15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 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. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
“Come now; let us leave.
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- Reread vs. 15:23-24. What is your understanding of the relationship between love, trust and obedience (see Gen 3:1-6; Jn 14:1; Ro 1:5; 2 Cor 5:7; 1 Jn 5:3-5)?
- The Holy Spirit is described as “Counselor” (v. 16), and “Spirit of truth” (v. 17) who teaches (v. 26). How would you describe the Holy Spirit and the Spirit’s work in your life (see also Jn 16:5-16, 26; Acts 1:8, Ro 8:2-16, 26-27; 2 Tim 1:6-7; Titus 3:4-7)?
- Read v. 27. Wordly peace requires that our lives be in order. It requires such things as financial security, good health, meaningful relationships, etc. The peace God gives transcends human understanding (Phil 4:7). It is an “in spite” of peace. Come in spite of any problem and in spite of the fact there appears to be no logical reason for being at peace. Share a time you have experienced or observed such peace.
Prayer
Jesus, love, faith and obedience are closely connected and interrelated. We love as we experience Your love. We become free from a preoccupation with ourselves as we experience Your love. As we experience Your love, or faith in Your love, wisdom and power grows. It now simply makes Spirit-sense to obey You. Obedience is a natural response to Your love. Because we trust it, we follow and obey You. Jesus, as I continue to experience Your love, may I increasingly grow in faith and love, and in faithful, loving obedience.
Jesus, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit through whom You indwell me. Help me to more fully realize and exercise what this indwelling can mean both for me and for Your ministry through me. Help me not to grieve or quench Your Spirit.
Jesus, the world’s peace requires that my life and world are all in order. World peace, good family and friends, job and financial security, good health, etc., etc. Your peace transcends such requirements. Your peace comes even in the midst of problems and chaos. Your peace is based on You being Immanuel (God with us) and Your selfless love which meets us in our weakness. Your peace transcends understanding. Thank You for Your peace.
Greek Words of the Day
English Word: helper | Transliterated Word: Parakletos (par-ak-lay-tos)
An intercessor, consoler, advocate, helper
Noun from parakaleo – to comfort, encourage, exhort. One called upon to help
A comforter, bestowing spiritual aid and consolation, spoken of the Holy Spirit
Family Engagement Activity
Today, make a conflict jar in your home. Every time a conflict arises, put a marble, coin, or something in that jar. If the conflict is diminished, the other person can remove the item. Talk about how God removes conflict. You might want to use your own conflicts as examples.
OR
Start something in your home and then allow anyone in the family to edit it to make it better. It could be a poem, a story, a construction project, a food item, anything. Take a picture of that item and share it on Facebook. Talk to your family about how the Holy Spirit is in us and invites us to add to what Jesus is doing on earth. Talk about how, because of God, we are able to join Jesus on His mission and do greater things. This is another time to bring up God’s math: Jesus + Me = More Than Enough
Going Activities To Consider
Today, listen to the song “Imagine” by John Lennon, which is a popular song about worldly peace. Can you find all the ways worldly peace is not just highly improbable but also bleak compared to the peace we find in Jesus?
AND
When in life have you experienced the peace that surpasses all understanding? Share these times with a friend. If you haven’t experienced this peace, mention this to a mentor and discuss the barriers that hinder this promise.
OR
Offer peace to another today, whether that’s comfort, aid, or forgiveness to someone in need.