John 14:23
Jesus answered and said to 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.
John 14:23 continues Jesus’ conversation with His disciples as He prepares to leave them. In this verse, He emphasizes the central place of love and obedience in the believer’s life. Jesus makes it clear that love is not only an emotion but a choice expressed in action. True love for the Lord reveals itself in obedience to His words and commandments.
The verse also reveals the depth of intimacy offered to those who love Jesus: “My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” This is a promise of God’s abiding presence, a relationship where both the Son and the Father dwell with the believer. Such a dwelling is not temporary but signifies a lasting communion that brings comfort, assurance, and divine favor.
At its core, the passage highlights two inseparable aspects: love and obedience. Love motivates obedience, while obedience proves genuine love. Together, they form the foundation of a believer’s intimate walk with God.
Beyond this verse, the broader context of John 14 is Jesus’ preparation of His disciples for His departure. He assures them that His presence will not cease but will continue through the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. Faith, love, and obedience become the means of remaining connected to God, the Father, even in His physical absence. This assurance was given not only to His disciples, but also to all believers today.
