Remain in Me and Expect Trouble
Researching and writing up case studies for Everywhere opened my eyes to the stark realities of persecution. So I’m reading the Scriptures with new eyes, looking for what I’ve missed.
Here’s an example: the link between Jesus teaching on abiding in him (John 15:1–17) and his teaching on persecution (John 15:18–27).
We love to read the passage about abiding in Christ. But Jesus has some disturbing comments about the inevitability of persecution, as we make disciples in a world broken by sin.
Remain in me: John 15:1–17
Their final meal was over. Judas had departed into the darkness. Jesus and his disciples were making their way to the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus will pray and wait to be arrested. This is his last opportunity to instruct his disciples.
He knows that Peter and the disciples he has given his life to will fail him. Jesus will die alone, abandoned. It will seem like their opponents have won.
What will Jesus share with his inner circle to see them through this ordeal and prepare them to be restored and entrusted with their mission?
He tells them, I am the vine. My Father is the Gardener. You are the branches. The secret of fruitfulness is to remain in me.
Abiding means being loved by Jesus and loving him in return. As branches, his disciples receive life by being united to him. Being connected to the vine means Jesus’ life flows through his disciples, leading to fruitfulness.
Fruitfulness originates in the love the Father has for the Son. The Son shares that love with his disciples as they remain in him. The fruit of that love is our love for him, for one another in ever-widening circles throughout the world.
Fruitful disciples produce more disciples who are abiding in him.
The Father removes branches that bear no fruit and prunes fruitful branches so they produce even more fruit. Fruitfulness comes by remaining in him—obeying his Word, and knowing him through the Holy Spirit.
This is the proper response to persecution: remain united with Jesus. Not brash commitments like, ‘I’ll die for you.’ Not waving swords in the air, or curse-laden denials.
Expect Trouble: John 15:18-27
Simon Peter was about to face his most severe pruning by the Father. Satan will sift him like wheat (Luke 22:31). Peter will deny his Lord. But Jesus prayed for Peter and knew he would turn back and strengthen his brothers. All the disciples will fail Jesus, but when they return, he will restore them.
This is what the Father taught him. Once they learn this, they are not just servants. They are his friends.
‘Jesus loves his disciples because they abide in him; the world hates them for the same reason.’ (Raymond Brown)
This context helps us understand persecution. The world is in rebellion against God. That’s why Jesus was hated and persecuted. That’s why his disciples are persecuted for his name. Disciples must be prepared for this, or they will fall away. If they remain silent about Jesus, they will not be persecuted. Their mission comes with a price tag. Jesus warns them and promises them his presence through the Holy Spirit as they proclaim his salvation throughout the world.
To prepare them for the onslaught, Jesus allows no illusions about the world’s animosity. Telling them, ‘They hated me and they will hate you. They will persecute you because of my name. They will try and kill you. But I will send the Holy Spirit who will testify to me through you.’
His presence provokes the persecution and sustains the disciples through it. Despite opposition, they can bear much fruit as they remain in him. They experience trouble, but Jesus has overcome the world.
At the heart of God’s mission is his presence, made possible through the Word and the Spirit. God is gathering his people throughout the world. His presence is both the key to achieving the mission and the goal of the mission.
