The resurrection and you

April 25, 2021

14:1 – 15:17 Being in Jesus, just as Jesus is in the Father

Read John 14:18-20

The news that Jesus was about to leave them was a huge shock for the disciples (13:33,36). It was all very well for Jesus to tell them not to be troubled (14:1) but the prospect of being without him inevitably caused them to feel afraid and abandoned – he had been like a father to them, and they were about to be orphaned. The reason that he must return to the Father was so that he could send the Spirit to be with them and in them (14:16-17) and that would in fact be better (16:7). But right then, they did not want “another Counsellor” – they wanted Jesus himself.

And so he reassured them further by telling them that he would come to them again (18-19a). This refers to his appearances after the resurrection, which would demonstrate to them that his saving work had been accomplished. Those resurrection appearances did far more than comfort them by his return from the dead. Rather, the significance of his resurrection is that it provides the basis of eternal life – “Because I live, you also will live” (19b). The life which he had promised to all who believe in him is only possible because he himself is alive (6:57; 1 John 5:11-12).

Moreover, the resurrection will convince them of his union with the Father, that he is indeed God’s Son who is one with the Father: “On that day you will realise that I am in my Father… (20a; 10:38; 14:10; Rom.1:4). Because of that, the resurrection also confirms the reality of the believer’s promised union with him: “…and you are in me, and I am in you” (20). That union with him will be experienced through his Spirit – he is “the Spirit of life” and “the Spirit of Christ”, none other than “Christ… in you” (Rom.8:2,9-10).