This text offers us a glimpse of the preparation Jesus is making for leaving his disciples yet promising them that they will not be alone. A potentially confusing predicament for them, I’m sure. How is it possible to leave someone and yet they are not left alone? In order that they understood this, Jesus made sure that his disciples knew what was expected of
them: to love him means to obey his teachings and in doing so, the promise of his eternal presence.
This time must have been an incredibly frightening time for the friends of Jesus. Anticipating the isolation and separation from their friend and teacher must have caused great fear and anxiety. Up until now, they have followed Jesus’ every step, their life has been about being part of his life, his works, his ways, his journey.
The presence of Jesus will be replaced with the Holy Spirit, sent by God in Jesus’ name. The Holy Spirit is the presence needed by the disciples in order to love God and to obey his teachings, as they have been called to. The Holy Spirit will be their teacher and will continue the teachings of Jesus within them.
Many of us can relate to having a teacher that made an impact in our life in some way, encouraging us, guiding us, teaching us. Granted, this teacher does not compare to the level of teacher that Jesus was but rather a reminder and champion of us reaching our fullest potential and being the best we can be. Jesus is the ultimate teacher, showing us how to live our lives and to be examples to
all, allowing others to see Christ in us.
How wonderful for the disciples that they had walked the path with Jesus and now, knowing that he was to leave them, had the assurance of his teachings and the promise of his presence in the Holy Spirit. Jesus is with us too, he has made or is willing to make a home within us, if we allow him to. His teachings are there for us in the Scriptures and the promise and presence of the Holy
Spirit is ours too.
Perhaps today you can recall a special teacher or person that encouraged you to live your fullest life, be grateful for that person and pray for them.
How can you be that teacher for others, in your home, your community or in your church family?
