John 14:8-17, 25-27
TEXT:
John 14:8-17, 25-27 (Contemporary English Bible)
Jesus and the Father
8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father; that will be enough for us.”
9-14 Jesus replied, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been with you all this time? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I have spoken to you I don’t speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me does his works. Trust me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or at least believe on account of the works themselves. I assure you that whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. They will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son. When you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.
15-17 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. I will ask the Father, and he will send another Companion, who will be with you forever. This Companion is the Spirit of Truth, whom the world can’t receive because it neither sees him nor recognizes him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be with you. ***
25-26 “I have spoken these things to you while I am with you. The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you.
27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.
REFLECTIONS:
Is Jesus like God? You bet.
But Jesus wants us to know it is just as true (and probably more helpful) to say the reverse: that God is like Jesus.
If we want to know who God is, how God is, why God is, where God is... the flesh and blood person of Jesus is our answer. And the most important thing Jesus wants us to get out this text is that he (and God) is desperate to bring peace to the world. This isn't a peace that happens by instilling fear and compliance, but through an invitation into freedom and relationship.
If say yes this invitation, we won't be able to help doing the things Jesus tells us we should do... things like loving our neighbor, helping those in need, and bringing justice and peace to a hurting world.
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application Find reasons to thank as many co-workers as you can.
Pathways Toward Centeredness For one week, try replacing a current habit with a healthier one. Instead of watching the next episode of that series you're binging... go for a walk! Instead of doomscrolling on your phone to kill time, carry a book with you and read a chapter! Instead of a drink to wind down after a long day, follow along to a yoga video on youtube! (You get the idea) See if you can replace the habit for the entire week.
Questions for Consideration Have you ever experienced an unexplainable peace in the midst of chaos or struggle? Where did that came from? What gifts do you possess that could be used to bring peace to others?