As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love. -- John 15:9
This blog is a continuation of a sermon series exploring themes of hospitality in the Gospel of John.
John 15 is first of three chapters (15-17) known as the "final discourse" chapters, which form the last series of teachings by Jesus before he is arrested and crucified.
In this chapter, Jesus declares himself to be "the true vine" (John 15:1). Just as God, the Father, took the Hebrews out of bondage to slavery in Egypt and planted them as a nation (Psalm 80:8-9, 14-15), so Jesus would take people out of bondage to sin, death, and the Evil One, to become a holy nation, a royal priesthood unto God (1 Peter 2:9), by his atoning sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection from the dead to life everlasting. Just as God, the Father, planted a choice vine of pure seed (Jeremiah 2:21), so Jesus as the pure spotless lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29) would fruit unto rightesness, being a faithful witness and servant of the Father's will (John 5:19-24). As Israel failed as a true witness of God's character, justice, and righteousness (Isaiah 5:1-7), Jesus would be the true witness, bearing light to the nations (John 8:12, 28-29) into truth that would set them free.
Jesus then admonishes his disciples to abide in him, his word, and love (John 8:31-32; 15:5-11) so that they might bear fruit that lasts, prove to be his disciples, and receive fullness of joy. He gives them a singular command: love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12), and sends them forth into the world as witnesses in his name. Jesus forewarns his disciples that they will experience persecution from the world (John 15:18-25), for as the world did not receive him, nor will they receive his disciples, but some will because of Jesus. In the end, the world now stands condemned, for it has witnessed the coming of the true vine, the Son of God, in whom and for whom all things were made (John 1:10), but rejected him and chose to live in darkness than come into his light of life and grace (John 3:16-21). His disciples are not to be worry or be afraid for Jesus will send to them the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, who will continue lead and guide them, encourage and strengthen them to bear witness and remain steadfast (John 14:26-29; 15:26-27; 16:7-15).
What is expected of us?
Our role is very clear in this chapter. We are to be fruitful branches, bearing fruit that will last, connected to the true vine, Jesus. In fact, Jesus tells us that apart from him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Our reward, is further pruning from the Father (John 5:2) and increased joy (John 5:11). Those branches that do not abide in Christ wither and are cut off and thrown into the fire (John 15:6).
What is this fruit we are to bear?
First, bearing fruit is to have faith and believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, that believing our sins are forgiven, we become children of God born of the Spirit, and receive true life everlasting.
Second, bearing fruit is to be a faithful witness of Jesus to others, proclaiming to be the Christ, the Son of God. Like Jesus, as we go forth into the world to proclaim the gospel, many will hear and believe and become disciples of Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Third, bearing fruit is to love another as Jesus has loved us. He willing laid down his life for others, as a servant of his Father's will, obedient to the last, even to excruciating death on a cross, to be raised to newness of life forevermore.
Fourth, bearing fruit is simply to enjoy being loved by Jesus and the Father. As dearly loved children of God, we grow in our understanding and experience of the nature and fulness of God's love for us, and the imcomparable riches he has in store for all his beloved children. We know who we are, whence we came and wither we are going, our present hope, future, and destiny as Christ's beloved bride, living and reigning with him as coheirs for all eternity.
How does this relate to hospitality?
Knowing the "big picture" enables me, through the help of the Holy Spirit, to welcome and show hospitality, in the name of Jesus, to those around me. I can afford to be generous, because God has been generous with me, and I am secure in his love. As I welcome people into my life, my "space," my networks of community, and even my home, I can provide spaces of shelter, safety, security, sustenance, friendship, and provision (i.e., hospitality) to those in need, knowing that The Lord is my shepherd and that he cares for my needs. Because I am loved, I can love others. To draw an analogy, I can be generous with giving out water to thirsty people, because I am tapped into a living source of water that never runs dry, but is like a river unto eternity.
Love the journey with you in the Gospel of John!
- Pastor Jeff
No comments:
Post a Comment