Our scripture this morning is John 14:18-21.
I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 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.
John 14-17 is called the Farewell Discourse, a fancy name for the lesson Jesus gives the eleven remaining disciples in the Upper Room after Judas has departed. He says “in a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me.” His words give them hope and assurance, even in the face of His impending crucifixion.
Jesus is returning to the Father but promises them “I will not leave you orphaned.” Jesus explains later in this passage that the Holy Spirit will come as His presence with His people. We are never alone if we have His spirit within us.
He closes with a reminder “they who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me.” What we think and say are important, but keeping His commandments means doing, showing the love He has given us to all our brothers and sisters. We are all called to go in His name, using our gifts in the service of His kingdom.
Loving Lord, we are blessed by Your coming to be one of us, showing what a life in God lived fully can be. Help us to show the world Your love and the joy of being children of God. Amen.
