What does John 14:18-24 really mean?

John 14:18-24 is about the promise of Jesus to send the Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and dwell within believers, enabling them to abide in God’s love, obey His commandments, and experience a deep, intimate relationship with Him.

18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.
20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.
21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?”
23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.

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Setting the Scene for John 14:18-24

In John chapter 14, we find Jesus speaking to his disciples in the upper room in Jerusalem, just before his crucifixion. The room is dimly lit by oil lamps, casting a warm glow on the faces of those gathered. The disciples are seated around a low table, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern as Jesus talks about his impending departure.

Among the disciples present are Peter, James, John, Thomas, and Judas Iscariot. They have come together after sharing a meal, and the atmosphere is heavy with the weight of Jesus’ words. Jesus speaks with a calm authority, assuring his followers that although he will soon be leaving them, he will not leave them as orphans. He promises to send the Holy Spirit to be with them and guide them in his absence.

As Jesus speaks, his words bring a sense of comfort and reassurance to the disciples, who are grappling with the idea of life without their beloved teacher. They listen intently, hanging on his every word, as he implores them to keep his commandments out of love for him. The scene is one of intimacy and deep emotion, as Jesus prepares his closest companions for the trials that lie ahead.

What is John 14:18-24 about?

The verse holds a powerful promise from Jesus to His followers. It reinforces the importance of faith, love, and obedience in the life of a believer. Jesus is emphasizing the transformative presence of God in our lives by promising the Holy Spirit to those who love and obey Him. The Holy Spirit provides guidance, comfort, and strength to navigate life’s challenges and to live out our faith authentically.

Have you ever experienced the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? How does your love and obedience to Jesus impact your relationship with God? This verse reminds us that our faith isn’t just a set of beliefs, but a living relationship with a loving God who empowers us through the Holy Spirit. It challenges us to reflect on the depth of our love for Jesus and our willingness to obey His teachings in order to experience the fullness of God’s presence in our lives.

Understanding what John 14:18-24 really means

During the Last Supper, Jesus spoke to His disciples, preparing them for His imminent departure. The main theme of His discourse centered on assuring His followers of His continual presence and promising the coming of the Holy Spirit. In John 14:18, Jesus declares, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you,” emphasizing the assurance of His perpetual presence. This statement echoes the sentiment in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus promises to be with His disciples always, ensuring they will never be abandoned.

Furthermore, in verse 19, Jesus speaks of His impending absence from the world but assures His disciples of their future sight of Him, linking His life to their eternal life. This promise of resurrection and eternal life is reinforced by His statement in John 11:25, where He proclaims Himself as the resurrection and the life, offering believers life even beyond physical death. The unity between Jesus, the Father, and His followers is highlighted in verse 20, emphasizing a deep spiritual connection and unity with God, as seen in John 17:21.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of love demonstrated through obedience in verse 21, stating that those who keep His commands truly love Him. This aligns with the sentiment in 1 John 5:3, where love for God is equated with obeying His commands. The reciprocal love between God, Jesus, and believers is underscored in verse 21, assuring believers of divine love and the revelation of Jesus to those who love Him, as expressed in John 15:9. The concept of God’s indwelling presence in the lives of believers is highlighted in verse 23, emphasizing the intimate relationship believers have with God, akin to Revelation 3:20.

Moreover, Jesus draws a clear distinction between believers and non-believers in verse 24, stating that obedience is evidence of genuine faith. This aligns with the sentiment in 1 John 2:4, where mere claims of knowing God without obedience are deemed false. Today, amidst uncertainty, Jesus’ promise of His presence offers comfort and hope to those facing challenges. For instance, someone grappling with job loss can find solace in knowing that Jesus is with them. This passage also serves as a call to believers to live out their faith through loving obedience, such as volunteering at a shelter as an act of love for Christ.

In conclusion, the words of Jesus in John 14:18-24 provide profound assurance of His presence, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the significance of obedience as an expression of love. Embracing the promise of Jesus’ presence and demonstrating love through obedience is not only a testament to genuine faith but also a way to experience the intimate relationship God offers to His followers.

How can we show Jesus our love in obedience?

We can demonstrate our love for Jesus through obedience by keeping His commandments. This means following His teachings and living our lives in accordance with His example. Obedience to Jesus is more than just following rules; it is a heartfelt response to His love for us. We show our love and gratitude for all that He has done for us by obeying His commandments.

When we obey Jesus, we show that we trust Him and believe in His word. Obedience is an expression of faith in His wisdom and guidance. It is a way of acknowledging His authority in our lives and submitting to His will. Walking in obedience to Jesus helps us grow in our relationship with Him and deepen our love for Him.

Our love for Jesus in obedience also manifests in our desire to please Him. We prioritize His will above our own desires and preferences by choosing to follow His commandments. Obedience is an act of sacrificial love, as we set aside our own selfish inclinations to honor and serve Him. Our obedience becomes a tangible expression of our love for Jesus in this way.

Application

Friend, just like a good boss never abandons their team, Jesus promises to never leave us. Show your love by following His guidance, much like taking care of your family. Obey His words and let the Holy Spirit guide you; this deepens your bond with Him. Will you step up today and commit to His path?