Page 2 of 2"I have told you this ahead of time, so that when it happens, your faith will not fail. I can't talk with you much longer because the ruler of this world is on his way. But he has no basis for an accusation against me. I am doing exactly what the Father has told me to do. Thus everyone in the world will know that I love the Father.
"It's time to leave; let's be on our way" (John 14:27-31).
I Am the True Vine
"I am the real vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He cuts off every branch that fails to bear fruit, but he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so it will produce even more. You have been 'pruned' already by the words I have spoken to you.
"It's crucial that you remain in me and I in you. No branch can bear fruit separated from the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me.
"I am the vine and you are the branches. Only if you remain in me and I in you will you be able to bear an abundant crop of fruit. If you break that connection, you can accomplish nothing. If you do not remain in me, you will be thrown aside like a withered branch. Branches like that are picked up and used for firewood.
"If you remain in me and ponder what I have taught you, then whatever you ask for in prayer will be done for you. Would you like to bring honor to my Father? Then bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples" (John 15:1-8).
"Abide in My Love"
"My love for you has been the same as the love my Father has for me. Remain true to that love. If you obey my commands you will remain true to my love, just as I obey my Father's commands and remain true to his love. I have told you these things so that you may experience the joy that is mine. I want you to be filled with joy.
"My commandment is that you love one another just as I have loved you. The ultimate proof that a person loves his friend is his willingness to sacrifice his life for him. You will prove your love for me if you do what I command. No longer will I call you servants, because a servant doesn't really know what his master is doing. Rather, I will call you friends because I have shared with you everything my Father has told me.
"It was not you who chose me but I who chose you. I appointed you to go and bear fruit, the kind of fruit that lasts. The Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. I give you these commands so that you may love one another" (John 15:9-17).
Used by permission. Excerpt taken from Jesus in His Own Words by Robert H. Mounce, ©2010, B&H Publishing Group.
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