1 QUOTE

Some things have to be believed to be seen.

– Rolf Hodgson

1 NOTE

The book of John is the greatest book in the Bible. I would go so far as to say that the fourth gospel is the greatest book ever written. Ever. The reason? The Jesus of John’s Gospel is simply the greatest person ever written about. And the former fishermen was uniquely gifted by God to write an absolute masterpiece. Paul teaches with a left-brained approach to faith, carefully explaining concepts of the Spirit-filled life. But John is a right-brained artist, who presents faith through simple, but astonishingly beautiful metaphors and symbols (water, bread, light, life). 

John develops the theme of abiding throughout his book. The theme is first introduced at the beginning of the book (1:38) as the author asks Jesus a piercing question. Jesus does not answer at the time, but will deliver great news three years later. Abiding is the climactic teaching on the last night, as Jesus teaches what it means to abide, using bread and wine for the first time (15:1). The dominant metaphor for abiding is the vine and branches, which poetically capture the intimate union life with Jesus.

But how do we know today if we are indeed abide in Christ? Through the vine and branches, Jesus introduces seven signs that a disciple abides in Jesus. The words symptoms and signs are often used interchangeably. Physicians know symptoms are subjective (representing the complaint of the patient). But signs are objective and observable to all. Symptoms are private. Signs are public. 

In John 15:1-25, Jesus peels the curtain back on the unexplainable and mystical experience of being in an intimate relationship with the Living God. How can you tell if someone is really in union with God? Jesus teaches us seven objective and observable signs that someone abides in Christ. 

The first sign is fruit. It makes perfect sense. How else can you tell a tree other than the fruit? Jesus teaches that bearing much fruit is proof that we are indeed his disciples (15:8). The first sign of fruit is both internal and external. In our natural lives, when we become friends with someone their values, beliefs, and character rub off on us. So it is with Jesus! As we fellowship with God, the fruits of the Holy Spirit grow in our inner-person. In our natural lives, when we come friends with others, their mission to impact the world becomes our mission. So it is with Jesus! The word fruit first appears in Jesus’ meeting the woman who became a well to her entire Sychar Village. Jesus is literally gathering fruit for eternal life (4:36). When we abide in Christ, Kingdom fruit will emerge in our souls. When we abide in Christ, Kingdom fruit will emerge in the lives of those we evangelize and disciple.

1 QUESTION

As you abide in Christ, what practical steps can you take this week to grow your inner-life (being) and public ministry (doing)? Both are signs that you abide in Christ!