John 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you..

One of the main topics that Jesus was trying to communicate to the disciples on His final night of ministry before the Cross is to abide.

Several scripture verses in chapter 15, Jesus implores the disciples to abide in Him. And we have already covered the aspect of Jesus pointing us to the Father and how we are in one another (John 14:20.)

But WHY is this topic so important? Why is Jesus doing everything He can to communicate this notion of abiding and to dwell in the Father?

This is the answer. Jesus is helping the men who have been serving Him for three years move from slave to friend. Within this transformation we discover all the blessings that Jesus outlines in these few chapters. Read them again and see what becomes ours such as “you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7).” Say what???? That’s amazing.

God wants a friend.

Let me explain it in “Lynn” terms.

For three years the followers of Jesus operated in a slave mentality. And that is OKAY. Truly, we are to be slaves of Christ and through sheer obedience we learn many aspects and truths about the Kingdom of God.

But, now listen to this, a slave doesn’t know the why.

A master will give a command to go do such and such. And the slave will go and do. However, the slave lacks the understanding behind the Master’s order (desire).

Moving from slave to friend, or better said, moving from slave to Child of God is when we are invited into understanding, conversation, and even decision sharing or decision making with God.

Whoa!!!!

Examples of people who became a friend of God are in the Word. These are people who could reason with God, discuss a change of events, even sway the Lord in His opinions of actions. The story that comes to my mind is when Abraham reasoned with God about saving Sodom and Gomorrah.

Noah, Elisha, David, Enoch and more became more than slaves, they knew the mind and heart of God. They were trusted in God’s court. They were men of renown.

God wants obedience, but mostly because blind obedience will keep us out of the devil’s hands. But our Father desires a trusted friendship, a mature son or mature daughter who can ask the hard questions and receive answers. He wants a people who know what is the right thing and will do it without needing to pray about the issue. He wants a people who know Him and realize life will work out okay and for His glory.

It’s time for this Bible study to conclude. So many wonderful and powerful lessons are within these few chapters in the book of John. But the best lesson you can take out of this is abiding and becoming a friend of God.

Why?

The answer rests in the prayer in John Chapter 17. It’s magnificent. Go read it now.

Thank you for studying the Word of God with me. I adore you.

Did you enjoy this study?

Was it helpful to develop concepts of faith for you?

Did it make you ponder and meditate of the meaning of the passages?

Were you encouraged?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Blessings and hugs, Lynn