John 14:23-29 (NRSV)
Read John 14:23-29 on biblegateway.com
Verse 23Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Verse 24Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
Verse 25"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. Verse 26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Verse 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
Verse 28You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. Verse 29And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.
Devotion
Jesus seems long-winded in John, especially on the night of his last supper with the disciples. That night, after the foot washing, Jesus speaks for three more chapters, and much of the conversation is about his departure. Not a happy topic; but through it all he ties together love for one another and belief in him. Jesus came to reveal the way and love of God, so in John the great sin is to not believe in Jesus.
Jesus lives in and through his community, so to lack love in the community is to lack love for Christ and God’s way. These days, we are too busy building up boundaries in Christ’s community as we decide who is right or wrong. There is a sense in which we need boundaries, but when we lose love by our boundaries, we run the danger of losing Christ too.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank you for giving us your peace. Grant that we may continue to share the great news of God’s love through you, and that we will continue to live by your love in your church. Amen.