John 15:18-25
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
In the final hours before his journey to the cross, Jesus continues to prepare his closest followers. As you read today’s passage, keep in mind that Jesus has given a new and all-encompassing commandment to his followers – “Love each other as I have loved you.” Then, using the metaphor of a grapevine, Jesus has explained how the new community of his followers will continue his mission of restoration in the world: by drawing their life and power from him. Read John 15:18-25 with all of this in mind.
The world that God loves so passionately has rejected God in the flesh. Even after all the miracles and the revolutionary teaching, most people still choose to cling to the familiar rather than take hold of real life. Their rejection of Jesus becomes hostility and is directed not only toward him but toward those who are actively seeking to follow him.
Stop for a moment to meditate on Jesus’ all-encompassing commandment: “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples (John 13:34-35).”
How are you seeking to live out this commandment? Have you ever run into opposition because of the love you show to others? Share your thoughts about this with Jesus.
Read John 15:18-25 again noticing any feelings or questions that arise.
This isn’t the best motivational speech for someone hoping to gain followers. But Jesus is life and truth, and he is seeking true followers who are connected and committed to him regardless of the cost. The reward for following Jesus and partnering with him in his restorative work is true life, true meaning, true purpose, and true intimacy with God. To know Jesus is to know life in all its fullness.
Get quiet for a moment and consider your connection and commitment to Jesus. Given the choice would you choose his love over the love of the world? Talk honestly about this with him.
Most of us are not facing the kind of persecution that Jesus alludes to in this passage, but there are places in the world where faith in Jesus means giving up family, community, personal freedom and even life itself. As you end this time of reflection, take a moment to talk to Jesus on behalf of his followers who are in the midst of persecution.
If you sense that Jesus is inviting you to do something in response to this time of meditation, make a plan to follow through and take a first step today.
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