The apostle John wrote how Jesus told His disciples, “This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”, and in chapter fifteen and verse fourteen of his book John shared how Jesus said, “you are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you”, where we read:
You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.
The verse reads, “You are my friends, ...” John began with the words, “You are” which means “you, disciples of Jesus, exist as” “my friends” or “my, Jesus', associates, companions and neighbors” if the following conditions are met. John shared how Jesus told His disciples they were His “companions” if they did the following.
The verse continues, “... if you do whatsoever I command you.” John added words, “if you do whatsoever” which means “whether and in case you, disciples of Jesus, produce, make ready and perform whatever” “I command you” or “I, Jesus, order, charge and enjoin you, disciples of Jesus”. John shared how Jesus said His disciples were His “friends” when they “obeyed and performed” whatever He told them to do.
When we meditate upon John's words in this verse, we learn how Jesus' disciples were to be known by the keeping of Jesus' charges and commands. Salvation from God comes “freely” through belief in His Son Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for sins, and from that “salvation” come “works, acts and deeds” that are in “keeping” with the “commands” of Jesus. God loves people, and He sent His Son Jesus so the world may be saved from the penalty for sins which is death. Those who believe and trust in Him will be forgiven of their sins and be given the opportunity to “do whatsoever” Jesus “commands” them.
Next time John shares how Jesus tells His disciples, “Henceforth, I call you not servants”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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