Fellowship with the Disciples

JOHN 14:1-6, 12-18; 15:1-6

GOLDEN TEXT: “Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”—John 15:14

JOHN wrote, “Our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (I John 1:3) In the Greek language the thought is that of partnership, and the Apostle John seemed especially to appreciate the fact that the true disciples of Jesus are indeed partners with him in the sufferings of the present time and in the glory of the future. In today’s lesson John brings to our attention three examples of our partnership with Jesus—the hope of being with him and sharing his glory; doing the same and even “greater works” than he performed at his first advent; and being branches in him, the true vine.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: … I go to prepare a place for you,” said Jesus, “and if I go, … I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Later John wrote, “It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (I John 3:2) Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit John was able to comprehend that this was the import of the Master’s promise. The church was to be with him and to be like him—to share his glory.

Carelessness in reading the Scriptures has led many to believe that Jesus promised the “many mansions” to his disciples, but actually he did not. He merely recounted the fact that these mansions existed, and intimated that they were not for his disciples by saying that he was going away to prepare a place for them. And this is what other scriptures show. The “many mansions” are evidently planes of life. “Many” of these had indeed already been created—the angelic plane, and others. But God’s plan for Jesus and his church was that they should be exalted to the divine nature, far above them all.

True, the divine plane of life already existed. It was to be new for Jesus and the church only in the sense that till now it had been limited to the Creator only. Now, according to God’s plan of the ages, others were to share the divine plane with the Creator. This is doubtless why Paul refers to God’s “inheritance in the saints.” (Eph. 1:18) For the first time there were to be some on the divine plane with Jehovah—those with whom he could enjoy fellowship. Obviously much preparation would be needed for this, hence Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you.”

Even the manner of Jesus’ going might well be considered a part of the preparation, for Paul wrote, “It became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” (Heb. 2:10) As a new creature, Jesus was perfected and qualified for exaltation to the divine nature by the sufferings he was required to endure. It was thus that he proved his loyalty to God, upon the basis of which his sacrifice was acceptable. Then he had merit with which he could appear in heaven for us, and at the antitypical mercy seat he prepared the way for us. We, too, must first be tested by suffering, and in this Jesus is our Exemplar, and stands by as our Advocate and Helper. In all these ways he prepares a “place” for us that we may be with him and share his glory.

But not alone for the sake of glory would the Lord have us set our affections on things above. No, there is work to be done, service to be rendered. And what are these works? The same, Jesus said, as he performed, and even greater works than these, “Because I go unto my Father.” Yes, his going to the Father was to be a preparation for the “greater works” as well as for the divine glory.

And what marvelous works they will be! Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead, but his true followers are to perform even greater works than these when united with him in the “place” he went away to prepare for them. The sick of the whole world are to be healed. All the dead are to be awakened. And after they are awakened they are to be nurtured and helped over the highway by which they will reach “holiness,” human perfection, and everlasting life.

And then we have the vine and branches as another partnership illustration. “I am the vine,” the Master said, “ye are the branches.” And also, “My Father is the husbandman.” This parable well illustrates to what a full extent we have been made partners with the Father and with the Son. It is the Father’s arrangement for securing “fruit,” hence he needs both the vine and the branches. Furthermore the vine and branches are interdependent upon each other. This is a partnership indeed, but all by divine grace.

Our responsibility is to remain in the “vine.” Other branches will be found to take the places of those found unfruitful; but if we remain in the vine we must expect to be purged in order that we may bring forth “more fruit.” The fruit of the Spirit is a vintage of righteousness which the Father looks for while we are still this side of the veil, before we join the Master in that “place” over there.

QUESTIONS:

What is the “place” prepared for us by Jesus?

What are the “greater works” which we will do?

What is the “fruit” that the Husbandman looks for in our lives?

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