We may grasp more fully Jesus' teaching during the Last Supper in St John's Gospel, if we classify his teaching under different headings, such as "words of encouragement", "promises", "parables" as well as straightforward teaching or instruction. The opening verses of today's passage illustrate this for us: Jesus starts off with a piece of simple instruction, teaching us in simple terms what it means to love him: "Anyone who has my commandments and keeps them loves me." There is nothing very mysterious or esoteric about this teaching: love of Jesus is a very practical, almost commonplace, thing: love is knowing and keeping the commandments of Jesus, especially understanding "commandments" to include all Jesus' teaching. Yet, in the whole history of Christian spirituality, it is clear that accepting the teaching and living accordingly will lead to great holiness. Familiarity with the words of Jesus will generate within our hearts a deep familiarity with God.

To this straightforward teaching Jesus adds three promises: such a person will be loved by the Father, Jesus himself will love such a person and will reveal himself to such a person. Love, then, is not an emotion, but a way of life, an experience, a relationship, a gift.