What does John 15:11 mean?
Earlier in His ministry, Jesus pointed out that His purpose was not to restrict our lives, but to give us an abundant life (John 10:10). He did this, in part, by giving us an example of what it means to follow the will of God, even when the situation seems dire (John 5:19; Matthew 26:39). Ultimately, that obedience not only leads to glory for God, it is also the best thing for us, from an eternal perspective.The book of Hebrews expands on this idea. Christ experienced the temptations we do as human beings (Hebrews 4:15) yet was without sin. He willingly endured hardship and struggle (Hebrews 12:2), knowing that God had planned all of this for His own glory (Romans 8:28; John 12:23–26). Believers of centuries past had faith that God would make good, one day, on His promises (Hebrews 11:13–16). What we have seen in history since then validates their faith, and it should encourage ours (Hebrews 11:39–40).
Jesus will continue to remind the disciples—and born-again believers today—that obedience to His teachings may bring temporary hatred from the world, but that is all part of His plan to redeem us from sin (John 16:33). Part of that obedience, phrased in no uncertain terms, is the obligation to treat one another with love (John 15:12).
John 15:1–11 contains one of Jesus' most well-known metaphors: the vine and the branches. This features the seventh of seven "I Am" statements as recorded by John. Jesus lays out several nuanced ideas, touching on Christian perseverance, faith, false conversion, and spiritual effectiveness. This ends with another reference to loving obedience, which sets up the next passage of Jesus' teaching.
This passage begins with a celebrated analogy from Christ: the vine and the branches. This includes the seventh and final "I Am" statement of the gospel of John. Jesus uses this metaphor to explain how our spiritual life, as born-again believers, is drawn from His life. God's intent for our lives is to progress from barrenness to fruitfulness, to spiritual abundance. Jesus also repeats His command for believers to love each other. In this context, He goes so far as to refer to those who follow His teachings as His "friends."
