Reflection
Bible Study
This week I'd like to look at one verse in John's Gospel where the beloved disciple reports Jesus as saying "You are my friends if you do what I command." (John 15:14)
You see, this is a Bible Study, and as such is fraught with danger. We can study the Bible till we're blue in the face and start to think that we're really good Christians, that God is pleased with us and that we're well on our way in the pilgrimage to heaven. However, what Jesus said here seems to suggest a potential problem: He says "IF". "If you do what I command." Now that could be a different matter.
We can sing "What a friend we have in Jesus" - and in so many ways that is right. But are we actually friendly towards Him? Do we really and truly do what He demands of us ? Have a look at the beginning of Psalm 119:
"Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord (v1)"
"Oh, that my ways were stedfast in obeying your decrees (v5)".
We can all agree with the Psalmist. Obviously the best way to live is to obey God's laws, to what He tells us. But do not some us, if we're honest, have at least a modicum of difficulty in wondering what it is exactly that God commands us, personally? The prophet Micah made it clear to the people of his time: He has shown you, o mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with God" (Micah 6:8)
Fine, in general terms. That's our aim.
But what about specific situations? Do we obey God? Do we even consult Him? Or do we, maybe, think that as Christians we're being guided by the Holy Spirit and everything will work out OK ?
Think of the Rich Young Ruler (whose meeting with Jesus is recounted in Mark's Gospel chapter 10): he claimed that he had kept all the commandments of God since He was young. Jesus then told him to do the one thing most difficult - in his case, to give away his possessions (that he was clearly clinging on to) and then he would be able to follow Jesus.
Now I'm not suggesting that we should all give away all our possessions (an interesting scenario), but we ought to consider what are the things in our lives that hinder us from obeying God fully.
To go back to John's Gospel, chapter 15. In verse 12 Jesus says "My command is this - Love each other as I have loved you". And in verse 13: "Greater love has no one than this - to lay down one's life for one's friends."
Praise God that Jesus made that sacrifice for all mankind. But where does it leave us ? Jesus calls us His friends, and we are privileged and eternally thankful. He commands us to obey Him. We must love one another. Sounds easy, doesn't it ? You mean I've got to love that person who irritates me no end? But she never shows me any consideration. He thinks far too much of himself. They ………..!
Saint Paul knew how we feel. How can we show love. It is not just in what we do but in our own attitudes
1st Letter to the Church in Corinth - Chapter 13:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
"You are my friends if you do what I command you. I command you to love one another"
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