21 Days of DiscipleshipSample

Remain

“Remain.” Jesus uses this word a lot in our reading today. What does it mean and what does it have to do with becoming more like Jesus?

To remain is to continue. To continue to possess a particular quality or fulfill a particular role. So what qualities does Jesus want us to possess? What roles has He called us to fill?

Jesus spells it out pretty clearly; He has called us to be people who both know and show the love of the Father. 

In John 15:9-10 NIV, Jesus says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”

And a few verses later, “This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:12 NCV

Jesus explains that we know what the Father’s love looks like because Jesus Himself showed it to us. He then challenges us to continue in this love. To remain. And He explains exactly how we can do that: by keeping His commands. What commands? Again, Jesus is super clear. His explicit instruction was for us to love each other. 

In John 15, Jesus echoes the new command He issued back in chapter 13: a command that would become the trademark of His followers even to this day. He taught us, saying:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

This is how we remain in Jesus. Because to remain in Him, is to know and show His love.

Challenge: How is God prompting you to know and show His love today? Do you need to dedicate some time to the first part—knowing His love? Read Psalm 139:1-18. Do you need to draw near and remember how much God cares about you? What about the second part—showing His love? Disciples of Jesus don’t say what they won’t put into action. Who do you need to share the love of the Father with today?