Scriptural text: John 14:15-29
Lesson in Perspective:
Jesus revealed God to humanity. Jesus was the Word who “was God”; He was the Word who “was made flesh” (John 1:1, 14). He was the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world (1:29). The climate of Jesus’ claims came in an upper room in the week before His death.
Promise of the Spirit (Jon 14:15-17).
V. 15. If ye love me, keep my commandments. Love for God must be more than a fickle emotion. The Bible meaning of love includes loyalty and commitment. We owe this kind of love to Jesus: nothing less will do.
Firm Promise (vv. 16-17).
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever. Jesus had already told His disciples that He would be with them only a little while longer (Jon 13:33).
So as Jesus announced His pending departure, He also promised that someone would take His place. That replacement was going to abide with the disciples for ever. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of God came upon individuals somewhat sporadically and temporarily. But for Christians, the indwelling Spirit abides continually.
Assurance by the Son (John 14:18-24).
V. 18a. I will not leave you comfortless.
Jesus fully understood that His disciples would feel alone after His departure, so He was preparing them for this.
18b. I will come to you. This promise has drawn three interpretations: it refers to (1) Jesus’ second coming (John 14:3), (2) the gift of the Holy Spirit, or (3) Jesus’ resurrection. Based on what Jesus said in John 14:20, the third proposal is probably the best.
Purpose of the Spirit (John 14:25-26). Son’s Present Message (v. 25). These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. Jesus spoke many things to His disciples that night. He had instituted the Lord’s Supper, demonstrated a servant spirit by washing their feet, and taught them about the coming of the Comforter. While Jesus was yet present with them, He still had more to teach.
Spirit’s Future Ministry (v. 26). But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Jesus now summarizes the forthcoming ministry of the Comforter, who is also known as the Holy Ghost. This is God’s own Spirit, who was soon to be sent to the apostles in the name of Jesus. The word Ghost here is translated from the same word as “Spirit” in 14:17. The King James Version usually uses the word Ghost when the word Holy precedes it.
Jesus also added information about what the apostles were to expect the Holy Spirit to do. First, He would teach them all things. The Spirit would also remind the disciples of things previously seen and heard.
Peace Bestowed (v. 27).
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Given the context, Jesus’ use of that was a farewell bequest. But this farewell word was to become again a word of greeting, after the resurrection.
References: 2021-2022 KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, Enduring Word Commentary