A study of John 14:20-24 reveals the coming of an indwelling Spirit, those who love Jesus keep his commandments, and a Father and Son who make their home with us.
A study of John 14:20-24 reveals the coming of an indwelling Spirit.
In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. (ESV, John 14:20)
In the midst of his Last Supper discourse to the disciples, Jesus tells them in V.15 about the Helper who comes when he is gone. And he goes on to explain. In V.19 he says that because he lives eternally so will they and in V.20, he connects these eternal relationships with three “in’s”. He is “in” the Father, they are “in” him and he is “in” them.
Jesus and the Father are united as the divine, eternal God. The disciples are in a saving relationship with Jesus. And strive to remain in that relationship as faithful followers. However, their new relationship will no longer be Jesus’ physical presence, but his spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit who dwells in them.
This was new information for the disciples at the time and they probably didn’t fully understand it. But the same relationship is true for Chistt-followers today. We recognize Jesus Christ as the Son of God. And a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior comes with the gift of eternal life and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
A study of John 14:20-24 reveals that those who love Jesus keeps his commandments.
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. (ESV, John 14:21)
All the “in” relationships discussed above are important. But Jesus expects more from his followers. The Greek word for “love” is agape and its meaning helps explain his answer. It is not love defined as feelings, romantic attraction, or sentimental affection. But as devoted, self-giving concern for another’s good expressed through action. In this case, keeping Jesus’ commands.
We don’t keep his commands perfectly, of course. Or out of duty or expectation that obedience earns us eternal life. But we do so joyfully to please God because we have eternal life through the saving work of Jesus Christ. Obedience is our response of trust and gratitude.
But even better? That same love is returned to us by both the Father and Son. The Father acts to send his Son as a sacrifice for our sins and the Son acts in obedience to the father to willingly sacrifice his life for us.
A study of John 14:20-24 reveals a Father and Son who make their home with us.
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. (ESV, John 14:23)
In V.22, Judas–not Iscariot but likely the son of James–asks a question. Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world? He likely expressed a confusion the other disciples shared. And it represented a general belief among the Jews. They expected the Messiah to appear openly, defeat their enemies, and establish a physical kingdom on earth. So for Jesus to appear to the disciples and not the rest of the world didn’t make sense to them. But the kingdom they expected was not the one Jesus came to establish. He affirms this when Pontius Pilot questions him about it.
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is not of this realm.’” (ESV, John 18:36)
However, rather than answer Judas, Jesus repeats what he said earlier. Anyone who loves him will keep his word. And he and the Father will make their home with him. The Greek word for “home” is mŏnē, and means a staying, residence, abode and mansion. It is the same word translated “abide” in John 15:5: Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit. Both suggest the idea of a loving, personal God whose presence stays with us. In other words, God is not aloof and distant. But close, personal, and welcomes all into His Kingdom.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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