The last couple of years, we’ve been forced to hunker down. When the weather’s nasty, it’s easy to get a warm mug of something to drink, a good book, a snuggly blanket, and just hibernate. However, the pandemic forced us inside for more than just a season. For some of us, we found it so comfortable that we that we really never want to leave. Some of us have decided to just remain in that covered state even after things get back to “normal!”
With this in mind, we may find some sense of what Jesus was talking about in this passage. First, he repeatedly commands His disciples to be very fruitful. In fact, he warns them in no uncertain terms that being unfruitful is a spiritually dangerous condition, potentially leading them to being thrown away and burned (a picture of judgment!). Then he indicates what makes the difference between fruitfulness and unfruitfulness. It is where the disciple remains. Jesus repeatedly tells his disciples that they must remain in him if they are to be fruitful. We find the word repeated in vs. 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10. I can’t think of another time when Jesus repeats himself in such a manner. It must be important! In the later verses and following (vs. 7-12) he refers to ways we carry out our “remaining.”
But what does “remain” mean? It means to stay, to abide, to be at home – just like our response to the pandemic in its various phases. Where we “hunker down.” It means to make ourselves “at home” in Jesus’ love, in His words, in Him. If (and Jesus implies only if) we do these things, we are his friends (v. 14)! If we make ourselves at home in Jesus as our true vine, particularly by our love for him and our obedience to his word, then He will remain in us, and we will bear much fruit.
This remaining is how we are able to endure what is to come – the world’s hatred. Jesus warns us about it in the final portion of this passage, but has already given us the way to endure the “pandemic” of the world’s enmity – remaining in Him. Note that Jesus assumes we will be going out into that dangerous world, so, it’s kind of like venturing out during the pandemic. Our spiritual “mask” (so to speak) is living in him, obeying his word. When we go out, we will be endangered by the world’s wrath. So, to stay alive, we must stay “at home” in him as we go. When I consider folks who are undergoing the world’s hatred and anger (in Ukraine, for instance, or those who endure the cancel culture when they stand for love and kindness), I see how important “remaining” can be.
This might be a good time to consider the different ways Jesus encourages us to remain in him (see the verses referenced above). Then take a look at our own practices, and evaluate how we do, and where we might improve. If you aren’t already attempting to be at home in Jesus’ presence, perhaps today is the day to start.
Either way, this week, let us commit to making ourselves more at home in him – to lean into his love and drink deep of the warmth of his word. Let’s make prayerfully specific plans to do so. And always remember, Jesus comforts you no matter what the world throws at you. He loves you and wants to abide in you!