The following is from OBC’s daily devotional for today:
From the last sentence of 14:31 we see that chapters 15-17 is Jesus’ last time he talked with and taught the disciples, on their way to the Garden of Gethsemane.
Jesus taught that an essential evidenced of true followers of Jesus is bearing fruit (vv. 1-8). True disciples abide in Jesus’ love, obey him, love another, and have great joy (vv. 9-17), because Jesus chose and appointed them for this and because the relationship between a believer and Jesus is one of love (“friend”). Though true disciples will love one another, they will be hated by the world (vv. 18-25). Jesus again told the disciples (apostles) that they would testify/bear witness of Jesus after his resurrection and ascension (vv. 26-27; note Acts 1-2).
Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On
- Note Jesus’ relationship to believers: he is the giver of life (vv. 1-8), a friend because he loves (v. 15), a sovereign Savior (vv. 16, 19), One who commands (vv. 10, 12, 14, 17), and Master (v. 20).
- Jesus’ teaching in verses 1-8 is significant and serious. He has a vital union with believers (v. 1). His life in believers is seen by their Christ-like lives (vv. 4-5, 7-8). The Father lovingly cleanses believers for greater Christ-likeness (vv. 2-3). And the Father condemns false believers to hell (vv. 2, 6).
- The point of verses 22 and 24 is that Jesus’ teaching and perfect life revealed sin, and Jewish unbelievers didn’t like that, no matter how religious they were.
Friday, September 8
