Jesus’s invitation to abide is one that I treasure and respond to daily, sometimes multiple times in a day. I do this not for His sake, but rather for mine. This is because I realize I’m at my ultimate best when I am abiding in Him rather than striving on my own.
You see, the invitation to abide literally means to remain closely connected to Jesus at all times. And this means never having to do anything apart from Him ever again. This is truly life-changing for those who truly understand the significance of Jesus’ words and respond to His invitation.
Understanding Abide
Abide is an antiquated word we rarely hear outside of biblical passages. Yet, at the same time, it is a timeless word as it is Scripture. It is also an incredibly effective word conveying a message that is relevant for Christ-followers in every generation. But most notably, it is the word that Jesus specifically chose to include in His invitation. And this is critical as it reveals something significant about the type of relationship He desires to have with us. The truth is Jesus longs for us to know Him personally and intimately. This is the way He knows us, and this is also the way He knows and is known by His Father.
Jesus Abided in His Father
The clearest picture of what it means to abide is seen in the loving relationship Jesus shared with His Father as recorded in Scripture. On more than one occasion, He spoke candidly about this unique and intimate relationship. Unfortunately, His words were not always well received, especially by the religious sect. But Jesus was not dissuaded by the opinion or approval of others. Instead, He courageously spoke the truth of His abiding relationship with His Father by declaring:
- “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30 ESV)
- “…my Father who lives in me does his work through me.” (John 14:10 NLT)
- “I am in the Father and the Father is in me” (John 14:10 NLT)
- “[I] can do nothing by [my]self. [I] only [do] what [I] see [my] Father doing…” (John 5:19)
Jesus’ words are a perfect description of what it truly means to abide. And it is this same connectedness and intimacy that He refers to when He invites His followers to abide in Him.
Three Amazing Results of Abiding
The invitation to abide is recorded solely in the Gospel of John (15:1-11). It is a beautiful passage complete with vivid imagery enabling the reader to see the positive results of abiding. The invitation begins with an illustration of Jesus as the true vine, the Father as the gardener, and believers as branches. Jesus’ pictorial message was quite clear. In the same way that He is dependent upon His Father, so also His followers are to depend upon Him. But His message didn’t end there. Instead, He continued by sharing three guaranteed results of abiding in Him.
Abiding in Jesus means never having to do anything apart from Him ever again.
Fruitfulness
While fruitfulness is the natural result of abiding in Jesus, the opposite is also true. And this is good news, as although we are incapable of producing lasting fruit apart from Him, we never need to try. Instead, we are enabled to live fruitful, productive lives simply by abiding in Him. And this brings blessing to others and glory to God!
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 ESV).
Answered Prayer
The next outstanding result of abiding is answered prayer. But to be clear, Jesus wasn’t suggesting a formula for receiving anything we want. Instead, through the surrendered posture of abiding, we are empowered to pray what God desires. And when this happens, our prayers are transformed from our wants to His will.
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7 ESV).
Remaining in God’s Love
The final amazing result of abiding is remaining in God’s love. Jesus begins this concluding segment of His invitation by declaring His love for us. He explains that the way we remain in His love is by obeying His commands just as He remains in His Father’s love by obeying His commands. Truthfully this would be impossible, as unlike Jesus, we are not perfect. In fact, we are far from it! But the good news is obedience to God’s commands is not something we are required to achieve on our own. Instead, it is something Christ accomplishes through us as we abide in Him.
“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” (John 15:9,10)
So perhaps today, take some time to ponder the amazing privilege and wonderful results of abiding in Jesus. And if per-chance you’ve never responded to this truly life-changing invitation, I pray that you will!
Extend grace to others!
If you’ve been encouraged, strengthened, or edified by this week’s post, please consider sharing Grace Notes for You with a friend.
Community Question of the Week
How are you encouraged knowing that abiding in Jesus means never having to do life apart from Him? Encourage others with your words HERE!
Reflect
What practical steps can you take to intentionally abide in Jesus?
Pray
Jesus, I thank You for the gracious invitation you have extended for me to abide in You. Thank You for never needing to live apart from You. I am humbled that You would choose to live in me and work through me. You are an awesome God, and I praise You! Amen.
Beautiful message as per usual.