John 15B
By Pastor Steve
John 15 teaches us about discipleship, that is, it defines the parameters of discipleship for us. This is what it means to be a disciple:
A disciple has a vital relationship with Jesus. The primary activity of this relationship is vaguely called “abiding” then later clarified with the much clearer statement that we prove our discipleship by bearing much fruit and keeping Jesus’ commandments. Today in worship, ask the Spirit to reveal to you what this means. Today you may get a very different idea of what relationship with Jesus looks like.
A disciple has a vital relationship with other disciples. Jesus commands us to love one another. Today in worship, ask the Spirit to lead you to fulfill this command as you look around for an opportunity to love someone this very morning.
A disciple has a vital and possibly volatile relationship with non-disciples. Crazy words like hate and persecution are used to describe this relationship. Today in worship, ask the Spirit to open a door for you to testify of Jesus; to give you words and means to share the love of Christ.
A disciple loves Jesus, loves other disciples of Jesus, and loves even non-disciples of Jesus. A disciple is a follower of Jesus. May God pour His love over you today as you rejoice in your position in Christ, and in turn love deeply to the point of sacrifice. Isn’t that what Jesus did? Go and do likewise.
