John 14:31 – “But he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. Come now; let us leave.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus is speaking about His obedience to God the Father. He is making it clear that everything that is about to happen—His arrest, trial, and crucifixion—is not an accident but a choice.

When Jesus says, “But he comes,” He is referring to Satan’s influence working through Judas and the religious leaders who are on their way to arrest Him. However, Jesus does not see this as a defeat. Instead, He explains that His obedience to the Father will reveal to the world His love for God.

Jesus is not being forced into suffering—He is willingly obeying the Father’s will. His crucifixion is not a tragedy but an act of love and obedience. His sacrifice will show the world that He is fully committed to the Father’s plan for salvation.

The final phrase, “Come now; let us leave,” signals a transition. Jesus and His disciples are about to leave the Upper Room and go to the Garden of Gethsemane, where He will pray and be arrested. This marks the beginning of the final events leading to the cross.

Historical Context

Jesus spoke these words at the Last Supper, just before heading to Gethsemane. Judas had already left to betray Him (John 13:30), and the wheels were in motion for His arrest.

In Jewish culture, obedience to God was a sign of true devotion. The religious leaders claimed to love God, yet they rejected His Son. Jesus, on the other hand, showed true love by submitting completely to the Father’s will, even to the point of death.

At that moment, it probably seemed to the disciples that Jesus was about to lose. The religious leaders were plotting, Judas was betraying, and the Roman authorities would soon take over. But Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that He was in control. Everything was happening exactly as God had planned, and through His obedience, He would accomplish the greatest victory—defeating sin and death.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches some powerful truths:

1. Jesus’ obedience is a demonstration of His love for the Father. True love is shown through obedience, not just words.
2. Jesus willingly went to the cross. He was not a victim of circumstance—He chose to obey the Father’s plan for salvation.
3. Satan’s power is limited. Though he was influencing Judas and the religious leaders, he could not act outside of God’s sovereign plan.
4. Obedience is an example for believers. Just as Jesus obeyed the Father, we are called to live in obedience to God.

Literary Analysis

John 14:31 serves as the conclusion to Jesus’ teaching in chapter 14 and the transition to what comes next.

• “But he comes” – Refers to the arrival of Judas and those sent to arrest Jesus, but ultimately points to Satan’s influence in the events to come.
• “So that the world may learn that I love the Father” – Jesus is explaining that His obedience to God is a public testimony of His love for the Father.
• “And do exactly what my Father has commanded me” – Highlights Jesus’ complete submission to God’s will. His obedience was not partial or reluctant—it was total.
• “Come now; let us leave.” – Signals the end of this teaching moment and the beginning of Jesus’ journey to the cross.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 10:17-18 – “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” (Jesus chose to give His life; it was not taken from Him.)
• Philippians 2:8 – “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Jesus’ obedience led to the ultimate sacrifice.)
• Matthew 26:39 – “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'” (Jesus’ obedience was an act of complete surrender to the Father.)
• Hebrews 5:8-9 – “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” (Jesus’ obedience brought salvation to the world.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For believers today, John 14:31 teaches that obedience to God is the ultimate expression of love.

• If we claim to love God, we must follow His commands—not out of duty, but out of love.
• Like Jesus, we will face times when obedience is hard, but trusting in God’s plan leads to victory.
• Even when the world seems to be against us, we can have peace knowing that God is in control.

This verse also calls us to trust in Jesus’ finished work. He was not a victim of betrayal or injustice—He was the willing Savior who chose the cross for our sake. Because of His obedience, we can have salvation and eternal life.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals God’s love in three ways:

1. The Father’s love for the Son. Jesus obeyed because He loved the Father, and the Father glorified Him for His obedience (John 17:5).
2. The Father’s love for the world. Through Jesus’ obedience, salvation was made possible for all who believe (John 3:16).
3. God’s desire for us to love and obey Him. Jesus is the perfect model of what it means to love God with all our hearts—by trusting and following Him fully.

God’s love is not just about feelings—it is about action. He demonstrated His love through Jesus, and we are called to respond with obedience.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is central to this verse:

• He is the perfect example of obedience. He followed God’s plan completely, even when it led to suffering.
• He chose to go to the cross. No one forced Jesus to die—He laid down His life willingly.
• He revealed God’s love to the world. By obeying the Father, Jesus showed the world what true love looks like.
• He calls us to follow His example. Just as He obeyed the Father, we are called to obey Him (John 15:10).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why was Jesus’ obedience to the Father so important?
2. How does this verse challenge your understanding of love and obedience?
3. Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to obey, but you are struggling?
4. How can Jesus’ example help you remain faithful even when obedience is difficult?
5. How can you encourage others to trust God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense?

John 14:31 is a powerful reminder that love is proven through obedience. Jesus showed His love for the Father by fully submitting to His will, even unto death. Because of His obedience, we have salvation, hope, and the perfect example to follow.