"Abide" in the Gospel of John

-
The word “abide” is a term that occurs often in the New Testament. As a verb, we understand that abiding does not always depend on an object; that is, in its range of meaning, to “remain, stay, dwell, lodge, remain, last, persist, continue to live, wait,” can be literal or figurative.

This becomes clear as we appreciate the depth of meaning by examining in John’s Gospel the one doing the action as well by investigating where the action is performed. Categorically speaking, the action of abiding is accomplished by God the Father (14:10), God the Son, Jesus (1:38-39; 4:40; 6:56; 7:9; 10:40; 11:6, 54; 12:24, 34; 14:25; 15:4-5; 19:31), and the Holy Spirit (1:32, 33; 14:17). God’s Word is described as abiding (5:38; 15:7). The disciples, Jesus’ mother and his brothers, even John (the disciple whom Jesus loved), are observed to “abide” (in some form of the word) where Jesus was (1:39; 2:12; 21:22).

Considering eternal matters, we find positive and negative aspects of abiding. Positively, eternal life (6:27), fruit (15:16), and believers (6:56; 8:31; 8:35; 12:46; 15:4-5, 7, 9-10) abide. Negatively, God’s wrath abides (3:36), as does guilt (9:41) and anyone who “does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” (15:6)

There is great significance in noting where the action is occurring, for the narratives also communicate more than mystical, or spiritual principles. Geographically, we see Jesus abiding at Bethany beyond Jordan on more than one occasion (1:28, 38-39; 10:40; 11:6). We also find Him abiding in Capernaum (2:12), Sychar (4:40), Galilee (7:9), Ephraim (11:54) and in Jerusalem, on the cross, specifically (19:31). The earth is the place of abiding (12:24, 21:22-23) and all the inhabitants of the world (12:46).

The words and works of Jesus underscore the relational necessity of abiding “in” and/or “on” Jesus Himself (1:32-33; 6:56; 14:10), God Word (8:31; 15:10), and eternal life (6:27; 8:35; 12:34; 15:16). We also find that we are the place of abiding for God’s Spirit (14:17), even Jesus Himself (14:25, 15:4-7). This is accomplished through His love (15:9-10).

Those who are without this love relationship with God in Christ Jesus must understand there is another kind of abiding that occurs in them, the recipients of God’s abiding wrath (3:36) because of their unbelief and guilt (5:38, 9:41).

Popular posts from this blog

The Island-Fish

-
Image
  “O ye passengers, whom may God preserve! come up quickly in to the ship, hasten to embark, and leave your merchandise, and flee with your lives, and save yourselves from destruction; for this apparent island, upon which ye are, is not really an island, but it is a great fish that hath become stationary in the midst of the sea, and the sand hath accumulated upon it, so that it hath become like an island, and trees have grown upon it since times of old; and when ye lighted the fire upon it, the fish felt the heat, and put itself in motion, and now it will descend with you into the sea, and ye will all be drowned: then seek for yourselves escape before destruction, and leave the merchandise.—The passengers, therefore, hearing the words of the master of the ship, hastened to go up into the vessel, leaving the merchandise, and their other goods, and their copper cooking-pots, and their fire-pots; and some reached the ship, and others reached it not. The island had moved, and descended...
Read more

“And so, about this tomb of mine . . . “

-
Image
  “VANITY, saith the preacher, vanity!  Draw round my bed: is Anselm keeping back?  Nephews—sons mine … ah God, I know not! Well—  She, men would have to be your mother once,  Old Gandolf envied me, so fair she was!  What’s done is done, and she is dead beside,  Dead long ago, and I am Bishop since,  And as she died so must we die ourselves,  And thence ye may perceive the world’s a dream.  Life, how and what is it?  As here I lie In this state-chamber, dying by degrees,  Hours and long hours in the dead night,  I ask “Do I live, am I dead?”  Peace, peace seems all.  Saint Praxed’s ever was the church for peace;  And so, about this tomb of mine.  I fought With tooth and nail to save my niche, ye know:  —Old Gandolf cozened me, despite my care;  Shrewd was that snatch from out the corner  South He graced his carrion with,  God curse the same!  Yet still my niche is not so cramped...
Read more