Sunday 29 May 2011
- Bible Book:
- John
"They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them." (v. 21)
Background
The writing style found in John's Gospel often seems like apiece of closely woven tapestry. Different ideas and images arediscussed, put to one side - and then picked up again as thedeveloping pattern is formed. In today's passage, John is exploringthe relationship between love and obedience and the ways in whichthese two aspects of Christian discipleship relate to the work ofthe Holy Spirit in the life of an individual. It's a complicatedpattern to weave - but John holds all these ideas together withinthe condensed thought and argument presented in these verses.
The reading is set in context by the opening verse, "If you loveme, you will keep my commandments" (v. 15). It is clear that, forJohn, these two aspects of discipleship are not opposed to eachother, but are to be seen as complementary. Love, in this context,is not about emotion or sentiment, but about making the dailychoice to love God and others by the way we live our lives.
Making the right choice is one thing - living lives that areactually shaped by God's love can sometimes be another. In our ownstrength we so often fail to be obedient to God and to reveal hislove to others. The good news in this situation is that we are notalone, because, writes John, the "Advocate" will be with us (v.16). This term for the Holy Spirit is printed as 'paraclete' insome English translations. This is a transliteration of the Greekword used by John. The word's primary meaning links with the ideaof a legal assistant who will be alongside us and who will supportus and speak on our behalf when required. The Advocate (also called"the Spirit of truth" in verse 17) is promised to the believers andwill enable love and obedience to be the marks of a livingrelationship with the Father and the Son.
It's a complicated pattern that John is weaving here - but thepicture he creates is an important one for all who are followers ofJesus.
To Ponder
How do you understand the relationship betweenlove and obedience in Christian discipleship?
In what ways does the idea of the Holy Spirit asan 'Advocate' speak to you today?