Sixth Sunday of Easter

WesleyMen Lenten & Easter Devotionals 2025

Gospel Lectionary

John 14:23-29 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

23 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words, and the word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.
25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur you may believe.

Reflection

Life is always on the move. We travel from one season to another, from one challenge to the next, and from one place of understanding to a deeper wisdom. In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to His disciples in a moment of transition—He is preparing to leave, but He assures them that His departure is not abandonment. Instead, He is moving forward in God’s divine plan, and so must they.
As we reflect on John 14:23-29, we see that Jesus is teaching us about a life that is constantly moving—not in a chaotic way, but in the direction of love, obedience, and the peace that only He can give.

1. Moving in Love (v. 23-24)

Jesus begins by saying, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” This tells us that love is not stagnant. Love moves us to action. True love for Jesus is shown through obedience to His word.

Many people claim to love God, but love without action is empty. When we love God, our lives should be moving in alignment with His will. That means growing in faith, serving others, and seeking His presence daily. If we remain still in our faith, we risk becoming spiritually stagnant. But when we keep His word, God moves toward us— He makes His home with us!

Reflection: Are you moving forward in love by living out Christ’s teachings?

2. Moving in the Spirit (v. 25-26)

Jesus promises the disciples that even though He is leaving, the Holy Spirit will come to teach and remind them of all He has said. The Holy Spirit is not passive; He is always at work, leading, teaching, and guiding us.

As believers, we are never alone in our journey. The Spirit moves in us, prompting us to grow, to speak the truth, to forgive, and to trust God. But we must be willing to listen and follow His guidance.

Reflection: Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to move in your life, or are you resisting His direction?

3. Moving in Peace (v. 27-29)

Jesus leaves His disciples with these powerful words: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” This is not an ordinary peace—it is not dependent on circumstances. It is the deep, unshakable peace that comes from trusting in God’s plan, even when life feels uncertain.

The disciples were about to face a time of fear and confusion as Jesus would soon be arrested and crucified. Yet, He calls them to trust and not be afraid. Life moves forward, and challenges come, but the peace of Christ sustains us.
We live in a world filled with anxiety and fear. But as followers of Christ, we are called to move in peace, trusting that God is in control.

Reflection: Do you move through life with Christ’s peace, or are you burdened by fear and worry?

Conclusion: Keep Moving with Christ

As we continue our journey of faith, let us remember that we are always on the move—in love, in the Spirit, and in peace. Jesus did not call us to a stagnant faith but to an active, living relationship with Him.

• Move in love by obeying His word.
• Move in the Spirit by listening to His guidance.
• Move in peace by trusting in Christ’s promises.

Call to Action

Live Out the Word – Jesus reminds us that loving Him means keeping His word. Strive to live in obedience, showing kindness, forgiveness, and grace in your interactions.

Trust the Holy Spirit – Recognize that the Spirit is guiding you. Lean into His presence through prayer and discernment in every decision you make.

Share His Peace – In a world filled with unrest, be a vessel of Christ’s peace. Encourage and uplift others, reminding them of God’s constant love and assurance.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your abiding presence through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Help us to stay on the move in faith, walking boldly in obedience to Your Word. Strengthen us with Your peace that surpasses understanding, and make us carriers of Your love and truth wherever we go. May we trust in Your Spirit’s guidance as we navigate life’s challenges. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Rev. Fotu Salusalu, Head of the Men’s Division of the Methodist Church of Fiji & Rotuma, and WesleyMen Regional Leader Pacific