Day: June 25, 2025

June 25, 2025

John 14:23
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Verse Context

This verse comes from Jesus’ final discourse to His disciples, the night before His crucifixion. Judas (not Iscariot) had just asked Jesus why He would reveal Himself to them and not to the world (John 14:22). Jesus responds with this powerful condition: “If a man love me, he will keep my words.”

The Greek word for “keep” is tēreō (τηρέω), meaning to guard, observe, and obey carefully. It’s not passive acknowledgment; it’s active protection and commitment to what Jesus said.

Here, Jesus links love to obedience. There is no such thing as loving Jesus while ignoring what He says. His words carry divine authority, and to honor Him is to obey Him. Notice also the promise: those who obey will experience intimate fellowship with both the Father and the Son, who will “make their abode,” their dwelling place with the obedient believer.

Commentator John Gill (1697–1771, Baptist) writes, “This is not mere talk of religion; it is the life of it. The indwelling presence of God is the privilege of those who love Christ truly.”

Broader Context

John chapter 14 is one of the most comforting chapters in all of Scripture. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure, assuring them that He is going to prepare a place for them (John 14:2), and that the Father will send the Holy Spirit to teach and comfort them (John 14:26).

This specific verse, however, cuts deep against the modern tendency to separate love from obedience. Many claim to “love Jesus” while disregarding His commands about repentance, holiness, sexual purity, church order, or doctrine. But Jesus says plainly: Only those who keep His words truly love Him. This truth is reinforced throughout Scripture:

• Luke 6:46 – And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
• First John 2:4 – He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

True love for Christ always results in submission to His Word. That is the mark of a true disciple.

Application

Appreciating God’s Greatness

Jesus doesn’t just demand obedience; He promises fellowship. The Creator of the universe desires to dwell with those who love and obey Him. This is the grace of intimacy that a holy God would make His home with sinners redeemed by grace. The greatness of God is seen in both His authority and His mercy.

For the Believer

Jesus doesn’t leave room for halfhearted Christianity. Love without obedience is hypocrisy. If we say we love Him, we must keep His words, not just the ones we like, but all of them. That includes His commands about prayer, forgiving others, evangelizing the lost, denying ourselves, and standing for truth.

Call to Action

Examine your heart today. Are you truly keeping His words or just claiming His name? Let your love be proven by your obedience. Don’t compromise to please the world; cling to His Word and walk in it. He promised that if you love and obey, He and the Father will dwell with you.

For the Unbeliever

You may say you respect Jesus or even admire Him. But admiration is not enough. Jesus said that love is shown through obedience. If you’ve never surrendered your life to Christ, this verse is a personal invitation: love Him by trusting Him, obeying His words, and turning from sin. He will come into your life—not as a guest, but as Lord.

Final Encouragement

John 14:23 is not a suggestion, it’s a dividing line. Whoever loves Jesus will keep His Word. There’s no separation between faith and obedience. And for those who obey, there is a glorious promise: God Himself will come and dwell with them. That is love, mercy, and holiness all wrapped in one.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us that true love is found in obedience. Help us to take Your words seriously and to guard them with our lives. May our love not be lip service, but proven in action. Dwell with us, Lord, make our lives a temple where Your Word is cherished and obeyed. For those still far from You, open their eyes and call them by name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing

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Shalom Shalom.