Day 27: John 15, 17
In the narrative of the book of John, chapters 1-12 detail his works and his words, and in chapter 13, he gathers with his disciples for the Last Supper before his crucifixion. Chapters 14-17 are all spoken to his close disciples on the eve of his death. Put in this context, these chapters, including today’s reading, are directed specifically to those who know Christ and desire to follow him more deeply. The first part of John 15 records Jesus describing himself as the true vine, and his followers as the branches. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was often referred to as a vine - but a corrupt vine that bore little fruit (see, for example, Psalm 80:8-16, Isaiah 5:1-7, and Jeremiah 2:21). That vine did not fulfill its purpose, but Jesus, the true vine, did. Now true believers, the branches, must remain connected to the vine. Each branch receives its life and nourishment and very existence from being connected to the vine. The repeated injunction to abide or remain emphasizes the necessity of this for bearing fruit - good works, obedience to his commands, love for others, and a godly life.
Jesus also explains to his disciples that to love God means to obey him (vv. 9-10) and that this is ultimately for our full and complete joy (v. 11). His commands can be summed up in v. 12 - “Love each other as I have loved you” - but he also explains that we have him to look to as our example: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (v. 13). Jesus provided the ultimate example for us in obeying God, loving him, and loving others through his sacrificial death on the cross. This will not be popular with the world, and they will turn on the disciples - and future believers too - in hatred. But together with the Spirit, the Counselor (v. 26), followers of Jesus can testify about his goodness and his love and his grace, ultimately bringing glory to the Father.
After we see this teaching, we get a precious glimpse into the prayer life of Jesus in John 17. Just before he is betrayed and crucified, he prays for himself, for his disciples, and for all future believers.
When he prays for himself, the connected glory of Jesus and the Father is revealed. He also once again points to his mission when he says, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (v. 3). This echoes back to the reading for Day 20, where John 3:16 famously declares that those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life. And now, this verse clarifies what that eternal life is: knowing God.
Jesus then moves on to pray for his disciples. He prays for their protection, for their joy, and for their sanctification. He does not pray that they would leave the world, even though they do not belong to it, for he is sending them into the world just as he was sent (vv.15-18). And as they are sent, he specifically indicates how he wants them to be sanctified, or made holy: by the truth of God’s word (v. 17). It is impossible to remain in him or be made holy apart from his Word.
Finally, Jesus prays for all future believers - including those of us who follow Jesus today. The crux of this prayer is on the unity of believers. The oneness of those who follow him echoes the oneness of Jesus and the Father, and in turn it reflects to the world that Jesus was truly sent by God (v. 23). Since this is the last of Jesus’ discourse before his arrest, the importance of this prayer for unity cannot be overstated. Jesus prayed for our unity - may our churches and homes and lives be an answer to this prayer.
Questions for reflection and discussion: In your life, what does it practically mean to “remain” or “abide” in Jesus, and how are you doing with abiding in him? What fruit are you seeing in your life or in the lives of people in your church or small group? What do you think it means to know God, and how is this connected to eternal life? How can you contribute to the unity that Jesus prayed for?
