Main idea: When Jesus left the disciples another Advocate would come and be with the disciples forever v.16. The Holy Spirit would reside within the believers and thus would be with us forever v.17. (BECNT) Jesus calls the Spirit “another παράκλητος.” This indicates that the Spirit’s presence with the disciples will replace Jesus’ encouraging and strengthening presence with them while on earth (cf. 14:17). When the Spirit comes to dwell in believers, it is as if Jesus himself takes up residence in them. Thus, Jesus is able to refer to the coming of the Spirit by saying, “I will come to you” (14:18).
Repeated verses: This passage starts and finishes with the same theme: Obey Jesus’ commandments. V.15-16 If you love me, you will obey my commandments. Then...he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever V.21 The person who has my commandments and obeys them is the one who loves me... will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will reveal myself to him.”
In other words, the Holy Spirit was sent to be with believers as a Helper for us to obey Jesus’ commandments (which is given in 13:34 to love one another or sacrifice for one another). What does God living within us mean is not only God gives us power to follow His commandments but also what we do represents God.
Reflection: Loving God in obeying Him is not easy and Jesus knew that. Therefore, He gave us Help, who is the Holy Spirit. If our love does not reflect Him or if we do not love one another that is because we do not rely on the Holy Spirit. There is no excuse for me to be unable to obey God.
On the other hand, the reward to love one another is to be loved by Jesus and the Father. That means, when I love I will not run out of love, because God gives me love as a reward. There is no excuse for me to run out of love.
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