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.

But {G235} that {G2443} the world {G2889} may know {G1097} that {G3754} I love {G25} the Father {G3962}; and {G2532} as {G2531} the Father {G3962} gave {G1781} me {G3427} commandment {G1781}, even so {G3779} I do {G4160}. Arise {G1453}, let us go {G71} hence {G1782}.

rather, this is happening so that the world may know that I love the Father, and that I do as the Father has commanded me.

“Get up! Let’s get going!

But I do exactly what the Father has commanded Me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Get up! Let us go on from here.

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.

John 14:31 concludes Jesus' extensive discourse with His disciples in the Upper Room, revealing His deep devotion to the Father and signaling the imminent commencement of His ultimate sacrifice. It serves as a powerful declaration of His love and obedience, setting the stage for the pivotal events of His Passion.

Context

This verse marks a pivotal conclusion to Jesus' profound teachings and comforting words to His disciples during the Last Supper, often referred to as the Upper Room discourse (John 13-14). Having prepared them for His departure and promised the coming of the Comforter, Jesus now declares His unwavering commitment to the Father's will, setting the stage for His arrest and crucifixion. The command "Arise, let us go hence" signifies the end of this intimate teaching session and the immediate move towards Gethsemane and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Love and Obedience: Jesus explicitly states, "that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do." This is a profound declaration that His actions, particularly His willingness to suffer and die, are not arbitrary but are a direct manifestation of His perfect love and obedience to God the Father. His entire mission on Earth was an act of filial devotion, demonstrating a unity of purpose between the Father and the Son (John 10:30).
  • Public Demonstration of Love: The phrase "that the world may know" highlights the evangelistic and revelatory purpose behind Jesus' obedience. His love for the Father, expressed through His submission to the divine command, was intended to be a public testament for all humanity. It reveals the very nature of God – a God of love who commands and a Son who perfectly obeys, ultimately leading to redemption for those who believe.
  • Transition to Sacrifice: "Arise, let us go hence" marks a critical turning point. It's the summons to leave the relative safety of the Upper Room and proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus would face intense spiritual agony and betrayal, initiating the final steps of His Passion. This command is not merely a logistical instruction but a solemn declaration of readiness to fulfill the Father's ultimate commandment: to lay down His life (John 10:18).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "commandment" here is entolē (ἐντολή), which signifies a divine injunction or mandate. It's not merely a suggestion but a directive from the highest authority. Jesus' declaration "even so I do" uses the Greek poiō (ποιῶ), meaning "I do" or "I perform," emphasizing His active and complete execution of the Father's will. This highlights His absolute alignment with God's plan, underscoring His perfect obedience as the Son.

Practical Application

John 14:31 offers profound lessons for believers today. Firstly, it teaches us that true love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commands. Our actions are a testament to our devotion, just as Christ's were. Secondly, it reminds us that our obedience can be a powerful witness to the world, revealing the nature of God's love and His redemptive plan. Finally, Jesus' readiness to embrace suffering and sacrifice out of love for the Father calls us to a similar spirit of submission and willingness to follow God's will, even when it leads to difficult paths. It is an invitation to trust God's plan, knowing that His ultimate purpose is always good.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 10:18

    No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

  • Philippians 2:8

    And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • John 12:49

    For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

  • Luke 12:50

    But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

  • John 4:34

    Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

  • Hebrews 5:7

    Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

  • Hebrews 5:8

    Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
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