John 14:23
“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
This verse is part of a conversation between Jesus and His disciples. In the preceding verses, Jesus had been explaining to His disciples that He would soon leave them to go to the Father, but that He would send the Holy Spirit to be with them and in them.
In John 14:23, Jesus responds to a question from one of His disciples, Judas (not Iscariot). Judas asks Jesus why He would manifest Himself to the disciples and not to the world. Jesus then gives an answer that provides insight into the relationship between love for Him, obedience to His words, and the manifestation of God’s presence.
Love for Jesus:Jesus begins by saying, “If a man love me.” Love for Jesus is the foundational requirement for what follows. Love for Jesus is not simply an emotion but is demonstrated through a deep commitment to Him as Lord and Savior.
Keeping His words:Jesus continues by saying, “he will keep my words.” True love for Jesus results in obedience to His teachings and commandments. It is not enough to claim to love Jesus but then disregard His instructions. Genuine love for Him leads to a desire to follow and obey His words.
The Father’s love:Jesus further states, “and my Father will love him.” Obedience to Jesus’ words leads to the Father’s love being bestowed upon the person. This love is not based on our own merit but is a result of our relationship with Jesus and our obedience to His teachings.
Dwelling with God:Finally, Jesus says, “and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” The promise here is that those who love Jesus and keep His words will experience a special presence of both Jesus and the Father in their lives. This presence is not temporary but is described as making their abode or dwelling with the believer. It speaks of an intimate and ongoing relationship with God.
This verse emphasizes the inseparable connection between love for Jesus, obedience to His words, and the presence of God in our lives. It reminds us that true discipleship involves more than just verbal declarations of love; it requires a commitment to follow Jesus’ teachings and commandments. As we do so, we experience the love of the Father and the abiding presence of both Jesus and the Father in our lives.
It’s important to note that different Bible translations may use slightly different wording, but the core message and meaning of the verse remain consistent.
