Our series examining the impossible demands of Jesus now explores his requirement that his followers must continue. Yes, many disagree, but let’s see what Jesus says about the issue…and what it means for us in practice.
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (John 15:4-7).
Eight times Jesus uses remain; the original word means to abide, dwell, continue, or my favorite, to continue to be present. Obviously, we can’t remain in any place we haven’t been. So Jesus warns his genuine followers they must continue to live in him. The consequences concern me, any once-living branches that don’t stay connected to Jesus get composted.
But how do we know if we remain? What steps can we take to continue? Jesus gives six behaviors that both identify and develop abiding.
First, we nurture fruitfulness: having a positive spiritual impact on others, “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (5). We can do that in many ways, depending on our gifts, abilities, life situations, as we actively and intentionally help others know and grow spiritually.
Second, regular and effective prayer expresses our living with Jesus, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (7). Prayer means we converse with God, we talk, we listen, and we ask him into the deepest recesses of our heart and soul.
Third, we craft a love connection with him, “"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love” (9). Emotions ebb and flow, but love means we act in the best interests of the one we love. We have a personal link with him.
Fourth, and as a clear result of this last, obedience flows from genuine love, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love” (10). We don’t obey to gain his love, rather we do what he desires because we want to enhance our love of him; we choose to benefit him and his mission.
Fifth, as both a means of abiding and a result, we have overflowing joy, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (11). Joy in the midst of difficulties indicates we remain.
Sixth, security comes from having these previous five, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you” (4). Hang in there with Jesus, and he’ll hang in there with you. That’s the promise of God.
Kick Starting the Application
How many of those six do you intentionally nurture and experience? How well do you do? How can you abide with him more deeply?