This part of Jesus’ conversation with His disciples features a number of questions and answers. Questions from disciples who don’t always get attention – Philip, Judas and Thomas.
I like how that shows Jesus as being one who loves conversation with any of His followers and in this setting invites questions even if they reveal how slow His followers have been in paying attention to His words. That’s why it’s good for us as His followers to be ever reminded of His words – it doesn’t matter how long we’ve been following Him, we cannot afford to take it for granted we know what He’s said. That is revealed in how we engage in the divine conversation.
The disciples’ questions are couched in Jesus expanding on that which is to come not just in the context of suffering and death, but of resurrection and the much needed return to the Father.
The words of assurance and promise in these verses are not just for the hearers of that day. Those who respond to the good news of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom benefit from the same fact that because He died and rose again and is now with the Father, we have the Advocate.
Jesus talks so intimately about the importance of knowing Him. The intensity of the intimacy is evident and also is His love for the Father and the desire for all to be united together – Father, Son and disciples. Hence the joy to be had with the Son returning to the Father and then the disciples expressing love by keeping the Son’s commands that came from the Father. They are able to continue through the Spirit that the Son will give.
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)
This knowledge of the relationship and the knowledge we have within of the Son and the Father making their home in us by the Spirit is the source of the peace we can have. The peace that will allow us not to be afraid. The peace that is not like the world’s idea of peace. The peace that strengthens, reassures and envelopes us in eternal and divine love.
It is only this peace that can ever keep our hearts from being troubled.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 