Lesson 15
Love.
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." John 15:9
Read John Chapter 15
It's easy to get caught up in the details, I can certainly focus on specifics but then I get squinty eyed.... and I don't think God wants us to be squinty eyed. Sometimes you just have to step back to see the Big Picture. So I'm taking this opportunity to talk about the Big Picture.
I loved my Dad, he passed away last year at the ripe old age of 92, but his memory and his attributes live on in me. He loved the countryside, he loved the parks and going for walks, he enjoyed good food and the simple things in life and he loved my Mum and us. But I don't go around telling everyone about my Dad. Yeah, maybe he'll come up in conversation now and again, he had a lot of great qualities and he had his quirks too....as do I. However, Jesus is a whole other kettle of fish; all he did was talk about his Dad. He talked to his friends, his followers, family, strangers, lepers, the sick and invalid, and even to some demonic spirits, basically anyone who would listen. The gospels are full of Jesus talking about his Father, in fact it wasn't just talking about Him it was imitating Him, being an Exact Representation of His Father! Some people might say I remind them of my Dad....but an exact representation...never!
So why? Why would Jesus go all over the place telling people about his Dad?
The answer is in the verse above..."As the Father has loved me." Jesus knew and experienced the incredible love of his Father and there was nothing to compare it to...it was soooo good! In Luke 4:1-13 We see the Devil tempting Jesus. Now if you've ever done a food fast you know how weak you can get. The first day can be the hardest and your body goes into all kinds of withdrawals......and what is your mind focused on...food! You can't wait for food. Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights...in the desert...and he was Hungry! He was at his weakest...and that's when Satan decided to stop by and offer Jesus a "Get out of Jail Free" card. It says that Satan offered Jesus All the Kingdoms of the world, with all authority and splendor. So let's imagine what that might look like today. The wealth and riches of Monty Carlo to Beverly Hills, the islands and beaches of the Caribbean and Mediterranean, the Power of the White House, Kremlin and European Counsel and throw in the World Financial Bank to boot. You can have whoever & whatever you want.....whenever you want. I would say that's pretty tempting! What does Jesus say.....Nah! No thanks! (My paraphrase). Why? Because Jesus knew there was something far greater...Immeasurably more than all we could Ask or Imagine! THE LOVE OF HIS FATHER! FOR ETERNITY!
Okay, so we've established that there was nothing greater for Jesus than the love of his Father, but what about these guys following Jesus? A number of them were fishermen, one a tax collector, another a religious fanatic and the rest, possibly tradesmen. James and John were nicknamed "The Sons of Thunder." Sounds like characters you would find on WWF or some biker band. Men not easily swayed, and yet here they are following Jesus. Why? Same as the answer above, they were the recipient of Love, God's Love...the most powerful motivator in the Universe! The apostle John referred to himself as "the one whom Jesus loves." They weren't coerced, threatened, made to feel guilty, belittled, sold a bill of goods, preached at, bossed or manipulated....they were loved! Yep, grown men loved! "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you." Deep down inside, no matter how big, strong, silent or courageous a man is....he wants love. Genuine, trustworthy, eternal, everlasting love....and that's what Jesus gave to these men, and that's why they followed him!
Now remain in my Love.
Some questions to ask.
1: What kind of love or affection did you receive growing up from your father?
2: How does it compare to the love of God and Jesus?
3: Can you write out some words that would describe how you would like to be loved and treated?
4: If it's not love, what is your motivation for following Jesus?