but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus' command, "Arise, let us go from here," isn't just a transition; it's a profound act of obedience meant to show the world His perfect love for the Father. This moment, poised on the brink of His betrayal, reveals that His submission to the Father's will, even unto death, is the ultimate demonstration of that love.
but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished a deeply intimate conversation with His disciples, preparing them for His imminent departure and assuring them of the Holy Spirit's coming presence. He speaks of His departure and the coming of the "prince of this world" but emphasizes that this adversary has no claim on Him, and that His actions are entirely driven by His love for the Father and obedience to His commands, before calling them to leave their current location.
Jesus declares His love for the Father, not just with words, but through action. What does this action reveal to the world?
In John 14:31, Jesus articulates a profound connection between His obedience and His love for the Father. He states, 'but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.' This isn't just a statement of affection; it's a declaration that His obedience demonstrates His love.
The World as Witness
The phrase 'so that the world may know' is crucial. Jesus isn't performing these actions for an audience of believers alone. The 'world' here, in its broader sense, is the witness. Through His unwavering obedience, even to the point of facing suffering and death, Jesus provides irrefutable evidence of His deep, abiding love for God the Father. It shows that His commitment is not conditional or superficial, but the very core of His being and mission.
With a decisive 'Rise, let us go from here,' Jesus signals a shift. What's the significance of this command and the proposed departure?
The final imperative, 'Rise, let us go from here,' marks a pivotal moment. It's not just a physical movement; it signifies Jesus' readiness to move forward into the fulfillment of the Father's will, despite the impending trials.
Obedience in Motion
Commentators suggest this command could be about leaving the upper room, perhaps moving towards the place where Jesus would be arrested, or simply initiating a transition. Regardless of the exact destination, the act of rising and going is an active demonstration of obedience. It shows Jesus moving towards His destiny with courage and resolve, embodying the very love and obedience He just described.
Ask a follow-up
It’s a call to action, a transition from discourse to deed, from the intimate setting of the disciples to the broader stage of the world's encounter with Him.
Understand the original words
patēr · Greek Noun
Refers to the first person of the Trinity, the source of all things, and the One to whom Jesus constantly directs attention and obedience. In the New Testament, the term emphasizes the intimate relationship and authority structure within the Godhead.
entellomai · Greek Verb
In a biblical sense, this denotes an authoritative direction, decree, or mandate given by God. It reflects the alignment of the human or divine will with the sovereign purpose and moral standard of the Creator.
kosmos · Greek Noun
Refers to the fallen order of humanity and the created sphere that is alienated from God. It represents the collective influence and systems that exist apart from divine grace, often used in Scripture to contrast with the kingdom of God.
agapaō · Greek Verb
A profound term denoting sacrificial, committed, and selfless affection. Biblically, it is not merely an emotion but is manifested through active obedience and alignment with the beloved's will.
This verse marks the immediate transition from the intimate farewell discourse in the upper room to Jesus' arrest and passion. The disciples are being prepared, not just for Jesus' physical departure, but for the ultimate demonstration of His obedience and love for the Father, which will ultimately redeem the world.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Last Supper
Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples, instituting the Lord's Supper and delivering His farewell discourse.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Farewell Discourse
In the upper room, Jesus teaches and comforts His disciples, preparing them for His departure and promising the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30
Jesus Predicts Betrayal and Denial
Jesus foretells Peter's denial and Judas's betrayal, marking the imminent end of His earthly ministry.
c. AD 30
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
After the meal, Jesus and His disciples go to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, where Jesus wrestles with His impending suffering.
c. AD 30
Jesus is Arrested
Judas leads temple guards to Gethsemane, and Jesus is arrested, betrayed with a kiss.
c. AD 30
Jesus is Tried and Crucified
Jesus is brought before the Jewish and Roman authorities, condemned, and crucified on Golgotha.
This passage powerfully echoes Jesus' obedient submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death, demonstrating His love and fulfilling His divine mission.
John 10:17-18Jesus speaks about laying down His life and taking it up again, highlighting His voluntary obedience to the Father's command and His love for the world.
Hebrews 12:2This verse speaks of Jesus enduring the cross, despising the shame, for the joy set before Him, which connects to His determined movement towards the cross as an act of love and obedience.
1 John 3:16This passage explains that 'By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us,' which directly relates to Jesus' statement that He loves the Father and acts as commanded, culminating in His sacrifice.
vincentJohn 14:31: "But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence."
But that the world may know, etc.The connection in this verse is much disputed. Some explain, Arise, let us go hence, that the world may know that I love the Father, and that even as the Father commanded me so I do. Others, So I do, that the world may know - and even as the Father, etc. Others, again, take the opening phrase as elliptical, supplying eith…
calvinJohn 14:29-31: "And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe."
And I have told you now, before it take place, that, when it shall take place, you may believe. 30. Henceforth I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 31. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and that I do as the Father hath commanded me. Arise, let us go hence.
And I have told you now. It was proper that th…
Jesus' command, "Arise, let us go from here," isn't just a transition; it's a profound act of obedience meant to show the world His perfect love for the Father. This moment, poised on the brink of His betrayal, reveals that His submission to the Father's will, even unto death, is the ultimate demonstration of that love.
Jesus has just finished a deeply intimate conversation with His disciples, preparing them for His imminent departure and assuring them of the Holy Spirit's coming presence. He speaks of His departure and the coming of the "prince of this world" but emphasizes that this adversary has no claim on Him, and that His actions are entirely driven by His love for the Father and obedience to His commands, before calling them to leave their current location.
Jesus has just finished a deeply intimate conversation with His disciples, preparing them for His imminent departure and assuring them of the Holy Spirit's coming presence. He speaks of His departure and the coming of the "prince of this world" but emphasizes that this adversary has no claim on Him, and that His actions are entirely driven by His love for the Father and obedience to His commands, before calling them to leave their current location.
"but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here." — Jesus' command, "Arise, let us go from here," isn't just a transition; it's a profound act of obedience meant to show the world His perfect love for the Father. This moment, poised on the brink of…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026