Gospel of John Student DevotionalSample

Let’s break down John 14. In this chapter, Jesus speaks to His disciples about His upcoming departure. He comforts them by assuring them that even though He will no longer be physically present, they will still experience His presence. He promises that those who follow Him will one day be with Him in heaven.

In verse 21, Jesus emphasizes the connection between love and obedience. He explains that those who follow His commands and put them into practice are the ones who truly love Him. In return, they will receive love from both Him and God. When one of the disciples asks why Jesus shares this message only with them, He explains that His teachings are meant for those who genuinely love and accept God. In verse 24, He clarifies that those who do not believe in Him may reject His words and choose not to follow His teachings. However, His disciples understand that His words come directly from God. This reinforces the idea that following Jesus is the same as following God’s will. This message isn’t just for His disciples at that time—it applies to all His followers today.

In verses 25–27, Jesus prepares His disciples for what’s to come so they won’t be confused later. He tells them that after He returns to heaven, the Holy Spirit will come to guide and teach them about God. He reassures them not to be afraid, promising that His presence will remain with them through the Holy Spirit.

In verses 28–29, Jesus reminds His followers that He will soon return to His Father. He encourages them to trust in His teachings so that when He comes back, they will rejoice rather than fear. By revealing these things in advance, He hopes to strengthen their faith and give them confidence in what lies ahead.

Finally, in verses 30–31, Jesus shares His final teachings before His departure. Though His time on Earth is ending, He wants His disciples to fully grasp His mission and the promise of eternal life. This passage highlights Jesus’ deep love for His disciples and His desire for them to remain strong in their faith, even after He is gone.

Moving into John 15:1–17, Jesus explains how His teachings help deepen our connection with Him and God. He emphasizes that the more effort we put into nurturing this relationship, the better we can follow the path He has set for us. This journey involves developing the qualities and habits He wants us to cultivate. On the other hand, if we neglect our relationship with God, it’s like a branch in a garden that doesn’t bear fruit. Without actively engaging with Him, we risk missing out on growth and the opportunity to look more like Jesus.