Pre-Sermon: John 15

I've been enjoying reading through the Gospel of John through the lens of hospitality, the practice of welcoming strangers into the community by providing them food, shelter, protection, and patronage.

To quickly review:


John 1

The preface which summarizes the entire gospel: "He came to his own (i.e., he was not a stranger), and his own people did not receive him.  But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:11-12).

In terms of hospitality: Jesus is the host.  Humanity has been welcomed into his house. Humanity behaved badly as his guests.  We have brought dishonor to his name.  We were expelled (asked to leave), yet not left to fend for ourselves.  We were clothed with his grace and protection (Genesis 3).
It is like owning an apartment complex, which the owner rents out free of charge.  One day the owner comes to visit, but none of the tenants will receive or welcome the owner.  Instead they mistreat and force the owner to leave.  The invitation is given to a few disciples to come along and see heaven opened upon the Son of Man.

John 2 - 12, Who is Jesus?

Jesus is:

• The wedding host (John 2)
• The temple of God (John 2)
• The savior of the world (John 3)
• The bridegroom (John 3)
• The giver of living water (John 4)
• The healer (John 4/5)
• The true ambassador of the Father (John 5)
• The true bread of life (John 6)

The people debate: Is Jesus the Christ/Messiah? (John 7)

Jesus is:

• The light and truth of the world (John 8)
• The judge of the world (John 9)
• The good shepherd (John 10)
• The resurrection and the life (John 11)
• The atoning sacrifice for the sin of the world (John 12)

John 13-17, The Last Discourses

• John 13 - Love and serve as I have loved and served you (foot washing)
• John 14 - Believe and obey (the Helper will be with you forever)
• John 15 - Abide in me and bear fruit
• John 16 - Stand Firm and Pray

This is a quick reference outline for the context of John 15.  By now, the reader (you) have come to some conclusion also as to who Jesus really is -- the Son of God.   The question is whether you will receive him or reject him?  Ironic, isn't it, that the true host of the world comes to his own as the stranger.   Whereas he knows us, we do not know him, unless enabled by the work of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle John intentionally keeps the tension as to who really is host and guest.

Jesus' admonition to us in John 15 is simple: Abide in me and my love.  Then, he instructs us to love others as he has loved us.

-- Pastor Jeff