In today’s lectionary passage Jesus is speaking tenderly to his disciples prior to his arrest and crucifixion.
He is preparing them for the reality of his physical departure from them that will occur following his resurrection on the day of ascension. Jesus wants to reassure his disciples that although he will be leaving them to join his Father in heaven they will not be left alone.  Instead, they will have God’s presence with them directly through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus tells his disciples that “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14-23-19). Here Jesus promises that he and his Father will dwell in the hearts of those who keep his Word and follow in his way. The word “home” here suggests intimacy, permanence, and deep fellowship with God. In contrast to a visitor who comes and goes, God chooses to abide with his people at all times. Through his presence we are transformed into temples for the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) as God chooses to live within us, in our hearts and minds.

Jesus’ promise also speaks of a mutual relationship. Love and obedience are not mechanical duties but expressions of a living bond that we have with Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit, that proceeds from him and the Father in heaven. To “keep his word” is to treasure Jesus’ teaching, to follow in Jesus’ way, and to orient our lives around Jesus’ truth and we live out our calling. Jesus knew the disciples would face confusion, fear, and persecution after his departure. So, the Holy Spirit was offered to be their constant guide and helper in all that they would be facing. It is this same Spirit who continues to guide Christians today.

The Spirit teaches, reminds, comforts, and leads us deeper into the understanding of Christ’s will. As we worship in different places, it is the Holy Spirit who gently guides and brings scripture to mind at just the right time, who convicts us when we stray, and who encourages us when we are struggling. This divine presence is not confined to church buildings (Acts 17:24-28) but is present within us for the everyday journey of faith as we grow in grace and holiness.

In the passage Jesus offers his disciples peace (John 14:27).  This is not ordinary or temporary peace.  It is not merely the absence of conflict or the presence of comfort. Jesus offers his peace; a peace that sustained him in the wilderness, a peace that led him through suffering, betrayal, death, to the resurrection. It is peace rooted in knowing God the Father, trusting his will, and abiding in his love. This peace is especially powerful when we are facing the storms of life. Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” (John 14:1). Here Jesus invites us to trust him at all times and in all circumstances; to believe that even in periods of change and loss that he is present with us and working for our good.

As we reflect on our passage we might want to reflect on the ways that we are open to welcome God’s presence, through the Holy Spirit, into our hearts, minds, and our homes. How might we, in our everyday lives, more actively keep his Word in our thoughts, words, and actions? Where in our lives do we need to experience that deep and lasting peace that Christ offers us and are there fears and anxieties that we can offer up to God? We might also ask how we can be more attentive to the guiding power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, as we make decisions and enter into conversation?

Last Sunday was Aldersgate Sunday, when we recalled John Wesley’s conversion experience in which he felt his heart strangely warmed by God. This experience of the Holy Spirit led him to new people in new places to share the good news of Jesus. As we journey through Eastertide, and move towards Pentecost, may we open our hearts and our minds to the coming of God’s Spirit; to where God, through his Spirit, may be leading us.