The Gospel of John: Come and See the Son's Community

In our text, Jesus assures his disciples who are concerned about his departure. They wonder how they will function without Jesus present in their lives. After all, they have built their lives around his ministry for the past three years. They have all kinds of questions: Where is he going? How will they find him if they don’t know the way? When can they see the Father? Jesus answers their questions by assuring them of his commitment to provide for them in his Father’s house. He can do this because he is one with the Father. The life of the disciples will be fruitful as they continue to serve him by his gracious power.

This is where Jesus leads us in the rest of the chapter: serving him. As he loves and serves the Father, so those who love him will obey him. Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” But to keep us from thinking he is asking for cold, independent obedience, he promises another person who will come alongside us, to direct and empower us as we follow Christ. That person is sent by the Father and the Son to minister to us so that we have what we need to serve Christ. That person is the Holy Spirit.

Why does Jesus tell us about the Spirit? So that we don’t act like orphans but like sons and daughters. Join us Sunday as we learn about this generous provision of the Spirit of God.