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 was telling the disciples and listeners about love. He constantly reminded them of love as a way to make the Lord happy. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and spirit” was a very old commandment. Jesus said the comforter whom he would send would remind and enable them to love the Lord and to love each other.
He said he would leave them so that the comforter could come. The disciples were upset by his words suggesting he would leave them. We all need and want to be comforted. It is like we need a soft warm blanket in which to wrap our bodies and minds and to enfold our spirit and heart. The promise is that the Holy Spirit will be our spiritual blanket of warmth. We are asked to love and obey. That’s the key.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your promise of the Comforter. Amen.