The Weekly Show: Episode 54 - John 14:15-31

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study John Chapter 14 Verses 15-31. Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/ Introduction to the Passage John 14:15–31 is part of Jesus’ final conversation with His disciples during the Last Supper. He has just told them He is going away (John 13), and now He comforts them by promising the Holy Spirit. This section is rich with truth about love, obedience, divine presence, and supernatural peace. John 14:15–31 is part of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse—His final words to the disciples during the Last Supper. This section follows His announcement that He is going away, and it’s filled with comfort, reassurance, and deep spiritual truth. Jesus begins by connecting love to obedience: “If you love me, keep my commandments.” He then promises another Helper—the Holy Spirit—who will come alongside the disciples and dwell within them. Jesus assures them that they are not being abandoned. Instead, the Father, Son, and Spirit will make their home with those who love Him. He offers peace, not like the world gives, but a divine peace that calms troubled hearts. He also makes it clear that His obedience to the Father will lead Him to the cross—not because the enemy has power, but because love obeys. These verses reveal: The relational nature of discipleship (love and obedience). The gift and role of the Holy Spirit. The presence of God in the life of the believer. And the peace that sustains us in the face of fear. This passage is both a comfort and a challenge—a call to live as people of the Spirit, marked by love, obedience, and peace. Key Theme One: Love Expressed Through Obedience (John 14:15–17) Verses 15–17: 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,[f] to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be[g] in you. Love and Obedience Are Connected Love and Obedience Are Connected Jesus isn’t asking for sentiment—He’s calling for loyalty. True love for Christ results in a desire to follow His ways. The Gift of the Holy Spirit (The Helper) “Another Helper” (Greek Parakletos) means one who comes alongside: comforter, advocate, counselor. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will live with and in believers—He is never leaving us orphaned. The Gift of the Holy Spirit (The Helper) “Another Helper” (Greek: Parakletos) The Greek word Parakletos means one called alongside to help. It can be translated as: Helper Advocate Counselor Comforter The idea is personal support and active presence—not just passive encouragement. “Another Helper” implies Jesus Himself was the first—this Helper will continue Jesus’ ministry, not replace it. 2. The Spirit Will Be With You and In You Old Testament saints experienced the Spirit coming upon them temporarily (e.g., prophets, kings). But Jesus promises a permanent, internal indwelling for every believer. The Holy Spirit is not just near you—He lives inside you. This is the birth of New Covenant life (see Ezekiel 36:26–27). 3. He Will Be with You Forever Jesus says this Helper will remain forever. This is security, not based on our feelings, but on His promise. Even when we feel alone or weak, the Spirit never departs. 4. The World Cannot Receive Him (v. 17) The Spirit is not understood or accepted by the world. Spiritual truth requires spiritual awakening. But believers “know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you”—a profound promise of intimacy. Key Theme Two: The Indwelling Presence of God (John 14:18–24) Verses 18–24: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 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.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 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. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. 1. Not Abandoned (v. 18–20) Jesus has just told the disciples He is going away—but now He clarifies: “I will not leave you as orphans.” In that culture, being orphaned meant being vulnerable, directionless, and unprotected—this statement is filled with compassion. Though His physical presence would soon depart (via the cross and ascension), Jesus assures them that He will ...