Slain Day 2 This Is How We Conquer: Digging Deeper
Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!
John 15:1-11
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.
9 As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. 10 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.
11 I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
The Original Intent
1) How might the sacrifice of a martyr like Polycarp give witness to Jesus’ teaching of abiding with Him in verses 1-3?
The early church regarded martyrdom as a powerful testimony of abiding in Christ. A martyr is defined as 1) a person who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty of […] refusing to renounce a religion, 2) a person who sacrifices […] life itself for the sake of principle, and 3) a great or constant sufferer. (merriam-webster.com)
Polycarp, the acclaimed bishop of Smyrna in the earliest years of Christianity, was known for his devotion to people and God. He is remembered for his unwavering allegiance to the truth of Christ even unto death. Some church historians believe Polycarp was a disciple of the apostle John (who wrote this gospel). Interestingly, when the same apostle wrote the book of Revelation, he recorded these words of Jesus to the church in Smyrna, “Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer … Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
Seventy years after John wrote these words, Polycarp was faithful to the point of death.
Although letters from Polycarp were not considered to be divinely inspired, they provide us with additional history from that time period. (Polycarp’s Epistle to Philippians) I can imagine Polycarp recalling what he knew about the One who gave His life for him. Maybe John had taught him Jesus’ words recorded in verse 2: “He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more.”
Jesus taught that suffering would come because of Him. (Matthew 20:17-20) Since they had been made clean by Jesus, the very Word of God (verse 3, John 1:14-18, John 13:8-11), His disciples would certainly be persecuted for being among those who believed. Even so, they could also be assured that dying a martyr’s death was an indicator of their genuine relationship with Him. (James 1:2-4)
The Everyday Application
1) How might the sacrifice of a martyr like Polycarp give witness to Jesus’ teaching of abiding with Him in verses 1-3?
Pastor and teacher John Stott says the serious Christian prays to be pruned. What?! That would not seem like a comforting prayer to me unless I knew the process. Years ago, I lived near a dear friend who was a gardener. In her backyard, she grew beautiful flowers and shrubs. She also had grapes that draped elegantly over trellises that lined the back of her yard.
She tried to teach me a little, but it never stuck. Since I’m still not much of a gardener, I needed to do a little digging into the process of pruning to remind myself of the work behind the beauty, smell, and deliciousness of the fruit (in this case, grapes).
If you were to research the pruning process, you would likely notice the amazing correlation to the believer’s sanctification. (GotQuestions.org) Just in case you don’t have time to do it right now, I’ll help a sister out. Pruning helps plants stay healthy and contributes to a plant flowering well. As the pruning helps control a plant’s shape, it aids in controlling unwanted and undesirable growth that attaches to the plant.
This process translates into the life of a person who is spiritually connected to Jesus, the Vine. The pruning by the Father, our Gardener, is the good work of making us spiritually beautiful, a sweet-smelling aroma that rises up to God. This becomes especially important as trials come.
As we develop into more mature believers, we grow in spiritual health produced by the pruning. This health gives way to courage that is contagious in the face of suffering.
The Original Intent
2) In what ways does Jesus’ fruit-bearing metaphor communicate the influence of a martyr’s life? (verses 4-7)
While few of us, if any, will be called upon to sacrifice our lives because of a confession of our faith, we should recognize that Jesus’ invitation to abide in Him includes risk. (Matthew 10:16-22) Thankfully, staying with Jesus doesn’t depend on our ability to hold tight. It happens because Jesus first and fully stays with us.
Although verse 3 may seem out of place, it’s right where it should be for Jesus to continue His encouragement. The divinely inspired life of every human depends solely on the connection with the true Vine. (verses 4-5) No one can do anything for God apart from Jesus. No one can access God without Jesus, and no one can bear fruit apart from Jesus. (John 14:6-7)
Jesus did not want His disciples to suppose that the presence of difficulties indicated the absence of their salvation. (verse 3) Yes, we connect to the Vine through the faith that saves us (Romans 5:9-11), but we also remain in the Vine, and grow more deeply connected, through the fruitfulness of our Spirit-induced obedience. (Galatians 5:19-25)
Lasting “fruit” of obedience to Christ will be evidenced by our faithfulness through suffering. Jesus told His disciples not to worry when the time came for courage in the face of persecution; He assured them of God’s presence. (Matthew 10:16-19) Bible scholars have not reached agreement on the spiritual condition (Matthew 7:21-23) of the branches burned in the fire in verse 6, but most agree that Jesus mentioned this pruning to encourage His disciples to abide in Him so they would bear much fruit.
Surely it was the disciples’ courage and confidence that inspired the martyrs after them to trust Jesus to provide timely faith for them, too.
The Everyday Application
2) In what ways does Jesus’ fruit-bearing metaphor communicate the influence of a martyr’s life? (verses 4-7)
More than once, Jesus stressed the importance of believers abiding in Him. (John 10:28-30 John 14:23, John 15:9-10) As we’ve seen, remaining on the vine will inevitably lead to pruning for the health of the plant. Jesus says growth happens only as it’s connected to the vine!
John wrote that the “Word became flesh and dwelt among us”. (John 1:14) By coming to dwell among humans, Jesus proved His willingness to be connected to the people He created and to suffer with humanity for humanity. Encounters with Jesus served as an invitation to receive a cleansing balm for their souls. Although they had a human relationship with Jesus, it was the disciples’ spiritual connection to Him, the True Vine, that made them clean.
It’s not likely many of the disciples, if any, fully understood what Jesus was talking about in verses 1-7. As they walked with Him day-by-day, they probably even took His presence for granted. How could they have known He would continue to be with them in ways they never dreamed by His Spirit indwelling them?!
Even as His disciples listened to His teaching and were reminded that He existed beyond what they could see, hear, and touch, it wasn’t until after His death they fully understood the connection they would always have to Jesus. (Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:1-11)
John would later write to the believers about the joy he had discovered in following Jesus. (1 John 1:1-4) As a faithful believer, Polycarp was connected to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection years after Jesus walked the earth. In the same way, when we suffer as a believer, we unite with Jesus in His suffering. (Romans 8:12-17) When we suffer, we approach the throne of God boldly and ask for grace to endure whatever comes. (John 15:7)
The Original Intent
3) Jesus emphasizes obedience to God’s commands as an expression of love. How does a martyr’s willingness to die for their faith reflect this principle? (verses 8-11)
In verse 8, Jesus emphasizes that bearing much fruit glorifies the Father and demonstrates the genuineness of a disciple’s commitment and connection to Him. Obedience is not merely about duty, but about a life that reflects God’s character from a heart of devotion and adoring love to Him. It is evidence of a vibrant relationship with Jesus, the true Vine.
Verses 9-10 develop the discussion by focusing on love and obedience. Jesus compares His love for His disciples to the love He receives from the Father. This abiding love is a commitment to follow His commandments. Obedience to Jesus flows from our faith in two ways:
1) We obey because we’ve experienced God’s love so deeply that we want to surrender to Him.
2) Christ dwells in us providing the desire to obey.
As believers, our relationship with Christ reflects His relationship with His Father. We become participants in the divine love shared between the Father and the Son. (verse 10) Jesus explains He wants His disciples to have joy in their obedience as He does (verse 11), even if it costs them their lives, as it eventually did His own. (Hebrews 12:2-4)
Jesus found joy in His pending death because He anticipated the glorious outcome of granting access for all people to come to the Father and know His love. His perspective is a model for all believers who endure trials. Paul speaks of our present sufferings being light in comparison with the glory that is coming. (Romans 8:16-18)
John’s purpose for writing his first epistle was to encourage believers to have joy in whatever happens. (1 John 1:4) It is this kind of supernatural joy that demonstrates God’s presence in a person’s life who is willing to die for confessing their faith in Jesus.
The Everyday Application
3) Jesus emphasizes obedience to God’s commands as an expression of love. How does a martyr’s willingness to die for their faith reflect this principle? (verses 8-11)
After Jesus stressed obedience and love, He revealed the purpose of His specific teaching in verse 11, “I have told you these things so that …” His joy may be in us and that our joy may be complete.
Does that make you flinch just a bit, Friend? I bet you’re like me and have wondered if you could find joy in suffering a painful death for the sake of Jesus. Or, you may question if you love Jesus enough to die for your confession. Hopefully, as you explore this Journey Theme with us, you’ll be able to answer that question.
The longer I’m with Jesus, the more I discover that His joy is not fleeting happiness depending on perfect conditions. Neither is it a fearless dive into the ocean of persecution. It is a profound, enduring sense of peace that comes from being in participation with God’s will. It is complete joy for it is wholly accomplished in the work of Christ and gifted to us at salvation. (John 16:24-27) It is rooted in the assurance of God’s love and the hope of eternal life.
Sister, Jesus invites us into a life of fruitful discipleship. When we accept His invitation to come, we join with the heart of Jesus in His mission. As we love God and others, we testify of Jesus’ love for the world.
Friend, I want to assure you that you can know you will remain steadfast in faith as you draw strength and sustenance from the True Vine. He is faithful to keep us faithful. Even to death. (2 Timothy 1:9-13)
“Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, without blemish and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25)
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