“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. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.’”
John 14:23-24a
The word lord has a long history in every culture. It speaks of authority, power, and obedience. When Jesus came, He entered the world of Roman dominion. The Jews had some freedom to practice their religion but were ultimately subject to the powers that be, the lords of the land.
Jesus called His disciples many years later and spoke to them about coming under His lordship. From then on, their frame of reference would be with Jesus as Lord. And unlike the Roman authorities who imposed lordship on the people, Jesus would be their Lord because of His deep and matchless love for them. As we read in today’s verses from John, when love is supreme, obedience naturally follows.
David speaks of the Lord in Psalm 23, drawing our thoughts to all that our Lord is: He’s our security, our safety, our hope, our faithful and caring shepherd. But David, like all of us, fell short of full obedience to the commands of the Lord, despite knowing God’s love. Yet the Good Shepherd led Him—and us, too!—on the pathway to repentance and renewal of faith.
Jesus called His disciples many years later and spoke to them about coming under His lordship. From then on, their frame of reference would be with Jesus as Lord. And unlike the Roman authorities who imposed lordship on the people, Jesus would be their Lord because of His deep and matchless love for them. As we read in today’s verses from John, when love is supreme, obedience naturally follows.
David speaks of the Lord in Psalm 23, drawing our thoughts to all that our Lord is: He’s our security, our safety, our hope, our faithful and caring shepherd. But David, like all of us, fell short of full obedience to the commands of the Lord, despite knowing God’s love. Yet the Good Shepherd led Him—and us, too!—on the pathway to repentance and renewal of faith.
Scripture Focus
John 14:23-27
Insight
“For the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.” (2 Chronicles 30:9b)
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 5-7
- Psalm 3
- Matthew 5
