Day 16 – John 15:13-17

Read John 15:13-17

V13: Jesus identifies a willingness to die for one’s friends as the greatest human love – but His love is greater by far –” While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” – (Romans 5:8)  In our sinful rebellious state, we were enemies of God (Romans 5:10 )

V14 : What a wonder of condescending grace that He, the Lord of glory, now calls His disciples His friends., but the evidence for this relationship in their – and our – lives is doing His will. Note how this runs through these verses. Jesus is LORD!

V15:  They are no longer in the relationship of mere servants – though remember how the apostle Paul normally referred to himself as a (willing) “servant – literally, bond-slave – of Jesus Christ” ( e.g. Romans 1:1). But a servant is not in their Master’s confidence, they are simply told what to do, but now Jesus has revealed to them, and to us in His Word, His Father’s will and purpose.

V16: The Lord is sovereign in calling His people, sovereign in salvation ( Ephesians 2:8.) He has chosen and called these first disciples, and all His people, and His purpose for them is that their lives should be lastingly fruitful ( See note on v.8 ) This is the living evidence of a true relationship with Him, by the grace of God alone. In this relationship, prayer will be made seeking His glory, and so God will answer.

V17: Note the slight shift here – not “I command you to love one another, but I command these thing in your lives as disciples, so that you will love one another”. His Word in us is the source of love – and fruitfulness. C.H. Spurgeon would often pray ” Lord, make me a fruitful branch.”