John 15.12-17
Notes
Transcript
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
Introduction
Introduction
One of the buzz words at the moment is Coronavirus
It is interesting to see how people are reacting to this, with theories about how it should affect society
While I do not plan to address how Christians are meant to respond to the impending reality of the Coronavirus, I wish to share a story
Overhearing lady at Christian bookshop speaking about Coronavirus, and how must not voice any negative thoughts, but claim confidence in Jesus etc
What also happened this week was conversation about the trap of the charismatic churches which focus so much on the positive situations of life
I had to ask my wife, has this woman considered possibility that it might be in the Lord’s will for a person to contract Coronavirus?
Hudson Taylor and Migraine
Christians and the plague - witness to the Romans soldiers at the time
Context
Context
Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure
Had to explain something of the cross, notice the earlier emphasis of "don't let your hearts be troubled", hence framing this section as the ultimate display of love
Text analysis
Text analysis
This text begins and ends with a command already repeated - to love one another; like a sandwich
Introduction of concept of friends
Notice the responsibility -
Notice the comparison -
Notice the surrounding commands - ,
Notice the surrounding commands
John's earlier use of friendship and cultural implications -
According to the marriage-customs of the Jews, there were certain persons called the bridegroom’s friends, who were the means of communication between him and the bride before the marriage. Their duty was simply to set forward and promote the bridegroom’s interests, and to remove all obstacles, as far as possible, to a speedy union of the parties. To accomplish this end and promote a thoroughly good understanding between the bride and bridegroom was their sole office. If they saw the bridegroom’s suit prospering, and at last saw him received favourably and gladly by the bride, their end was accomplished and their work was done. (J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John, vol. 1)
J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John, vol. 1 (New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 1879), 180.
Friends of Caesar
Explanation of why they are in a discipling relationship
Two key words "chose" and "appointed"; loaded with sovereign overtones
There is a clear intention and outcome for Jesus' actions
Could be limited only to Apostles, but the intention and purpose must extend to those who join Christian fellowship
The Grk word is the same (lay down) and (appointed) are the same
Notice the progression which hangs on the word “that”
chosen/appointed -> bear fruit -> ask in my name
Friendship with God
Friendship with God
The contrast between slave and friend is not one of mutual exclusion, but of contrast as it applies to areas of life
The concept of friendship has allowed for a false confidence to creep into our engagement with God
Must appreciate the priority placed on obedience due to friendship - we cannot claim friendship if we are not pursuing obedience
Central to friendship with God is the concept of asking in the name of Jesus
Reflection
Reflection
How is your prayer life?
Are you pursuing the balance between enjoying the life of friendship with God and the labour of serving God?
How is your prayer life? Do you have the confidence to ask boldly of God for the commission given by Jesus?
Does your calendar reflect a life of active obedience to the Jesus given by Jesus?