 13:21). Although Judas was dismissed from the table and departed, none suspected he was the traitor in their midst (John 13:22-30).
Fear then turned to dread when the disciples heard Jesus say, “Whither I go, ye cannot come” (John 13:33). Understanding His death was imminent, the LORD urged His followers to “love one another” as He had loved them (John 13:34-35). Peter, ever the impulsive one, spoke up and asked, “Lord, whither goest thou? I will lay down my life for thy sake” (John 13:36). Imagine the moment when Jesus questioned Peter, “Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake?” He then declared, “The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice” (John 13:38).
The narrative that followed Jesus’ ominous declaration that He was going away and Peter would betray Him embodies some of the most beloved promises in the New Testament. John 14-17 chronicled what Christ taught His disciples as they departed the Upper Room. Having observed His last Passover, Jesus taught His followers as He led them to the entrance of the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed (John 18:1).
John 14
Apart from John 3:16, the sentiments found in John 14:1-6 convey some of the most beloved and comforting promises in the Gospels. While John 3:16 encourages the hearts of sinners with the promise of God’s love and eternal life through Christ, John 14 comforts the saints with the promise of an eternal place that Christ has gone before and prepared for His children (John 14:2). What a wonderful truth we have, when we read, “I am the way, the truth, and the life!” (John 14:6)
Jesus Christ and God, the Father are One (John 14:8-12)
Philip, one of the disciples, intreated Jesus and said, “Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us [i.e., we will be satisfied]” (John 14:8). Christ answered Philip’s request with a loving rebuke. He asked, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?” (John 14:9) Jesus then declared, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9).
What an amazing revelation! Affirming He was incarnate God, Jesus said, “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake” (John 14:11). In other words, hear my words and see my works [miracles], and believe! (John 14:12)
Closing thoughts (John 14:16-31)
So much more could be written, but I will conclude today’s devotional with two spiritual truths. The first is the revelation of the person and work of the Holy Spirit (the doctrine of pneumatology). Christ promised His disciples that when He was gone out of the world, He would send “another Comforter,” the “Spirit of truth” (John 14:16-17). Who is this Comforter? He “is the Holy Ghost” whom Christ promised would not only be a Comforter but also a Counselor [i.e., Teacher]. We read, “He [the Holy Ghost] shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).
The second spiritual truth is both simple and profound. It is that Love = Obedience (John 14:15, 23, 31). Sadly, the “love” of the 21st century is shallow, self-serving, and typically driven by emotions and physical passions. When people say, “I love you,” they are not saying, “I love you enough to sacrifice my all for you.” Yet, that is the Scriptural definition of the highest form of love. Biblical love is not self-serving but self-sacrificing (John 10:15, 17; John 15:13; 1 John 3:16).
Jesus challenged His disciples, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Someone might profess with their lips a love of God; however, the test is not what they say, but whether or not they obey and keep the LORD’s commandments. Jesus expressed the same truth in John 14:23-24 where we read, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” (John 14:23-24)
A son or daughter cannot pretend to love their parents if they do not obey them. The same is true for God. If you love the LORD, you will keep His commandments.
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
* Please subscribe to the Heart of a Shepherd daily devotionals by entering your name and email address at the bottom of today’s devotion.
The Internal Revenue Service recognizes Heart of A Shepherd Inc as a 501c3 public charitable organization. Your donation is welcome and supports the worldwide ministry outreach of www.HeartofAShepherd.com.
Heart of A Shepherd Inc.
7853 Gunn Highway
#131
Tampa, Florida 33626-1611