John 15:3-4 3Already you yourselves are clean on account of the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch is not able to bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in me.
The disciples were not in danger of being cut off from the vine because the Father had already purified them through Jesus’ word. They needed to grow in their faith and come to the point of fruitfulness. That would come in time, particularly when the Holy Spirit came in power and grew within them the words of Jesus. The word for clean (katharoi) is the same in verse 2 and can be translated as “purify.” Significant is the idea that the way to become clean or pure is through receiving Jesus’ words in faith and obeying them. Jesus’ words must be accepted and acted upon. The disciples had heard this word and acted in faith, even though their understanding was partial and they would face significant challenges that very night and the following days. The underlying theme is that Jesus’ words are powerful because they represent the truth of God and are verified by Jesus’ own life, death, and resurrection.
As verse 4 indicates, these words are experienced in a transforming way by those who abide in Jesus. Abide (meinate) is one of the keywords in John’s Gospel and is used many times to indicate the relationship of faith and obedience Jesus expects of his followers. In the context of discipleship, it represents the bond of love represented in obedience, not out of a legalistic obligation but out of a desire to obey because of loving commitment. The word is stated as an imperative verb in this verse, serving as both an invitation and a command. The relationship goes two ways. Jesus promised his disciples that he would be with them and in them through the coming Holy Spirit (verse 17). The disciples must respond to that promise by living out what Jesus taught them. Jesus’ dwelling in the disciple is not unconditional but depends on the disciple’s response to his offer of grace.
Verse 4 also restates the result of remaining in Jesus and the danger of not remaining. The branch that has become disconnected from the vine will wither and die. There is no life outside of relationship with Jesus. One of the primary emphases in these verses is the idea of bearing fruit. The disciples were at the precipice of discouragement and doubt. They had faith in Jesus but were not ready for the trial of that night or the next few days when Jesus was dead in the tomb. In the months and years to come, they would face even more severe trials when their faith would be tested. Their victory would come by the power of the Holy Spirit, who would indwell them and provide confidence, power, and hope.
The timeless message of these verses also gives us hope that is stronger than the doubts plaguing the world. The fruit of believing and obeying will produce in us the fruit that Paul so clearly listed in Galatians 5:22-23, but even that list is incomplete of all that God wants to do in us and through us. The key is to hold fast in our response to God’s grace in Jesus. The relationship is reciprocal but not equal. God’s grace is always greater than our sins, doubts, and fears.
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