Sunday 25 May 2025
Jesus 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." (v. 23)
Background
Today’s passage comes after Jesus had told to his disciples "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (v. 15) and said he will reveal himself to those people. Jesus’ words led to one of the disciples asking for further explanation, "Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?" (v. 22)
Jesus’ followers were probably still expecting Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom that would be seen by all people. Jesus’ reply indicates that he will reveal himself to those who are already committed to him in heart and deed and those people will have an even closer personal relationship with himself and his Father (God). He says: "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." (v. 23)
The word ‘home’ evokes many thoughts, feelings and images in us all. Depending on each person's lived experience, for some these feelings will be positive, for others less so, and for others emotions may be mixed. We live in times when many people have lost their home due to war, natural disaster or financial difficulties; others have fled their home to seek refuge in another country; and some have left their home due to an illness or health condition to live in a care or nursing home.
Having said that he and the Father will make their home with those who keep his word, Jesus then says God is sending them the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit (v. 26). Here John used the Greek word ‘paraklētos’ to describe the Holy Spirit. Paraklētos is translated as 'advocate' in the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible; in other translations the word is translated as 'counsellor' or 'helper'. An advocate is one who speaks in favour of another and supports them. In a later chapter John calls the advocate, the 'Spirit of truth' (John 16:13).
To Ponder:
- What images and feelings does the word ‘home’ evoke for you? How does, or could, this change when you think of God the Father and Jesus coming to you and making their home with you?
- How, and to what effect, do you think the Holy Spirit is an advocate for you?
Prayer
Help us, Holy Spirit, to keep Jesus’ commands to love God and to love others as ourselves. Come to us that we may we know your presence in our lives, helping and strengthening us. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Gill Sharp
Gill Sharp is a minister residing in The Peak Circuit. She works part-time as a chaplain at the Methodist Homes (MHA) care home in the Hope Valley.