The Gospel of John Lesson 65 (02-23-14) John 15:20-27

The Gospel of John Lesson 65 (02-23-14)

Lesson 65 – John 15:20-27

In v. 20 Jesus reminds them of something that He had shared with them earlier that evening just following His last supper with them. He told them to remember back earlier that evening in their conversation that He had told them that a servant is not greater than his lord and that those that are sent to proclaim a message or perform an act on behalf of their master are sent to carry out the will of the master and not their own.

Jesus had shared this with them just after His giving them the visual example of serving each other using the unpleasant and dirty task of washing their feet. His example to them at that time was to be willing to serve and meet one another’s needs in a spirit of love and humility and not out of mere duty alone. As the night and the conversation went on, Jesus expanded on the example of service of washing their feet, explaining to them that a servant must be willing to do anything that the master would ask them to do while they are in his service. However, again, His example to them was to perform their task in the spirit of service and not out of mere duty.

It is a servant’s obligation to participate in the things of their master’s life. A servant’s life while in their master’s service becomes their master’s. This was especially true at the time that Jesus said this to them. A good servant not only performed the task that was requested of them by their master, but a good servant took thought and care to do what is requested in the spirit of their master. It was as if the master himself were doing it.

Jesus was asking them to watch Him. He was the perfect example of the perfect servant. While in service for His Master in this world His only desire was to represent His Father and do His will. He did not come to make a reputation for Himself even though in serving His Master He developed a definite reputation. There was no doubt from those who saw Jesus that He was representing the Father. This is what angered those who would end up rejecting Him and His message.

Jesus in v. 20 was asking them to follow His example, and, as good servants fully represent Him and not themselves in His absence. They were to find themselves lost in Christ and His will, abiding in their Master and in His will, acting on His behalf.

However, being a servant of this Master was different. Many masters give their servants duties and tasks that are menial, difficult or unpleasant, tasks that they themselves do not want to do. Jesus however led by example. He only asked them to do what they saw Him doing.

The only problem was that they saw Him do a lot. In repeating His comment in v. 20 about a servant being willing to do whatever they saw their master do He was reminding them that if they were truly abiding in Him that they would be willing to do whatever they saw Him doing, doing it in the same spirit as their Master. This included the not so glorious tasks of washing feet and dealing with this world’s abuse aimed at their Master now being directed at them in the form of persecution.

But, this position of being a servant to the Most High does not involve just dealing with the down and dirty that this world can throw at us because of Him. It also has some tremendous rewards associated with being involved in the work of establishing His Kingdom. At the end of v. 20 He reminds them again that this world is divided into two sides or kingdoms, and, even though it is true that one side will indeed hate them, the other side will embrace them, and there are a lot of wonderful people on the embracing side. In saying this Jesus reminds them that they were not alone in serving Him.

In verses 20 and 21 He tells them how to tell the difference between the two sides. He tells them that in abiding and doing His will the two sides will naturally manifest themselves. Doing His will has a way of bring out what is really inside of people.

He tells them in serving Him that by the reaction of others to their serving their Master that they will be able to tell who is who. He says in these verses that those who did not know the Father would react with opposition and quite often some form of persecution to their serving Him and doing His will. At times this persecution and reaction will be found to be quite drastic, going beyond pleasant. However, in obeying the Master, others will treat them royally, treating them with honor and respect, acting on the words and principles that they share with them in Him Name.

Some in our day have the perspective that the Gospel and God’s words have to be watered down or couched in something considered less offensive to be received. However, Jesus’ words here do not imply this. It is here that Jesus tells them to be straightforward and honest with their actions and His message telling them in doing so that they can usually expect one of two reactions. He told them that in proclaiming His message those who will receive it will embrace and receive it, and, at the same time, in being straightforward and clear in sharing His message that it will also be evident as to those who are against Him.

It would be nice if it were true that all would eventually give into the truth of the Gospel and believe and receive it, but this idea is found nowhere in Scripture. Anywhere where God’s Word and message is proclaimed we are told that the reaction to it will be divisive. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God’s Word and message will divide out the good and the bad making it clear and easier to see that which is light and what is dark in us. Some having their heart melted by this message, being convicted of their sin, will receive God’s message of forgiveness and hope, welcoming it, while others, will find it offensive and narrow often reacting in anger, often retaliating in words or actions of persecution.

It should be said that some in thinking that they are receiving persecution for bring God’s message are in reality receiving a reaction to their message because they deliver what they call God’s message in a judgmental or demeaning way. In doing so, those who receive an unfavorable reaction often receive a reaction to their message because it is not delivered in the spirit that Jesus intended. This is not what Jesus referred to as persecution for identifying with Him. Although Jesus’ message was clear and straightforward it was always proclaimed in a spirit of love, compassion and respect.

In reading Jesus’ words here it appears to me that we need to be more preoccupied with being perceptive about what God’s Holy Spirit is at work doing than trying to find some new and supposedly more effective technique in sharing the Gospel with those around us. Our effectiveness in proclaiming His message depends on abiding in Christ and His Spirit as we proclaim His message. The Gospel is straightforward and simple… God came to die and pay the debt for sinners.  This is our message. It is not an easy message, but it is a message of hope for all that will receive it.

However, in I John 4:5-6 John again reminds us of the end outcome for sharing this message.  Those who are looking for hope will eventually receive it, and, those who side with this world system will not only reject it, but will often be offended and angry because of it. John says that it will be obvious to us which is which if we are watching close enough. Here is how the Apostle John puts it:

1 John 4:5-6

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁵ They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Again, in telling us these things Jesus tells His followers to get use to it…this world is made up of wheat and tares…and, we need to choose where we abide and get on with serving our Master.

In vs. 22-5 Jesus tells them that the Gospel did not come just for those who would receive it, but will accomplish its purpose in all. Some will receive it unto eternal life and others will have the response of rejecting it, in the end being judged by it unto eternal damnation. I know that this is strong language, but this is the Gospel message.

Jesus tells them in these verses that in His coming, those who reject His message now because of His coming will be judged now having no excuse. He says that if He had not come they would not have been held accountable for their transgressions. It is not that He could have chosen not to come and just let sin have its way and continue on as just a thing that happens. But, He had to come. For sin un-judged and unchecked is damaging and continues to expand its boundaries. Left unchecked and un-judged there is no telling just how much damage there would be.

In v. 24 Jesus says that He left those who chose not to believe no doubt as to Who He was and what He came to do. V. 24 says that He did what no other man could do. It was evident by their response to His message and life. He tells them in v. 23 that their response to His message and witness to them was one of hatred, hating Him and the One that sent Him, His Father, without a cause. Their reaction was representative and proof positive as to where they stood when using I Jn. 4:5-6 to measure their response. Jesus gave them no cause for this hatred. What he had offered them was hope out of a heart of love. It was their own sin that caused their indignation.

In vs. 26 and 27 He tells them that as time goes on, even after He is gone, that it will become even more evident as to Who He was and what He came to do. He tells them further about the coming Comforter, that when the One that God the Father would send to them, God’s Spirit, He would make it even more evident to them and also to those of this world as to who He was.

In chapter 16 Jesus will make known to His disciples another responsibility of God’s Spirit. He will tell them that as the Spirit identifies and witnesses righteousness to them and to this world, and, in doing so, by virtue of His righteousness, He will continue to point out and convict this world of its sin and need for a Savior.

In v. 27 Jesus will give them a job and a purpose. He tells them that they will have the duty of bearing witness that He indeed is the Messiah, God’s elect One. However, He tells them that their job will not be a difficult one. He tells them that it will be a natural. They will be a witness by doing just what they have been doing all along while they were with Him.

However, Jesus knows that it in reality will be more difficult for them than just a walk in the park, for in obeying Jesus the opposition will turn up the heat on them. He ends up telling them in 16:1 not to be offended by the difficulty He will cause them.

The Gospel of John Lesson 64 (02-16-14) John 15:18-9

The Gospel of John Lesson 64 (02-16-14)

Lesson 64 – John 15:18-9

In v. 18 Jesus reminds them which side of the street that they live on. Much of our difficulty comes from trying to fit in to a world and its system that we will never fit into. Our time is coming, but for now life here is difficult at best.

I have a friend and while we were talking one day out of the blue he said to me “I don’t fit into this world and the way that it works” expressing his frustration in making the so called essentials of this life work for him and his family.  My friend is a Christian, a believer and sincere follower of Christ, an attorney, a businessman, trying to make a living and take care of and provide for his family, truly making an honest attempt at making this thing called life here work. His comment is not an unusual one for a believer in Christ. This world is definitely out of sync with the life that Christ has called us to live.

Most of those who are of this world and align themselves with it identify with it because of its principles and, probably more so, by what it has to offer them. If you plug into this world and its system or way of operation you can get a lot. Sure you have to give up, give up a lot…everything that is you. But, then there is the promise…the promise of a lot…a lot more…at least more than what you have. It looks like the land of opportunity…if you play the game, joining those of this world adopting their principles.

In doing so, however, to get that lot more, you have to make concessions and compromises. Compromise your ideals. Compromise your principles. Compromise your time. Compromise the direction of your life. Compromise your purpose. Generally compromise your life, mostly denying the innate knowledge of who and what God has purposed you to be, most often for monetary gain, or in most cases existence, which temporarily appears to secure us a place and possibly some sort of purpose here in this present world system.

However, if you do concede and join this world’s offer, you can get… the successes of so called life in this world and what it offers… wealth, fame, status, comfort, pleasure, prestige, and sometimes position and power. Even if it was not what God created you for. Deny yourself and come join me is the call of this world. Come join me and get so much more than what you have right now. It all looks so good.  But, can the world make good on its promise? At what cost?

This is what Satan had offered Jesus when he tested or tempted Him in Matthew chapter 4. Jesus had already made His decision where His allegiance would lie. There was no real choice for Him…there was only one choice as far as He was concerned. His choice was clearly seen in His life. But, it did not come without repercussions from not fitting into a world that did not adhere to His Father’s principles and demanded total allegiance to its ways instead of God’s.

In saying this in v. 18 to His disciples… now the disciples will have to make their choice. Just prior to this, in this same conversation with them, Jesus had explained and challenged them to commit themselves fully to Him tapping into the True Vine challenging them to fully abide in Him. Now He begins the pruning process explaining to them that this world system with its ways was never intended for them, and, that in choosing to abide in Him they may be treated differently than those that choose allegiance with this world. In joining Jesus and abiding in Him those identifying with this world may say, “We don’t serve or like your kind here”. It is strange; this world inherently knows like Egypt of old, that it cannot live without us. But, it still won’t embrace or like us.

It is true that in reality they had already made their choice to follow Jesus, but now they will need to make a conscious choice, and, the choice that they make will have to include this reality, the reality that this world does not really like Jesus and now that includes them. In saying this to them in v. 18 Jesus is also challenging them to leave behind the ways of a world that were not meant for them and will not work for them if they are focusing on abiding in Him and His ways. The two worlds may attempt to tolerate each other, but in focusing on Christ’s challenge that He gave to them, the old ways of this world will not work.

However, Jesus in telling them this does not put it this way. He does not tell them that there will be times of difficulty and at times that they will be ignored or even occasionally or temporally shunned, ridiculed or rejected. He uses the much stronger word to describe what to expect from those who have bought into and agreed to accept the terms offered by this world using the word ‘hate’ which carries with it all kinds of possibilities. Hate, now there’s a dangerous word. Just imagine the possibilities.

Jesus was not one to over emphasize or exaggerate. When He said something it was not meant to be used as a lever to get His audience to do what He wanted as is so often found in politics, sales or other areas of life sensationalizing a potential hazard for personal gain.  No, this was a reality that they would have to be aware of if they were going to be a part of His family and organization. This was especially true for those present who would soon experience the reality of this statement.

The accusation has been made that in telling people about Jesus that we all too often tend to highlight the good or the benefits of knowing and following Christ.  In claiming an ‘abundant life’ for those following Christ and not explaining Jesus’ meaning of that statement one can give the picture that there are only so called good benefits in choosing to follow Christ and that there is no down side, or difficulty in making this choice. Doing so can be misleading. Jesus indeed did promise an abundant life for all who follow Him, however, His perspective and meaning of that abundant life was not the same as this world might give.

Before we go any further, it must be stated that this world offers a deceptive or twisted view of the benefits in joining them in their pursuits. They promise so much, but the end result is nothing like what is promised. It is bait and switch at its best. Even Jesus warned those who would hear of this deception. The world’s offer includes so many so called benefits when in reality in joining them what you get is a lot less than what you were led to believe. In reality, so often what you get is found to be more of a difficulty and a snare than a benefit.

However, in Jesus offering a full, ‘abundant life, to His followers He was offering them so much more than just the false temporary pleasures that this world promises its followers. Jesus’ offer included the exclusive benefits of Joy, Adoration and Worship, benefits that this world cannot even offer. Oddly enough, these benefits are often enjoyed even while suffering persecution.

But, notice that Jesus waits till now to make this point a reality to them. Up until this point in their relationship with Him His disciples had known little if any real difficulty or persecution for being with and following Jesus. Yes, they had been with Jesus when Jesus suffered opposition, but they were more observers at that time. The confrontation at that time was with Jesus and did not include them directly. Jesus tells them that now they will face the same difficulty and confrontation…persecution, directly involving them, that He did, and…it will be because of their decision to follow Him…guilty by association.

Notice how honest He is with them even at the risk of losing them. When difficulty was mentioned earlier in this book others not wanting to suffer with Him turned and left Him. He tells them that they will suffer significant difficulty because of their being connected to Him. Jesus’ call to come follow Him includes benefits and one of them He says here is persecution, persecution from a world that does not like Him or His message. Now He shares with them the reality of what it is really like to be a Christian and a follower of His. In v. 18 He says “If the world hates you, you know (or should be aware) that it hated Me (first) before it hated you”.

In saying this He is not implying that there is a random chance that some of us might find disfavor with the world that we find ourselves living in, but in stating this, just following His admonition to bond to Him and to each other, He braces them for the reality of what is to come because He has chosen them and they have chosen to be followers of His. His statement here is not that it might happen to them, but that it will indeed happen and when it does they were to remember that it was His experience also.

We all like to be liked and accepted by others. To be accepted is an extremely strong drive for us. However, Jesus reminds them here in this chapter that there are two kingdoms on this earth and one cannot in reality live in both for they are diametrically opposed to each other. Either they will live in one and be hated by the other or they will obey other and in the end be found to be at enmity with its opposite. Our Lord had strong words in Revelation 3:16 for a group of people in Laodicea who found their life in compromise trying to fit in. His message to them was to choose one side or the other. Jesus was being pointed with His disciples here making clear to them that in their choosing to abide in and follow Him they were to leave behind a world that was in opposition to Him.

We must make a choice…there is no middle ground. It is clear in v. 19 that Jesus does not give them the option to do both. He does not tell them to just blend in and do the best possible. He clearly identifies the two choices. But, in doing so in essence tells them that they only get one choice. The taste of the two mixed together to Him is offensive. He tells them to get use to it. This is your life now. Make a clear choice and commitment. Joy will come, be patient. Jn. 15:11 In a world of Facebook where likes and dislikes are registered and tallied Jesus reminds us to do the same, make only one choice.

The Gospel of John Lesson 63 (02-09-14) John 15:14-7

The Gospel of John Lesson 63 (02-09-14)

Lesson 63 – John 15:14-7

 “Any friend of yours is a friend of mine’, have you ever heard someone make this statement? What they are saying is that they like you and consider you their friend by whatever standards or criteria that they choose or set. It is guilty, or in this case acceptance, by association. This statement is stated on the presumption that most people chose and associate with those that are like themselves and if they consider you a friend then they assume that your friends will be like you and also worthy of their friendship.

In John chapter 15 and v. 14 Jesus makes a similar statement. He tells His disciples that those that are truly His friends will be found having the same interests. Birds of a feather flock together. Dissimilar interests do not mix well together. It is like oil and water…sweet and bitter, acidic and basic, light and dark, opposites like these just don’t go well together…they don’t mix together well. As a matter of fact, some things like light and dark do not tolerate or go together at all. This is in essence what Jesus is telling His disciples in v. 14 of chapter 15.

This is not in any way a statement enforcing or continuing a relationship with His disciples under the old system of the Law. Again, what Jesus shows them here in chapters 13 through pretty much the end of John’s Gospel is the New Covenant. In just a couple of verses Jesus will make it very clear how He views His relationship with His disciples saying that under the old system it was a servant-master relationship, however, when His work on the Cross is complete and the New Covenant is fully in place and established He will approach His relationship with His followers on the basis of a close friendship.

They say you are known by the company that you keep. Jesus in v. 14 tells His disciples that those that are truly in relationship with Him, not only saying that they are His friends, but are indeed true friends of Jesus, will keep His sayings. This is what John’s second letter, I John, is all about. He will tell those in the early Church that what they do, their actions, will make known whose they are.

In v. 15 Jesus tells His followers something pretty amazing…actually beyond incredible! It is amazing enough that Jesus makes known His perspective to them under this new relationship, under the New Covenant, telling them that they are no longer, because of what is about to happen on the Cross, considered servants, but are now considered fully fledged-friends.

But, the part that that is hard to fathom is the part that He says to them next in the second half of this verse. He tells them that because this is a true friendship relationship that they really do share their lives together, sharing even the details of their life.

This of course would be expected in a normal relationship, but even though what is described here is a true relationship it is a relationship that is in no way run of the mill. The part that is amazing about this relationship is that this relationship is not with another person, it is with God. Wow!

In v. 15 He tells them that as in any good friendship and relationship He has shared intimate and personal details with them. There is no telling what friends will share with another friend. True friends share the good and the bad, the serious and the casual, the real important and the common parts of their lives.

But,…this is God. There is nothing casual or common about Him, and, in v. 15 Jesus tells us that He had held nothing back in His relationship with His followers, telling them that He had told and shared everything with them that the Father had shared with Him. Wow, now this is a relationship worth taking serious and putting some effort into.

However, there is even more to this relationship that we should consider. In most normal relationships personal information is shared, and, it is generally understood that what is shared between friends stays between friends. In other words, what is shared is personal and is not to be repeated.

However, Jesus’ very personal relationship with His Father, sharing very personal details with us, is different on this point. He told His followers in Matt. 10:27 that even though His conversations with them were so personal that they would be shared with them in secret or in a private setting, being intimate, that this very personal information that He shared with them was meant to be made public.

This is how Jesus put it in one translation (ERV); He tells them this in Matt. 10:27:

²⁷ I tell you all this secretly, but I want you to tell it publicly. Whatever I tell you privately,^[c] you should shout for everyone to hear.

And, the ESV version puts it this way: ²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

When you sit at night at home or in a private setting you talk, and you say things that are more private, more intimate. In these settings you share the secrets of your soul, very personal things, what’s on your heart…at times what we would call ‘family secrets’.

 What Jesus had shared with them was indeed personal, but He, Jesus, had nothing to hide. As a matter of fact, the personal friendship that He had shared with His followers was not meant to be exclusive, but was meant to be inclusive, Jesus willing to have this same intimate and personal relationship with anyone that would.

Don’t be misled by this offer thinking that this relationship in being an open invitation is too common and has the appearance of being too generic. In our hearts we know that we need someone like Jesus to share our inner most and intimate details of life with, privately sharing not only our successes, but also our failures. The personal stuff that Jesus tells them in private He said was meant to be shared publicly; however, what we share with Him is kept completely between friends. It is kept completely private, shared with no one but Him. What a friend!

In v. 15 Jesus tells His disciples that He will share His intimate conversations and the details that He had had with God the Father with them. This is significant because now we see God and man take on a relationship that is unique between them, having special significance between God and His creation.

We know that in the beginning man was created different and special among all of God’s creation, having a special position or place among God’s creation. It was a position that even the angels, if it were possible, might be envious of. We know that it is not possible for an angel of God to be envious, for doing so would be sin. However, in watching this relationship that God had with man I Peter 1:12 tells us that even the angels stand in wonder, pondering and wondering what it is all about.

We are told that God’s relationship with man is one of a kind, this relationship and position like none other among God’s creation, saying that man was created in God’s own image. However, as we know from the Genesis account, man kept not his first estate, disobeying God in the Garden, falling position-ally as well as relationally.

Prior to man’s fall man had a relationship with God that was personal and intimate. In the Garden, man knew God’s presence when He was around or near, not being afraid of Him in any way…he had nothing to be afraid of…actually longing, looking forward to his encounters with God.

Prior to man’s fall man was found doing the works of God with Him and for Him, humbly serving with God in an honored position. However, even though man served God, doing the work’s of God, it appears in the Genesis account that it was not your normal master-servant relationship, but one of closeness, like that of family. Man was given a dominion and domain and acted as God, doing the works of God on His behalf, worshiping and honoring God in the process. This is a foreign concept and one hard for us to believe and relate to. But, this was our position and what we were created to do once upon a time.

However, the fall spoiled all of that. Man once God’s servant, friend and ambassador now joined the forces of the other side and along with them became God’s enemy turning against God instead of serving Him, now instead selfishly serving himself and not God.

Man prior to the fall served from God’s perspective, abiding in God and in His will and ways. It is interesting, but man’s attitude and actions prior to the fall strangely resembled what Jesus told His disciples in Jn. 14:12 about them continuing the great works of Jesus and God in His absence. As we look at what Jesus tells His disciples here in this section of John, chapters 13-5, we see man restored in his original relationship with God, having very special honors and privileges, working with God and working on His behalf, Jn. 15:15-6.

Here in John chapter 15 Jesus makes it clear to His disciples that this reestablished relationship did not come because of them and their ability. Even though they will be told that they will need to keep His commandments, it will be impossible for them to fulfill this requirement on their own. In the Amplified version the Apostle John tells us in I Jn. chapter 3 and vs. 23 and 24 this:

1 John 3:23-24

Amplified Bible (AMP)

²³ And this is His order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and that we should love one another, just as He has commanded us.

²⁴ All who keep His commandments [who obey His orders and follow His plan, live and continue to live, to stay and] abide in Him, and He in them. [^[a]They let Christ be a home to them and they are the home of Christ.] And by this we know and understand and have the proof that He [really] lives and makes His home in us: by the [Holy] Spirit Whom He has given us.

Christ had completed this work for us, establishing us in His righteousness, by the work of the Holy Spirit through Jesus’ death on the Cross, by the act of regeneration, imputing unto us His own righteous, making us flawless, reestablishing those who will believe and receive His offer of salvation. This is the only way that Jesus could call those who were once true enemies of Him friends.

John 15:15 was Adam’s relationship with God prior to his fall. He abode in God and knew of His presence as he worked and walked with God in the Garden. Abraham also knew of this relationship calling God his friend asking God to sit down and fellowship with him as he saw God going by.

In v. 16 of chapter 15 Jesus reminds them that it was again His work that made this new relationship possible, He telling them that they cannot take any credit for this work, not even in their choice in following Him. He tells them that they did not choose Him, but that He actually had chosen them.

But there is more. With this bestowing of His mercy on them comes much more. He not only chose to make them a part of His family, but He also chose to bestowed additional blessing upon His followers, actually ‘ordaining’ that they partake and join Him in the establishing of His Kingdom, giving them the privileges of ‘bearing fruit’ of the Kingdom that would remain and last forever! Some translations tell us that God actually ordained that His followers would indeed bear fruit indicating that in doing so that none would be fruitless or barren. There will be no empty hands in heaven. God has ordained that all will bear fruit.

He reminds them at the end of v. 16 that this ordination from Him comes with privilege and with His backing, and, His promise of blessing. He finishes this section up in v. 17 again repeating Himself reminding them to keep these commandments, placing these commandments on the foundation of the commandment to love one another.

 Jesus completes the foundation of the New Covenant giving them the three essential ingredients of it…the new commandment to love one another as Christ had loved them, the new privilege allowing them to ask in His name, abiding in Him, promising them that He would answer their request and providing the Power necessary to make it so sending to them God’s Holy Spirit. What great and precious promises, a privilege not to be taken lightly!

The Gospel of John Lesson 62 (02-02-14) John 15:10-4

The Gospel of John Lesson 62 (02-02-14)

Lesson 62 – John 15:10-4

In the next few verses, v. 10-4, Jesus makes it crystal clear that truly expressing His love is inseparable from keeping His commandments. He tells them in v. 10 if they will keep His commandments that in doing so they/we will experience and find His love stating this as if keeping His commandments was pleasurable.

This is not the first time that most of us have heard this even though most of us would actually hold to, or, maybe actually more so practice, the belief that only doing the wrong things brings, although temporarily, fun, pleasure, excitement, satisfaction or a real thrill. However, here in v. 10 it appears that Jesus is saying that to the contrary, there is great pleasure and satisfaction in keeping God’s commandments and laws. So much so that in v. 11He says that in doing so, those that do so, experience a lasting high or pleasure He terms as Joy.

It is true that doing things that we really shouldn’t can produce a temporary pleasure, but in doing so none of those things can produce lasting satisfaction. This is true for what might be perceived as so called innocent acts or actions such as eating habits that are detrimental and the like, but would also include more gross indescretions and offenses of God’s law’s and ways also. However, there is something about doing good that not only gives you that good feeling, but also leaves you with a satisfaction that lasts a long time, sometimes forever.

The Apostle John made mention of this in his letter in I John. In chapter 5 and verse 3 he says that this is the love of God that we keep His commandments and that the keeping of these commandments was not a duty, In some strange way doing them brought pleasure, the doing of them not being a choir at all, not being a burden to perform, but actually a delight.

Although most of this world has not yet figured this out, the psalmist described how pleasant it was to keep the Lord’s commandments and His ways saying that in doing them in the right spirit and attitude, the act of them brought sweetness to the soul giving the pleasure of tasting like honey in the soul, having the effect of lasting much longer in that good taste and pleasure than any earthly food could give.

There are generally two ways to approach the fulfillment of Jesus’ request here to keep His commandments as found here in Jn. 15:10-4. Both approaches can be argued as having merit, however, in Jesus’ words here in John 15 He singles out the only approach that produces the kind of fruit that He is referring to in this section.

One approach to comply with Jesus’ request is upon hearing Jesus’ request or command to keep His commandments is to take His request serious and to do the obvious…decide or make a commitment to do just that, keep His commandments. Although this approach does contain merit and elements of what Jesus is asking of His disciples here in John 15, it is not what Jesus is telling them will produce the lasting abundant fruit of the Kingdom.

Deciding to follow Jesus and obey Him in keeping His commandments is indeed the response that Jesus is asking for in this passage, and, I might add is the most popular response of those attempting to comply.

Our journey with God does begin with a decision to please Him and follow His ways. That includes the effort on our part to do right. The psalmist in Psalm 119 verse 2 tells us to seek the Lord, seeking Him with the whole heart. In doing so he is telling us to put some effort into our decision. The last time that I checked the art of seeking someone or something took effort, work and some determination. In other words, there is a commitment and effort behind that commitment to do what Jesus is asking.

However, as we have seen repeatedly in man’s effort to keep his commitment to God, what starts out with good and honorable intentions does not always end up as planned. Jesus’ request here is to keep His commandments and to delight ourselves in them. That means we are supposed to keep them and do them with joy and not just out of duty. This brings up the second option. This is the option that Jesus talks about in these verses. It is one based on a commitment to a relationship and not one that is based on the duty of service fulfilling the requirements only.

In these past couple of chapters we have seen Jesus bring forth a whole new paradigm of obeying Him and His commandments. Prior to this conversation with His disciples, including the basis and premise of the O. T., Jesus or God had given man the standard or requirements necessary to truly obey Him requiring him to keep these commandments which included the O. T. Law.

God was not intentionally trying to make His commandments more difficult than man’s ability, but the reality was that they were beyond man’s ability to keep. In man’s fallen state, keeping God’s commandments or standard even with the most honest and best of intentions and honest attempts we could ask the question, ‘Can, or, even is, it possible for man to keep God’s commandments without His help?’.

In this section of John Jesus creates an all new picture of what it means to obey and serve God, which includes keeping His commandments, and also, at the same time offers a new perspective and approach to fulfill God’s request and requirements.

In this section of John all things become new providing a more real and promising approach to pleasing and obeying God than that of the old way of just applying self determination or willpower. The only thing that remains the same here is the standard of the Law which does not go away and somehow must be dealt with. Jesus told us in Matt. Chapter 5 and v. 18 that the standard of the Law would remain valid unchanged along with its penalties demanding accountability and payment for its infractions if we attempt keeping them on our own.  

What Jesus essentially is offering them here is a whole new approach and relationship with God, one that was very different from what was offered to them in the past. We will see in just a few verses that even Jesus Himself will clarify this change by telling those who are close to Him that He no longer will call them servants as in the past, but instead will use the relational term of friends, removing all barriers between them and God. Wow, this is new! What man could not do on his own before this, i.e. obeying Gods commandments, now becomes a real and viable option.

Again, it must be clearly stated that the Law of God along with its standards and obligations remained in full force for all that could not obey them.  Jesus here in the beginning of chapter 15 continues to give strong consequences for those that do not keep and practice His commandments making reference to those unprofitable servants being pruned out, withering and being cast aside to be burned. John in his short letter to the early Church makes it plain that God did not just change His perspective or mind and decide to just overlook our disobedience, I Jn. 3:9-11. Somehow, man’s inability to keep His commandments on his own would need to be dealt with.

However, here in John 15 Jesus provides us with the answer, providing a way to keep His commandments when our best efforts were found to be inadequate.  In His new approach He offers them not a new law which some might argue would be easier to keep (remember not one dot of the Law can be changed), but instead He offers them a whole new way offering them a relationship.

Here in John chapter 15 Jesus provides them with another option, a better option and approach to keeping His laws and commandments. Jesus tells us here in chapter 15 that this new option comes with the promise of His help. He tells them that instead of attempting to please God by attempting to keep His commandments in our own power which has failed us so many times before, He tells them that the answer to their inability is to abide…abiding in Him. He tells them in doing so, that is abiding, we will find the power that we are looking for, and the ability necessary to please Him.

This new option of abiding was given to them with Promise, the Promise of the very power of God. This was what we needed. In just a few hours the door to God would swing wide open removing the obstacle of inability that kept man from God allowing anyone who would to come to God. What man’s efforts could not do on their own, God would satisfy on the Cross.

But, in order to obtain this forgiveness and new power offered to them one would have to make the decision to abide in Jesus and His work on the Cross. In doing so Jesus’ new promise of the Holy Spirit would provide the power necessary to ‘keep His commandments’, knowing the Father’s love in the process. In doing so the relationship that Jesus spoke of here in v. 10 would be complete. In doing so, we now keep His commandments with joy and desire, knowing that His commandments are not burdensome, being able to identify with the Psalmist knowing that keeping His commandments are as sweet as the taste of fresh honey.

However, again, we also know that even our best attempts, even in the right spirit on their own cannot match God’s acts being above man’s ability on his best day. If we were to be real honest with ourselves even our best efforts done while even trying to abide in Christ would appear to us as inadequate if it were not for God the Holy Spirit’s help completing the work that He initiated in us while abiding in Him.  In Christ, abiding in Him, these works are complete…as good as God doing it, God being our Helper completing what we are unable to do on our own. While abiding God adds His blessings to our actions and efforts making them indeed the works of God! May He be praised!

Jesus in this conversation with His disciples opens up an all new relationship to them with God and with Him, in the process offering them new hope and power. Things will never be the same. But, they will also have to learn to do things differently, learning to continually abide in Him instead of, like we have seen Peter do, attempting to do His work his/our way.

He tells us that it is not possible to love like God on our own without abiding in Him. Love and abiding are one in the same. You cannot have one without the other. V. 10 Jesus says that He did the same in His relationship with the Father, i.e. love and abiding.

In v. 11 Jesus shares with them one of the fruits that comes from abiding in Him, Joy!! Even in this late stage when the Cross is inching ever closer He reminds them that all is not lost. He is still so confident in the Father and His work that He is overwhelmed with peace to the point of Joy! Some years later the Apostle John will share Jesus’ secret for being so confident and calm here just hours before the torture of the Cross. In I John chapter 4 verse 18 John tells us that perfect love from and for the Father casts out all fear.

In v. 12 of John 15 He again states His commandment of love to them, but this time in v. 13 He shares some reality of what the love that He is explaining to them might cost them. The kind of love that He is talking about is not mushy. Yes it has emotions and empathy, but it is so real that you can literally touch it. It has depth. It has substance.

John says this in I John telling them in I Jn. 1:1 that they handled the love of God that did indeed end up giving His life. God’s love had substance, it had a body. It was not just some virtual image of a spirit that provided no real practical benefit to the real life where we live. John tells us in I Jn. 1:1 that the love that he was talking about could be touched and handled and was in itself Alive. Taste and see that the Lord is indeed good. Psalms 119