Bible Verse Meaning - John 14:31

Verse Reference: John 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."

This verse stands at the climax of Jesus' discourse with His disciples. It emphasizes His unwavering obedience to the Father, establishing a profound connection between love, commandment, and action.

Summary of Key Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry notes that Jesus affirms His love for the Father through obedience. His willingness to act in accordance with God's command is crucial for demonstrating His relationship with the Father. The phrase "Let us go hence" indicates a transition, possibly towards the events of His passion, highlighting readiness to fulfill His mission.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes elaborates on the significance of Jesus expressing His love through action. He explains that obedience is the true test of love, aligning with the theme that loving God requires adherence to His commandments. Additionally, this verse serves as a reminder of the unity between Jesus and the Father.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ actions as a demonstration of both His love for the Father and His mission on earth. He also notes that this relationship invites believers to examine their own commitments to God's will, encouraging a life of obedience that reflects love.

Related Bible Cross References

• John 15:10: "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love." – This verse echoes the theme of love through obedience, linking back to John 14:31.
• 1 John 5:3: "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." – This reinforces the connection between love and obedience, mirroring the sentiment expressed by Jesus.
• Matthew 22:37-40: "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart..." – This passage underscores the foundational principle of love as central to obedience to God's command.
• 1 John 2:5: "But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." – This verse illustrates the idea that true love for God manifests in the observance of His word.
• John 14:15: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." – This is a direct expression of the connection between love and adherence to God's commandments, similar to John 14:31.
• Luke 22:42: "Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." – Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will in this moment reflects His commitment to obeying God's commandments.
• Hebrews 5:8: "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." – It shows how Jesus exemplifies obedience not only in His teachings but also through His earthly experiences.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

The overarching theme in John 14:31 is an intimate relationship between love, obedience, and action. This resonates through multiple scriptures, revealing interconnected truths:

• Connection to Love: Love is not merely an emotion but is actionable, as seen in John 15:13 – "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
• Illustrating Submission: Jesus’ life exemplifies submission to God’s will, captured poignantly in the prayer in Gethsemane, where He submits to the Father (Matthew 26:39).
• Examples of Righteous Living: In 1 Peter 1:15-16, believers are called to be holy, paralleling the call for obedience in John 14:31 as an expression of love for God.

Applications for Modern Believers

In understanding John 14:31, believers are encouraged to:

• Examine Personal Obedience: Reflect on areas of life where adherence to God’s word might be lacking.
• Embrace the Command to Love: Understand that true love manifests in service and obedience, just as Jesus exemplified.
• Foster Intimacy with God: Cultivate a relationship that prioritizes hearing and obeying God's voice.

Conclusion

John 14:31 serves as a profound reminder that love and obedience are intrinsically linked. It invites believers into a deeper understanding of their faith, encouraging them to reflect Christ's love through their actions. By exploring related scriptures and engaging in cross-referencing Bible study, one can uncover the rich tapestry of divine truth that connects the messages throughout the Bible.