Gospel | John 14:21-29

Opening Song:
His Eye Is On the Sparrow by Charles Hutchinson and Civilla Durfee Martin; sung by Kristyn Getty and Heather Headley

Lyrics:
Why should I feel discouraged
Why should the shadows come
Why should my heart be lonely
And long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion my constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me

I sing because I'm happy I sing because I'm free
For His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me

Let not your heart be troubled
His tender words I hear
And resting on His goodness
I lose my doubt and fear
Tho' by the path He leadeth but one step I may see
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me

Whenever I am tempted whenever clouds arise
When songs give place to sighing
When hope within me dies
I draw the closer to Him from care He sets me free
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me

Passage:
Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “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. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.

(John 14:21-29)

Musical Reflection:
Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury

Reflection Notes:
This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer’s church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.”

Prayer:
Let your mighty hand and outstretched arm, O Lord, still be our defense; your mercy and loving kindness in Jesus Christ your dear Son, our salvation; your true and holy Word, our instruction; your grace and Holy Spirit, our comfort and consolation unto the end, and in the end. Amen. 
-John Bradford