In John 15:9-17, Jesus teaches about the fundamental nature of his relationship with his disciples, which is centered around love and obedience. He begins by comparing his love for his disciples to the love the Father has for him and commands them to remain in his love. Jesus explains that staying in his love requires obedience to his commands, just as he remains in his Father’s love through obedience.
This passage highlights the importance of mutual love, obedience, and the transformation from servants to friends. It showcases the deep, reciprocal relationship that Jesus seeks to have with his followers. Jesus explains that he teaches these principles to fill his disciples with joy. He gives a clear command for the disciples to love one another, using his own sacrificial love as the benchmark. He stresses that the highest form of love is to lay down one's life for friends, which he identifies the disciples as, if they follow his commands.
Jesus established a strong bond with his disciples, which went beyond a typical master-servant relationship. He regarded them as friends because he shared everything he learned from his Father with them. This indicates a level of transparency and mutual respect. Jesus expressed that it was he who chose them, rather than the other way around, and appointed them to go out and produce lasting fruit. He reassured them that their prayers would be answered if made in his name, reinforcing their connection to him and their mission. Lastly, he emphasized the significance of loving each other, framing it not just as a suggestion, but as a command central to their identity and life as his followers.
The Gospel of John has been traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, who was one of Jesus' closest disciples. However, modern scholarship views it differently. According to recent studies, it is believed to be the product of a community of followers of the "Beloved Disciple." This community possibly existed in Ephesus, around the end of the first century AD (90-110 AD). Scholars also suggest that the gospel's sophisticated theology and distinct style indicate that it was shaped by a community's reflections on the life and teachings of Jesus over time. (Brown 335).
The Gospel of John was composed for a group of people who had likely been banished from the synagogues, and were attempting to discover their identity within a predominantly non-Christian society. Although the audience was knowledgeable about Jewish customs, they were also substantially influenced by Hellenistic culture and philosophy. This context provides insight into the Gospel's emphasis on cosmic and philosophical themes, which are presented in a way that harmonizes Jewish and Hellenistic concepts. (Köstenberger 142).
The Vine and the Branches: In the book of John, chapter 15, verses 1 to 11, Jesus uses the analogy of a "true vine" and his followers as "branches" to stress the importance of staying connected to him for spiritual growth and productivity. This metaphor highlights the central theme of the Gospel of John, which emphasizes that having a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus is crucial for salvation and a fulfilling life. (Köstenberger 145).
Love and Obedience: The chapter emphasizes the significance of love and obedience, portraying them as two intertwined expressions of discipleship. Jesus instructs his followers to love one another in the same way he has loved them. This commandment is presented as a moral obligation, as well as a relational concept that defines the community. (Carson 117).
Persecution and the World's Hatred: Jesus cautioned his disciples regarding the inevitable persecution that they would encounter from the world. This particular warning deeply resonated with the Johannine community, which had firsthand experiences of being marginalized and facing conflicts with both Jewish and Gentile opponents. (Brown 627).
The Gospel of John is believed to have been written to address the theological debates and challenges faced by a Christian community during the late first century. The community was grappling with issues surrounding the nature of Christ, the significance of faith, and the role of love in Christian life. In particular, John 15 and the Farewell Discourse served as a means to strengthen the community against both internal and external pressures. The teachings of Jesus were deepened to foster a more cohesive and loving community in response to persecution. (O'Day 404).
John 15:9
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love."
John 15:10
"If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love."
John 15:11
"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
John 15:12
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
John 15:14
"You are my friends if you do what I command."
John 15:15
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my father I have made known to you."
John 15:16
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name, he will give you."
John 15:17
"This is my command: Love each other."
John 15:9-17 delves into the intricate relationship between love, obedience, and discipleship. This passage can be viewed through the lens of Wesleyan/Methodist theology, which places emphasis on the transformational power of grace and the pursuit of Christian perfection. According to John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, Christian perfection means having perfect love in intention and action towards God and one's neighbor. Wesley would likely interpret these verses in this context.
John 15:9
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love."
John 15:10
"If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love."
John 15:11
"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
John 15:12
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
John 15:14-15
"You are my friends if you do what I command... I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my father I have made known to you."
1 John 3:24
"Those who keep his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us."
John 15:16
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name, he will give you."
John 15:17
"This is my command: Love each other."