John 14:15-21 (NRSV)
Read John 14:15-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Verse 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. Verse 17This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
Verse 18"I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. Verse 19In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. Verse 20On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Verse 21They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them."
Devotion
Throughout Jesus’ Farewell Discourse in the Gospel of John, Jesus continues to warmly and tenderly prepare his disciples for life without him. In today’s verses, Jesus introduces his disciples to the Spirit of Truth, the Advocate, the Paraclete, who will guide them forward in their ministry after the resurrection. When I first read these verses many years ago, I thought Jesus was being exclusive: only a few lucky ones would be blessed with the Holy Spirit. Now I see Jesus’ bigger picture. The good news is that Jesus was not just speaking to his first disciples here. All who are willing to trust in Christ, even if not physically present, will be saved and embraced by the loving arms of God. Whatever struggles we face, our triune God is with us always.
Prayer
Ever promising God, may we trust in your loving guidance in our lives. Just as Jesus loved and grieved for his disciples, may we feel Christ’s continually loving presence whenever we feel most alone. Amen.
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