6th Sunday of Easter

As in the previous Sunday’s gospel, this gospel passage for the 6th Sunday is part of a larger section which includes the Last Supper and all that takes place after Jesus had washed the disciples feet, after Judas had left the table, and after Peter’s protestations he would never betray Jesus.  The section comes before the disciples see their master led away for trial; then be condemned to death on a cross. Their faith will be sorely tested. Jesus’ teaching, beginning in 14:1, was given to strengthen for the hours, days, months and years to come.

The passage begins with “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) St. John’s  meaning of “commandment” is far broader than the Mosaic laws. It encompasses the whole of Jesus’ life:  words, deeds and the ultimate measure – love. Now that we have an idea about what St. John means by “commandments,” what does it mean to “keep” (tereo) them? The basic meanings of this word [TDNT 1:21 ff] are:

• keep watch over, guard
• keep, hold, reserve, preserve someone or something
• keep = not lose
• keep = protect
• keep, observe, fulfill, pay attention to
  NOTE: that “obey” is not one of the meanings (although perhaps implied by “observe”).

Brian Stoffregen’s paraphrase of tereo as “hold dear” or perhaps, “consider important” seems to capture the sense of the passage. This interpretation goes beyond mere obedience. One may detest the words that one is hearing and obeying. One may detest the one giving the orders, but to avoid punishment, one obeys them. In contrast to this, phrasing it, “Holding Jesus’ word dear,” implies having a positive attitude towards that Word and the Word-giver. That is, wanting to hear and obey it out of love for the speaker.

There is a lot more to glean from this Sunday’s Gospel.

Full text of the Sunday readings
Detailed commentary on the Gospel