John 14:23
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read this as a simple cause-and-effect: "If you love me, then you'll obey, then God will love you." But Jesus is highlighting the inseparable nature of love and obedience; keeping his "word" isn't just about following rules, it's about embracing his entire message and life. This intimate connection is what invites the Father and Son to come and dwell within us.
Jesus is responding to Judas's question about why Jesus plans to reveal himself to his disciples but not to the world. Jesus explains that this special revelation is reserved for those who truly love him, which is demonstrated by their obedience to his words. He then elaborates on the deep, intimate relationship God and he will have with such obedient followers.
We often think of love as a feeling. But Jesus links loving Him to something much more tangible. What does that look like in our daily lives?
Jesus clearly states, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word." This isn't just a suggestion; it's presented as a direct consequence.
The Test of Love
Imagine the Creator of the universe wanting to live with you. This verse promises an incredible, intimate divine presence. What does that truly mean?
The promise that "we will come to him and make our home with him" is breathtaking. It speaks of a deep, abiding connection between God and those who love Him.
The Mystery of Divine Habitation
Understand the original words
logos · Greek Noun
The Greek term (logos) refers to an utterance, message, or declaration. It signifies the authoritative divine revelation from God, often personified as Christ Himself, conveying God's mind and will to humanity.
monē · Greek Noun
The Greek term (monē) implies a place to stay, an abode, or a dwelling place. It signifies the permanent, intimate indwelling of the Triune God within the believer through the Holy Spirit.
This passage echoes Jesus' promise of intimate fellowship, stating, 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.' It highlights the reciprocal relationship and shared life promised to those who love and obey Him.
1 John 2:24This verse connects obedience to Jesus' teaching with abiding in Him, saying, 'Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father.' It emphasizes that love for Jesus is demonstrated through holding fast to His words, leading to abiding fellowship.
Galatians 4:6The promise of God dwelling with believers is beautifully represented here: 'And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”' This shows the Spirit's work in making us children of God, enabling us to experience His presence and adoption.
Ezekiel 37:27This Old Testament prophecy foreshadows God's dwelling with His people: 'My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.' It points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with humanity, a theme deeply rooted in His covenant faithfulness.
Matthew 28:20vincentJohn 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."
My word (λόγον μου)The entire gospel message, as distinguished from its separate parts or commandments.We will comeCompare John 10:30; Revelation 3:20.Abode (μονὴν)See on John 14:2. Compare 1 John 2:24; 1 John 5:15.
henryJohn 14:18-24: "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
14:18-24 Christ promises that he would continue his care of his disciples. I will not leave you orphans, or fatherless, for though I leave you, yet I leave you this comfort, I will come to you. I will come speedily to you at my resurrection. I will come daily to you in my Spirit; in the tokens of his love, and visits of his grace. I will come certainly at the end of time. Those only that see Christ with an eye of faith, shal…
It's easy to read this as a simple cause-and-effect: "If you love me, then you'll obey, then God will love you." But Jesus is highlighting the inseparable nature of love and obedience; keeping his "word" isn't just about following rules, it's about embracing his entire message and life. This intimate connection is what invites the Father and Son to come and dwell within us.
Jesus is responding to Judas's question about why Jesus plans to reveal himself to his disciples but not to the world. Jesus explains that this special revelation is reserved for those who truly love him, which is demonstrated by their obedience to his words. He then elaborates on the deep, intimate relationship God and he will have with such obedient followers.
Jesus is responding to Judas's question about why Jesus plans to reveal himself to his disciples but not to the world. Jesus explains that this special revelation is reserved for those who truly love him, which is demonstrated by their obedience to his words. He then elaborates on the deep, intimate relationship God and he will have with such obedient followers.
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We know Jesus loves us, but what about the Father's response? This verse reveals a beautiful, reciprocal divine affection.
The promise doesn't stop with Jesus' presence. It extends to the Father's love as well: "and my Father will love him." This isn't necessarily about the beginning of God's love, but its active expression and recognition.
A Deeper Manifestation of Love
Jesus' final commission, 'teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age,' reassures His disciples of His constant presence. This promise of ongoing companionship mirrors the 'making our home' in John 14:23, emphasizing His commitment to be with those who follow Him.
"Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." — It's easy to read this as a simple cause-and-effect: "If you love me, then you'll obey, then God will love you." But Jesus is highlighting the inseparable nature of love and obedience; keeping hi…
