Memory verses for this week are John 15:7-9
“If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.
In this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.
Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love.“
John 15:7-9
Do you know where Jesus was and to whom He was speaking, in this passage recorded by John?
Jesus was in the upper room, just hours away from His crucifixion. He was speaking to His disciples. And these words are for you and me, too.
This was such a serious moment. The disciples could sense that something was about to happen. But they had no idea of the cataclysmic event that was impending. This was an event that would forever shake their world.
When Jesus said, “…you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you…”, do you think that their thoughts went to material gain?
Maybe. We don’t really know what they were thinking.
You see, we have the benefit of seeing the story from a different perspective. Each disciple was at a different level of spiritual growth.
Judas was already as good as dead. His heart was cold and hard like stone. His father was Satan.
Thomas, though having experienced at least one moment of courage (John 11:16), would be thrown into a pit of unbelief and despair when Jesus died. (John 20:24-30)
All that Peter could muster was well meaning bravado (John 18:10). His faith would falter.
John had the courage of his convictions, so much so that he attended the illegal trial that was held by the Pharisees and Sadducees. (John 18:15)
So, each man had a different awareness. That awareness may have helped them to understand that Jesus wasn’t referring to material gain.
Jesus was talking about devoted believers having zeal for sharing the Gospel. (Isaiah 6:8; Luke 12:8) Jesus was telling them that God honors righteous prayers. (James 5:16)
Jesus expands ministries beyond our wildest dreams. He fills our hearts with love and compassion for the lost to the point of doing anything to spread the saving message of salvation.
Jesus was telling these friends, whom He loved, that if they had such zeal for the kingdom of God that their lives would glorify Him and that they would bring many men to glory.
The key to such conviction and devotion is found in the powerful words of the Savior.
“Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love.”
John 15:9
When we walk in a committed personal relationship with God, we will know this great love that drives us to serve the Savior.
If you don’t know that joy, can I urge you to read all of John 15? These are the words of our Lord. They are a guide for every believer.
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Statement of Faith
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 