Jesus was still in the middle of his farewell discourse to his disciples. He was trying to comfort the despair that they were feeling when they had first heard the news (during the last supper) that Jesus would be leaving them (John 13:21, 33; 14:1). He had comforted them with the good news that he was on the way to God the Father, that in associating with Jesus, the disciples had been in fellowship with the Father (John 14:6-11). Whoever believed in him, Jesus said, would be able to do the works that he had done, even greater works (John 14:12). In fact, he added, "if you ask anything in my name, I will do it (John 14:13)."

After these words of comfort, Jesus uttered some words that seem a lot less comforting to me. First, he said: "If you love me you will keep my commandments (John 14:15)…