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Three times in what followed Jesus spoke of the reciprocal relationship between the believer and himself. Just as he loved the Father and was in turn loved by him, so there would be mutual love between him and the believer. Such love is not a matter of mere emotions, though emotion is not ruled out. Rather, true love is expressed in obedience. As Jesus loved the Father and obeyed him, so those who loved Jesus would in turn obey him. And, for the disciples, that separation from his physical presence that they so dreaded would be replaced by a deeper spiritual presence.
The first of the three statements of this theme was a declaration to the disciples that, if they loved him, they would obey his commandments (v.15). He in turn would request the Father to send another Counselor, whose function would be to abide with them always (vv.16-17; cf. vv.25-26; 15:26-27; 16:5-15). Jesus was the first Counselor, but he would not stay forever, at least not bodily. Of that the disciples were poignantly aware on that fateful evening. Furthermore, the new Counselor would relate only to the disciples, because nonbelievers could have no cognizance of him. In addition, Jesus promised that their bereavement would not be permanent but would be replaced by a mutual indwelling of Father, Son, and disciple (vv.18-20). (On the exegetical questions surrounding the teaching on the Counselor, see the commentaries, e.g., Barrett, 461-63). All this is stated positively twice more (vv.21-23) and negatively once more (v.24).
In the second promise concerning the Counselor (vv.25-26; cf. vv.16-17), Jesus alluded to all he had taught while on earth, much of which the disciples had failed to understand (cf. 2:22; 12:16). But the Counselor, here expressly identified as the Holy Spirit, would make clear to them everything Jesus had taught them (cf. 16:13-14). Charles Wesley may have had this verse among others in mind when he wrote:
Spirit of faith, come down,
Reveal the things of God;
And make to us the Godhead known,
And witness with the blood.
The chapter ends as it began with Jesus comforting the disciples. He bequeathed to them a peace for their bereavement that was quite beyond anything earthly (v.27). And he reminded them again that his departure was really a matter of rejoicing, because he was going to the Father (vv.28-31). The interpretation of the closing command is disputed.