Earlier the disciples asked for a one-time manifestation of the Father and that would be all they would ever need, but now Jesus declares to them in John 14:23 that the Father and the Son would come to them to dwell with them. Furthermore, since the Spirit is mentioned in the surrounding verses in ch.14, it seems that all 3 members of the Trinity are intricately involved in the life of the believer.

This has enormous ramifications for followers of Christ:

1. The dwelling of God with his people is intended to obliterate fear and timidity, while instilling confidence in the mission.  In fact, the Great Commission concludes with the promise from the Risen Lord, I am with you always to the end of the age.  Moreover, often in the OT, Yahweh’s declaration, I am with you, is immediately preceded by the command, do not fear.  The same language is found in Acts 18 after Paul had experienced hostility for the gospel in Corinth.  The Lord comes to him in a vision saying, do not be afraid and do not be silent, for I am with you…

2. The dwelling of God with his people is intended to produce a holy people.  In 2 Cor. 6, the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians that there can be no partnership or fellowship between the world and the church.  In doing so, he writes the following in 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

3. The dwelling of God with his people is also intended to cultivate contentment—Heb. 13:5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you”…

What else can we say we need if we have God?