John 14:15-31
Q.1. What did Jesus expect from His followers? How did Jesus describe the Spirit? Who will benefit from His coming? – (Jn.14:15-18)
Jesus expected those who loved Him to keep His commandments (see Jn.14:15). Obedience would be proof of their love for Him and faith in His teaching. The disciples were apprehensive because Jesus was talking about leaving them (see Jn.14:1). He comforted them with the news that they would not be left alone as orphans (see Jn.14:16). He told them that He would pray for a Helper (Παράκλητος – Parakletos i.e. One called alongside to help c.f. Jn.14:16). He promised –“I will come to you”… I will never leave them as orphans but would be with them forever (Jn.14:18). This One is the Spirit of Truth Whom they already knew – … because He abides with you and will be in you (Jn.14:17). In other words, the Holy Spirit is none other than Jesus in spiritual form … the Spirit of Christ (see 1 Pet.1:11). To the world, Christian talk about the Holy Spirit is confusing, since they can neither see Him, nor do they know Him (see Jn.14:17). This promised Spirit is given for the benefit and blessings of believers who love and obey Him.
Q.2. Did Jesus know about His departure and victory over death? What difference would His triumph make to the world? What is the triune God’s continuing role? – (Jn.14:19-24)
It cannot be clearer, that though Jesus knew He was to die, He also knew that He would rise from the dead – After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also (Jn.14:19). In fact, His resurrection would furnish proof of His claims to be one with the Father in Heaven (see Jn.14:20). Sadly, Christ’s victory over death will do nothing for anyone who does not repent and believe in Him (see Jn.14:22, 24). However, what a contrast for His own followers – He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him” (Jn.14:21). Not only will believers be indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit, but the whole Godhead will dwell within – … “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him (Jn.14:23). We will never be left to fend for ourselves.
Q.3. Why was Jesus forecasting His return to the Father in advance? What help will the Holy Spirit give to believers? How can He do what He does? – (Jn.14:25-31)
Jesus could have waited until He accomplished His triumph over death and then left it for the angels to proclaim the truth. Instead, He chose to declare the truth in advance Himself, in order to show that His death was no accident. His disciples needed to understand that He was completely in control, and on mission for the Father – Now I have told you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe (jn.14:29 c.f. 25). Had Jesus’ disciples really understood the reason for His incarnation and first coming, they would have rejoiced that He was going away and coming back again (see Jn.14:28). The coming of the indwelling Holy Spirit would be an absolute gamechanger since – the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you (Jn.14:26). For some time, the disciples were utterly confused and abandoned Jesus. However, the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost changed these fearful followers into powerful preachers of the gospel. The Holy Spirit would indeed remind them about the teachings of Jesus and teach them all that they needed to understand and to live by.