“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”

// John 15:9-17 ESV

I must tell you, there is so much to unpack in this passage of scripture. Jesus is speaking and it is profound. Profound words about love, keeping God’s commands, the value of friendship, friendship with Christ, the difference between servitude and friendship, identity as “chosen”, bearing fruit, abiding, asking in the Father’s name…

Profound! A lot to chew on!

Even while I have written this short post, my ideas for it have changed at least five times, being drawn to this meaningful aspect or that awesome reality!

And so, I think I’ll step aside with my ideas and simply ask you a few questions for consideration of Jesus’ thought-provoking words in John 15.

Consider //

1. As you read John 15:9-17 a few times (maybe even in different versions), what stands out to you? Maybe a certain word, phrase, or concept. It would be beneficial to either journal or pull up your Notes app and begin free-flow typing as you meditate on the passage.
   
2. Want to go deeper? Maybe continue to follow a certain word or phrase into the rest of the chapter and a Bible commentary (Biblegateway.org is a good site to use for research). Do so as you allow the Holy Spirit to guide your “deep dive”. It is so worth it!
   
3. After your deep dive, or simply your meditation on this passage and what the Holy Spirit has been pointing out to you, take a few more minutes to close your eyes. Imagine Jesus is speaking to you one on one, guiding you to understand how much He wants you to abide in Him… to adjust your relationship with Him from a servant mindset to a deep, trusting friendship… or maybe He simply wants to remind you that YOU are chosen and loved.
   
4. What did you sense Jesus saying to you? Jot it down. And praise and thank Him in this moment.