Saturday, March 31, 2018

John 14: 22-31, The Counselor and Peace

Jesus has been speaking to his disciples, telling them how they should live in his absence. Judas has left the room to betray him.

As Jesus leaves, he promises a replacement for himself, the Counselor, who will not ever leave the disciples.  The Christian now recognizes that Jesus is speaking of the Holy Spirit, provided more fully at Pentecosst.

John 14: 22-26, Follow my teachings ... and the Holy Spirit
Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 

24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 

26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

The disciples are to follow the teachings of Jesus and that will be made possible by the promised Holy Spirit.

John 14: 27-31a, Peace
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 

29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 
30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 
31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.

Something deep is going on here.  Evil, represented by "the prince of this world" is being allowed to win, for a time.  But Jesus is at peace and passes this security on to his followers.  I only understand parts of this.

John 14: 31b, Time to leave
"Come now; let us leave.

This chapter ends with this a short sentence, as if everyone is about to stand up and leave.  Yet the intimate teachings continue for three more chapters.  It is likely that they continue as they walk towards the Mount of Olives.

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