Get the appThe Way Forward: A Journey Through John 14 Sample
Think About It
In this passage, Jesus walked His disciples through the connections between relationship, obedience, and love. Because Jesus loved God, He obeyed Him, and they lived in a constant relationship. Because Jesus’ disciples loved Him, they obeyed Him, and they were connected to the Father through Him. This cycle of love, obedience, and relationship would also be how the disciples would reveal Christ to the world.
The key to this connection is love. Jesus doesn’t love you because you obey Him. You obey His teachings because you love Him, just as He obeyed His Father because of the love they shared. If you obey out of obligation, fear, or to earn a reward, you’re missing the heart of God. On the other hand, if you claim to love God, but don’t feel convicted to obey His teaching, your love is not rooted in the deeply connected affection between Jesus and the Father. The balance only makes sense when obedience is a natural overflow of love.
Live It Out
- Why does Jesus connect the ideas of obedience and love together?
- What relationships in your life involve a healthy balance of obedience and love?
- What does obedience communicate to the people you love in your life?
- How might God be calling you to walk in His love and obedience?
Scripture
About this Plan
When Jesus only had a few short hours with His disciples before He would be arrested and crucified, He didn’t offer a plan of attack or simple clichés. Jesus offered His disciples peace, and He took one more opportunity to show them the heart of His Father. As we navigate an uncertain season, there’s hope to be found in the unshakeable words of Jesus.
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