Bible Study John 14:15—21
This section of the teaching of the Lord Jesus, is mainly
about the promise of the Holy Spirit. The Lord said that the Holy Spirit would
be in them that believe. Those who do
not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, don’t know what they are missing and
cannot understand why Christians are so interested in the invisible things of
God.
For those following this Bible study, let me interrupt with
this comment. The writings of Paul are laid out logically, and can be analysed
fairly easily.
The writings of Peter are largely linked to the experiences of
the people.
The writings of John are different.
He brings forward many analogies in the teachings of the Lord Jesus eg
Chapter 6 – the feeding of the 4000 related to the bread provided from heaven –
Jesus. Chapter 15 the vine and the branches. This analogy approach apparently
was quite common among the Jews from the east.
John’s writings have been described as concentric circles. You will
notice in these chapters and his epistles that several subjects are revisited
with added meaning. For example in our present study, the giving of the Holy
Spirit is outlined.
14:26 the purpose of the Holy Spirit is expanded
15:26 the empowerment
for witness by the Holy Spirit is explained.
16:7-10 the work of the Holy Spirit in the world is explained
16:12 the focus is explained.
Please take time to read these verses and check out what I have
suggested.
Returning to our study of chapter 14:15 – Another theme comes
up – love. He did present the challenge of loving one another in 13:34 Now he
develops love for Himself and the Father.
The ESV translation is helpful “If you love me, you will keep
my commandments”. This gives the true sense that love will be seen in action
and obedience, just like living faith will be seen in doing God’s works
(James).
14:16 It is good to note
the interactions in the Godhead, between the Father and the Son. We
glimpse the communications and activity in this wonderful relationship.eg “He
asks the Father” – God is not a distant, cold calculating judge. As He drew
near in the person of Immanuel (Jesus), so he draws near today in the person of
the Holy Spirit (Comforter, helper, counsellor). Verse sixteen ends with this
profound statement “He will never leave you”. This stands in contrast to the
happenings in the Old Testament. This stands as a promise achievable only by
the death of the Good Shepherd who died for the wandering sheep.
14:17 In a previous blog I tried to explain the difference
between the spiritual and the natural. This verse supports the idea that the
Holy Spirit operates in our mind and intellect rather than gut feelings or
emotional outbursts. He communicates ‘truth’. This may be direct to an apostle,
or via the writings of scripture, or the teachings of His servants. As we
discover the Lord’s emphasis on letting ‘His words fill our minds’, we then
appreciate how the Spirit speaks to us.
There are occasions where the Holy Spirit communicates ‘new things’ like
prophecy, but in verse 26 He reminds the disciples of Christ's words and 16:15 He
focuses on the person of Christ revealed – past present and future.
14:18&19 In these
verses, He gives a foretelling of His impending death and resurrection. I love
the simple yet sublime statement “I will live again” NLT “Because I live you shall live also”
The blessings of his resurrection are many, but here he identifies two.
1. 1 Their life in the present and the future is
assured because Jesus lives.
2. 2 Resurrection would vindicate His claims to knowing the Father,
and then assure His disciples of their part in Christ and the Father. You may
recall His message to the fearful disciples that resurrection morning – “Go
tell My brethren that I ascend to My Father and your Father” (John 20). Thus He binds the fearful, unworthy disciples
to both Himself and to the Father. This is Grace upon Grace granted to all who
believe in Him.
More in the next blog
John McKee
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