He Has Risen

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."  John 15:13

Shortly before Jesus' arrest and crucifixion he sat with his disciples and seemed to be giving them be words, warnings, and comfort that would prepare them for the days and years ahead.  In the middle of that conversation were these words,"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."  We especially remember those words as we approach the time of his death and resurrection. 

That is not all that Jesus said to them, and I believe those words were not meant for just that time and that place. He was giving them instruction, preparing them, and us, for what was to come. 

Jesus told us that if we remain in him, and he in us, we would bear much fruit, but apart from him, we can do nothing.  In that message he told us that he chose us and appointed us to bear fruit, fruit that will last.  In addition, in John 15:15 he said, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business.  Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."  Do we realize how powerful that is?  Think of your closest friends versus a casual acquaintance, the depth of that relationship, the things you share with them.  Jesus, the creator of the universe, has intentionally changed our relationship with him.  We were once thought of as servants, but now He calls us friend!

Jesus goes deeper; he bears his soul as you would to a friend and tries to prepare them for the persecution that lies ahead.  John 15: 18 - 19:  "If the world hates you, keep in mind, that it hated me first.  If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also."  He goes on to say in verse 25, "They hated me without reason."  This was not just a message for the disciples sitting at his feet; it is a message for us, today.  The hate we see today towards those who love God and proclaim His truth, are not new, nor is it unexpected.  Furthermore, Jesus tells us "...they hate without reason."  Jesus immediately tells his disciples how they will be able to deal with this hate, He will send an Advocate, the Spirit of Truth, and that Advocate will testify of Jesus.

This Easter, as we think of the price our Savior paid for our freedom and look with concern at what is going on in our culture today, and more so around the world, remember Jesus’ words, “Testify, bear much fruit, and abide in the vine.”

Remember, "He is not here; he has risen! ......"  Luke 24:6
Sincerely,

Regina Brown
National Prayer Coordinator