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
What do you think will be your last words to those you love? "I love you." "You'll be all right." "I know this isn't the end." "Take care of each other." Jesus said, "It is finished" as he died on the cross (John 19:30). But what were his last words to his followers?
Jesus knew more needed doing, not more in making known the breadth and length and height and depth of God's love, but more in equipping his followers to share that love. So Jesus, soon to die, assures his followers that more help will come. The Spirit, Jesus promised, will stick with us, teach us, and make us remember his love. He promised peace unlike any peace the world can give. He spoke assuring words to quiet their troubled hearts so they would not be afraid. Great last words to his followers! A great parting gift to all of us!
Prayer
Jesus, you never quit loving all people. You never quit preparing your followers for their tasks. Thank you for keeping your promise to send your Spirit to dwell with us and to teach us what we need to share your gift of reconciling love with others. Amen.