Father, Son, Spirit and Followers

(One Perfect Life Chapters 172-176) In this portion of the Gospel John records the teachings Jesus gave His disciples between the Last Supper and His arrest. He teaches them about the relationship of the Father to the Son and the Holy Spirit – the Trinity. He reminds them of the importance of keeping His commandments – as a demonstration of their love for Him. He instructs them on how the Holy Spirit will teach them and abide with them. Finally, He calls them to service and explains how through prayer the Father will provide so that they will have the resources to serve.

Jesus teaches on the relationship between the members of the trinity when Philip ask Him to show them the Father (John14:8-9). He who has seen the son has seen the Father because those two are one. Because of this Jesus states, “no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). There is only one way to the Father, that is to heaven, and that is through faith in Christ. While Jesus died for all people, only those, by grace through faith, who believe in Him will have eternal life.

The Son teaches the Father’s words, performs the Father’s actions and glorifies the Father. The Holy Spirit will likewise teach them the Truth of scripture, remind them of Jesus’ words and guide them into all truth (John 14:26, 16:13). By doing these things The Helper will empower the disciples in their service (Acts 1:8) and will glorify both the Father and the Son.

Jesus also teaches them that keeping His commandments is how we show our love for Him. Obedience is also necessary for us to be empowered for effective service to the Kingdom (John 14:15). Jesus points out they are to keep His commandments just as He had kept His Father’s commandments (John 14:31).

Our purpose in life is to serve God. Jesus uses the illustration of a vine and branches to teach this truth (John 15:1-11). Just as a vine supplies the branches with the ability to bear fruit, so Jesus empowers His followers to “bear fruit” Like obeying the commandments, bearing fruit is evidence of our love for God. We are not saved through keeping commandments or through acts of service. But obedience and service are the evidence of our changed lives and our love for God.

Jesus promises to supply the needs of His followers through prayer. Notice, the promise of provision is to enable service and not for personal comfort. Asking for things in His name is not a magical formula to satisfy our wants. It is the means by which we recognize our dependence on Him and express our faith in Him.

While Jesus teaches that the world will hate His followers, twice He tells them to “let not your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1, 27). The Comforter will teach, guide and empower them to sanctification and service. He will supply their needs through prayer. The Father, Son and Spirit will abide with them and in them.