The Gospel Of John, Chapter 15
Have you read Chapter 15 yet? If not, take a miunte and catch up with us before continuing. Or else you'll miss out on reading the most valuable words of the day!
Jesus continues to make it clear that he is more important than any teacher or even human that ever lived. He says that apart from him, his followers can do nothing. In fact, he says that anyone who does not remain in him will be thrown away and burned. Very hard words to read and think about! On the other hand, those that remain close to Jesus will have meaningful, productive lives that will show other people how amazing God really is! Two very different sides of a singular choice that we all make, and continue to make every day.
Jesus emphasizes his desire for his followers to remain in a loving relationship with him. He doesn't want anyone to be separated from God, and would love for everyone to have a perfect and lasting relationship with him. He wants our lives to be overflowing with a sense of joy like we have never known! And he knows this will happen if we obey him.
Obedience to God isn't always fun. In fact, much of the time it can be difficult. But Jesus knows that obedience is the pathway to an unstoppable joy! If we were simply obeying a pastor or priest, it would be a meaningless chore. But God knows absolutely what is best for us. He knows exactly how we will find ultimate fulfillment, because he designed us himself! So it should make perfect sense that by recalibrating ourselves toward the designer's original pupose, we'll "function" the way we were meant to and fulfill the purpose of our design! Have you ever wanted to feel a sense of fulfillment and purpose in your life? The key presented in scripture is to follow Christ and become continually closer to him and his teaching.
Another amazing facet of this chapter is that Jesus calls his followers "friends". Think about that for a second. If you have put your trust in Christ and are endeavoring to follow him daily, you are God's friend! Not just a servant, but someone that he has chosen to bring close to him and confide in! And Jesus modeled ultimate friendship for us when he gave up his live so that we could live with him forever.
Although it's very likely you'll never be asked to die in place of someone you know, can you think of a way that you can "lay down your life" (or set aside your self-interests) for someone you know today?
Finally, we listen as Jesus comments on his relationship to the rest of the world, and in turn, our relationship to the rest of the world. The nature of Jesus' message is that some will embrace it and others will in some way be offended by it. There's not much room for indifference once you undersatand the totality of what Jesus said during his time on earth. And those that are offended by what Jesus taught will also be offended by the people who believe in it.
However, let's be clear that the reality of this situation does not give Christians permission to be antagonistic or play the victim. After all, the true battle has already been won and we are "more than conquerors" in this life.(Read Romans 8:35-39 for a very encouraging reminder of this!) Not conquerors over other people, but over the pain and fear that might try to make us feel removed from God.
Not only that, but we have an ally in life: Our Counselor, the Spirit of truth. He will help us understand God's word and know Jesus more and more throughout life, if we'll take time and learn from him.
If you're feeling alone or misunderstood this week, remember that God wants to have a very personal relationship with you. He loves you more than anyone possibly can and wants you to know the incredible joy found through loving and living with him.
Coffee House Question: What would be your idea of a true friend?
Don't forget to read Chapter 16 for next week!
Unconditional love.
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