John 14 has some of my favorite verses. Jesus is telling his disciples that He will prepare a place for them. He tells them that those that love Him will obey his teachings. Jesus also teaches that the only way to the Father is through Jesus. (verse 6) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
I know that many find this statement to be offensive, exclusionary and intolerant. I just find it to be what Jesus taught. Because I believe that Jesus is who he claims to be, I accept this as a teaching of Jesus. Jesus didn't mean for it to offend anybody. He was just stating the truth.
Something important I've learned:
Jesus tells us that the way for us to show our love for Him is to follow His teachings.
The verse I liked best:
Verse 23: Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
A question to consider:
If Jesus says that we demonstrate our love for Him by obeying His teachings; are we studying and teaching what Jesus taught? How can we demonstrate our love for Him if we don't know what He taught?
John
I have so often read John 14 as patients are dying. I truly believe a "deathbed confessional" is as valid as any other confession of faith. I can not bring myself to think or believe anything else but that Jesus wants all of us in heaven. Who am I to say we won't all get there? This is what I emphasize to people who are fearing death, especially those who are struggling to forgive themselves and to confess their sins and make an effort to repent. They need all the love and encouragement they can get! Chaplain Claudia S.
ReplyDeleteHey dude, GREAT sermon/talky talk last night!
ReplyDelete"They need all the love and encouragement they can get!"
ReplyDeleteThey certainly do. Thank you for being there to love and encourage them.