READ: Jn. 15:9–17: … Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends … I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit … that you love one another.
Jesus’ love for His followers is like the love of the Father for Him (v.9; cf. 10:15; 17:21). Jesus loves His own who are in the world; He loved them to the end (13:1). His love is incomparably greater than any other love: it goes back to their election, to His coming to earth, and to His giving His life for them in the death of the cross (10:15)!
The disciples—and we—may hear this for comfort. Christ’s love draws them into communion with Himself. Let them then show Him love in return: Abide in My love.
To do this, they must keep His words and commandments. Jesus Himself has gone ahead of them in this (vv.10,12). Then there will be joy in Christ and in them (Phil. 2:17,18; 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:16–18).
Jesus also commands them to love one another, denying themselves and giving themselves for one another, following Jesus’ example of giving His life for them on the cross (v.12). Yes, He makes them His friends, even though they are sinners and enemies by nature (Rom. 5:6–10).
Being a friend of Jesus is only possible when they love and obey Him. He has made them His confidants, who may know the Father’s counsel: that the Father would give His Son for them in death. They are initiated into His purpose and will serve the Father and the Son out of love. They have been chosen and set apart in the world for this very purpose. They owe everything to Him—their election and His love. It is pure grace (1 Jn. 4:10,19).
Let them therefore obey His command and demonstrate His love by a living faith that works through love. Then they may ask the Father for everything needed for His Kingdom.
Do you recognize this kind of love in yourself or others?
Sing: Ps. 50:11