John Reading GuideSample

Obedience is not easy! At least that’s the case when you’re the one having to be obedient and not the one calling the shots. In John 14, Jesus is very clear about who is in charge—He is obedient to the Father.

We can find a concise definition of obedience in James 1:22: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” An important part of obedience is reading the Bible. However, reading words is just the first part of being obedient. The next, and more important part, is putting those words into action. When we read about giving generously to the poor, we actually go do it. When we read about forgiving our neighbor, we actually forgive them. This is true obedience.

In John 14:15–23, Jesus tells us why obedience is such a big deal. He connects our obedience to our love for Him. He declares that our love for Him will give us a desire to be obedient. As we learn more about Him and fall deeper in love with Him, we will want nothing more than to be just like Him. The love of God prompts our obedience, not the other way around.

1) What did you learn about Jesus from this chapter?
2) What areas of your life don’t look much like Jesus?
3) What is one thing can you do today to make your life look more like Jesus’s life?