Daily Devotion, April 6, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read John 14:25-26.

Verses from John 14 are often read to bring comfort. Familiarity sometimes causes us to miss new insights these scriptures hold.

Jesus is speaking these words to his disciples before his impending crucifixion. He says in John 14:2-3, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Dr. Alan Culpepper writes in his commentary, “Not only is Jesus going to prepare a place for them, but he will send another to be with the disciples in his place: the Paraclete.” 

The Paraclete, as a Greek word, doesn't have an exact match in English. It is translated as Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Helper, Intercessor and Friend in various translations. And in verse 26, the Paraclete is described as the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is sending the Paraclete who will come along beside the disciples: “to be with you forever “(14:16); “to teach the disciples all things and remind them of all that Jesus said” (14:26); “to testify on Jesus’ behalf” (15:26); “to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment” (16:8); “to guide the community into all truth” (16:13); “to not speak on his own; but only what he hears and he will tell you what is yet to come” (16:13); “to glorify Jesus” (16:14); and “to take what is Jesus’ and declare it to the community” (16:14-15).

Dr. Gail R. O’ Day writes in her commentary, “Jesus’ promise of the Paraclete shows the disciples how, even in his absence, their futures fall within his providence. The disciples will not be facing their futures alone, unequipped with the necessary words of Jesus. The Paraclete will carry Jesus’ teachings into the future.”

Dr. O’ Day adds, “The Paraclete thus will proclaim the teachings of Jesus to them in the new and changing circumstances of their lives.”

Personal Worship Option:

In John 15, Jesus calls us to abide in him, in his love and to let his words abide in us. This is so that we can bear much fruit in this world. Abiding is possible because Jesus kept his promise and sent this One, the Paraclete, to help us. Thanks be to God. Amen.