I don’t use the word "remain" very much in everyday speech; it seems too formal. I use the word “stay” for the same purpose; Stay here/there, stay put, stay silent. But a quick grammar search helps me understand a slight difference between the two words: remain emphasizes where you are already. I could say, “I am going to stay at my daughter’s house next week.” But I wouldn’t say, “I’m going to remain at my daughter’s house next week” unless I’m already there.
When Jesus was in the upper room celebrating Passover with his disciples, as recorded in John 13-17, he continued to teach them; these were his final face-to-face lessons before he was arrested and crucified. John 15:1-17 is a beautiful image that depicts the richness of the word “remain” (or “abide” which is the same Greek word).
A branch is already connected to a vine; in order for it to stay alive, grow, and produce fruit, it must remain connected to the vine, which gives it life. Jesus told them, “As the Father loved Me, I also have 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. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” 15:9-11 NKJV
These followers had been in daily relationship with Jesus for three years. Jesus knew what was about to happen to him and that it would be a terrifying shock for them; the human response to watching him be tortured and die would be to run away, give up, and hide. But Jesus encouraged them that no matter what happened, they were to continuously remain in his love, steadfastly hold on to his teachings, and that when they had done so, the remaining result would be joy and love!
In light of our study in Ephesians, what can we learn from this? Jesus said, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love…” And what commandment did he emphasize?
-“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” V 12
-“These things I command you, that you love one another.” V 17.
There is a mysterious beauty in the tri-command to remain in love-obedience-joy with the Father-Son-Spirit, and remain in the loving community of believers. I think the apostle Paul was working this truth out in his letter to the Ephesians; you have already been made alive in Christ, unified in Christ, and are members of Christ’s body—remain there—and then live in loving-obedient-joyful community:
“Instead, be filled with the Spirit [who remains in you], speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit [remain in loving community]. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ [joy remains].” Ep 5:18b-20
Christ-like joy is not dependent on our circumstances or our feelings; the joy of Christ is a reality for those who remain where they already are--in His love.
In light of Jesus’ command to remain in His love, read John 17:20-26.
May we, the believers at The Grove, learn this truth that the Spirit is teaching us; the fullest expression of Christ’s joy is when we steadfastly remain in loving community with Him, and with each other.
I'm praying for you,
Pastor Deb
