|
|
John 14 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Sometimes theology can overcomplicate the simple words of Jesus. In John 14, Jesus plainly states exactly what He requires from His followers.
Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it You’re going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
John 14:22-23 HCSB
The pressing question is, what does Jesus mean by “keeping His Word?”
As always, Jesus does not directly answer the question from Judas, but gets to the heart of the issue by cutting through all of the misconceptions. The entire Gospel of John has illustrated how Jesus has been obedient to His Father in Heaven. This is the same desire He has for us.
To “keep His Word” is not merely belief as some would define it. It is not accomplished by liking God or liking Jesus. It’s not the same as standing for His truth. It cannot be summed up by following His rules for living. Keeping His Word means being so close to Him and we live our lives as Jesus lived His. How do we know this?
“Word” is the same translation John opens with in his first chapter when he writes of how “the Word became flesh.” It is the Greek word ‘logos.’ God’s essence – His pattern of life – became flesh and dwelled on Earth in order to show us how He wants us to live. So, to “keep His Word” means to hold fast to the lifestyle of Jesus. If that’s the case, how does it change the way we are currently living?
We obey what we love. It’s natural. People who love sports watch it regularly. People who love to travel plan trips all over the world. People who love their family spend as much time as they can with them. Again, sometimes we overcomplicate things. If we love Jesus, we will obey Him. It will come naturally. We will desire to open the Bible and find Him. We will learn how He lived so that we can live the same way. It really is that simple.
So, what do you love? Do you love Jesus? Are you eager to learn about Him? Are you intentional with seeking to know His heart? I’m not talking about following His rules – I’m talking about loving Him. Do you genuinely want to be attached to Him in lifestyle and purpose, and if so, what are you doing to foster that love relationship?