5/21/2023

Our scripture this morning is John 14:23-27.

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. 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. All this I have spoken while still with you. 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. 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.”

Jesus explains to the disciples (and us) that if we love Him, we will obey His teaching. He promises that when we do this “My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them”. God wants so much to be close to us, part of everything we do.

He says this to show that even as He returns to the Father, we are never alone. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence with us always, there to guard and guide us. However, we must choose to accept it, to listen and obey.

Most of all, Jesus leaves us His peace. He wants us to give up our worries about worldly things and trust that God has it handled. His comforting words will be with us always – “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Gracious God, while there is much evil around us, we put our trust in Your love. Help us to live in Your light and carry the Good News everywhere. Amen.

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