Sixth Sunday in Easter: Gospel, John 16:23-33             

John 16:23-33

Careful reading should occur whenever we encounter the words of our Savior. I think most of us would admit that we “know” the more familiar passages. Words we have read or that have been preached to us throughout our lives as Jesus’ disciples. But there are always gems tucked away in broader discourse and we need to savor the text so we don’t overlook them. In our gospel text for the week Jesus is closing his teaching as he prepares his heart to pray. By the way, therein lies a good lesson under the surface. Taking in the words of Jesus is always good preparation for our prayer.

Back to our theme. In the midst of this lesson the Savior is teaching his disciples, then and now, that the door to the Father is open. He will hear us in the name of Jesus assuredly. But he will hear us. Not just the Son for us or on our behalf, but he will be listening for our voices. Jesus then tells us why: “ …. for the Father himself loves you.” Did you get that? The Father loves us. It’s beyond good news and yet we ponder it not nearly enough. The Father, Jesus’ Father, loves us. With the same love that he has for his only-begotten. The Father loves you. He loves me. Bliss. Joy. Anticipation. Gratitude.

The Father himself loves you.