My Friends

Scripture: John 15:15-17 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other. John 15:15-17 NLT)

Jesus escalates the relationship unilaterally, but not unconditionally. He is the Master, and he opens himself up further to deeper and more intimate relationship with his followers, his servants; us. He moves from master-servant relationship to friendship by “telling us everything.” He told his disciples things they didn’t presently understand, but because they were following and obeying, they would understand as the Holy Spirit brought these things to remembrance and revealed how to apply these things to their lives. Keep in mind that John, who was sitting right next to Jesus, and Matthew, the other Gospel writer in the room, wrote these things many years later. How did they remember in such detail? How did they understand what Jesus meant? The Holy Spirit inspired their remembering and revealed the truths to them.

Jesus said, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you!” That choosing was a process, just as it is in our own lives. Jesus began his ministry. They came from Galilee to hear John the Baptist, who introduced them to Jesus. They followed Jesus for a few days then went back to their homes and jobs in Galilee. Jesus came to Galilee and called them by ones and twos and fours to follow him “full time.” They left home and jobs and families to become his disciples. It was a process. Then out of all his disciples, he chose and commissioned them, The Twelve, a few months later, as apostles.

Because they were still there, faithfully with him on this final night, at this Last Supper, he taught them all things, and he commissioned them (Vine and Branches) to go and produce lasting fruit. You and I are part of the lasting fruit Jesus was referring to, but they had no idea their sacrificial obedience would still be producing the fruit of transformed lives two thousand years later! His commandment to them remains the commandment to us: “Love Each Other!”

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for loving us and for choosing us! Please help us to keep choosing you! May we be faithful followers who will live by your command to love each other. May we be true friends of Jesus and friends of each other. For Jesus’ Sake!