John15: 1-17
This is one of those parts of scripture where if your like me you have a little bit of a panic at first – I start wondering if I’m one of the dead branches that’s gonna get unceremoniously lopped off and thrown into the fire – yikes – fruit? – Do I have any, is it any good or am I done for!! — of course looking a bit closer its not an ultimatum or about threat or fear – it’s about finding our life in Him – Jesus is speaking to us as ones joined to the vine – already baring fruit (v3) – what a relief – no need to panic.
So Jesus wants us producing good lasting fruit in our lives – the kind of fruit that grows out of His love – that is full of Him (not us) – and points toward God (v8).
He shows us how – He knows exactly what we need to produce lasting fruitfulness in our lives – we need Him – He says it, then He says it again and then He says it again – He wants us to catch this bit.
Jesus asks us to stay!! (v 4, 5, 7, 9) He says – stay, remain, reside, dwell, hang out, live and make your home with me in My love with My word in you (v7) and I will make my home with you (v4) don’t try and do it on your own. (v5) you can only do what I’ve intended for you to do when my love and life arepouring into you.
Part of that is doing what He asks, “when you obey me you remain in my love”(v10) John 14: 23. And this is what He is asking us to do – here it is again “ love each other”(v12) So isn’t there an update available, something more up to the minute that we can do where its more about us and what we want? – – – Well – – – no – with Jesus it starts and finishes with loving people – it hasn’t changed, it hasn’t gone out of fashion – it changes lives, it’s fruit that lasts.
We know Jesus is not talking about the love that flows sweet and easy for about two minutes until till we get tired or bored or hungry. Even in the best of circumstances loving each other is a challenge – trying to love without God’s help and wisdom – can leave us so dried up we’ll want to throw ourselves in the fire.
So Jesus is talking about the love that “ never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance”.It’s – giving your life away type love – the way He loved us – God shaped love – and He knows we can’t actually love that way on our own – its not in us naturally but – it is in Him.
Jesus knows its big and He says this – choosing to love His way makes us His friends – partners and companions in His work – not servant and master anymore – friends. (v12-15). So lets stay in close, joined in, at home with Him – it’s all we need – He makes much of who we are – His works – good fruit and love that makes a difference.
Have a great day
Lv Tracey xx