John 14:15-31


"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 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 in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 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."

Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" 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. 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.

These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here." (John 14:15-31 ESV)


The Promise of the Holy Spirit

In John 14:15-31, Jesus introduces His disciples to the Holy Spirit, the "Helper" who would come after His departure. He promises that this Spirit of truth will dwell within them, guiding them into all truth. Jesus assures His disciples that they will not be abandoned as orphans; the Holy Spirit will be their constant companion, enabling them to continue in love and obedience to Christ's commandments. This indwelling Spirit is the key to living a victorious Christian life, as He empowers believers to walk in holiness and truth.

The world cannot recognize or receive the Holy Spirit because it is blinded by sin and unbelief. However, for those who love Christ and keep His commandments, the Holy Spirit becomes a source of strength, wisdom, and peace. Through the Spirit, we experience the presence of Christ and the Father, as they make their "home" within us (v. 23). This profound intimacy with God is available to every believer who walks in love and obedience.

Scriptures to Study:

John 16:13, Romans 8:9-11, Galatians 5:16-18, 1 Corinthians 6:19


The Peace of Christ

In verse 27, Jesus offers His disciples a peace that is unlike anything the world can give. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict or trouble; it is a deep, abiding sense of well-being that comes from trusting in God's sovereign plan. Jesus commands His followers not to let their hearts be troubled or afraid, because His peace will sustain them through trials and uncertainties.

This peace is closely tied to the presence of the Holy Spirit, who reminds us of Christ's teachings and guides us through life’s challenges. When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are able to experience peace in the midst of the storms of life, knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33). The peace of Christ is a supernatural gift, sustaining believers in ways the world cannot understand or provide.

Scriptures to Study:

Philippians 4:6-7, Isaiah 26:3, Colossians 3:15, John 16:33


Obedience as a Sign of Love

Jesus emphasizes in this passage that true love for Him is demonstrated through obedience. "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (v. 15). Love and obedience are inseparable in the life of a disciple. We do not obey to earn God's love; rather, our obedience flows out of a heart that loves Christ and is grateful for His grace. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live in accordance with God's Word, transforming us more and more into the image of Christ.

Jesus promises that those who love Him and keep His Word will be loved by the Father and will experience His presence in a unique and intimate way. This relationship of love, obedience, and divine fellowship is the essence of Christian discipleship, enabled by the Holy Spirit who teaches us and reminds us of Christ's commands.

Scriptures to Study:

1 John 5:2-3, James 1:22-25, Luke 6:46-49, 1 Peter 1:14-16


The Victory of Christ

Jesus speaks of the coming of the "ruler of this world" (v. 30), referring to Satan, but He assures His disciples that the enemy has no claim on Him. Jesus' obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death, guarantees His victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. This victory is not only His but also belongs to all who are united to Him through faith. As we abide in Christ and rely on the Holy Spirit, we share in His triumph over the forces of evil, and we are empowered to stand firm in the face of spiritual opposition.

Jesus' victory over the world and Satan is an assurance for every believer. We are not fighting for victory, but from victory, as Christ has already secured it on our behalf. By living in obedience to Christ and trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit, we walk in the same victory that He achieved.

Scriptures to Study:

1 John 4:4, Romans 8:37-39, Colossians 2:13-15, Revelation 12:10-11


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions