What does John 15:15 mean?

Explanation

John 15:15 captures a moment of deep connection between Jesus and His disciples.

In this verse, Jesus contrasts the relationship of a servant to their master with that of a friend to a friend. A servant typically carries out commands without being privy to the master's broader intentions or understanding the rationale behind their orders.

In contrast, Jesus elevates His disciples to the status of friends, implying a relationship based on mutuality, understanding, and openness.

He indicates that He has shared everything passed down to Him from God the Father, emphasizing transparency and the willingness to disclose the divine purposes and plans.

This signifies a shift from a hierarchical bond to an intimate and reciprocal one, centered on love and trust.

Historical Context

John 15:15 is part of what is often referred to as the Farewell Discourse, a series of teachings and conversations Jesus has with His disciples after the Last Supper and before His crucifixion.

This discourse is found in the Gospel of John, chapters 14-17, which is traditionally dated to the late first century.

The historical environment of these teachings is the Jewish tradition of the time.

The relationship between a teacher or rabbi and his disciples usually had an authoritative dynamic, and the language of "servant" and "friend" would resonate with a deeply hierarchical society.

Jesus' departure from conventional master-servant language holds significant weight in this cultural setting.

Theological Insights

The verse can be considered from various theological angles:

• Covenant Relationship: Within the broader biblical context, Jesus' use of "friend" aligns with the covenantal language of the Old Testament, where God often establishes a relationship with His people that is personal and based on mutual commitments (e.g., Abraham is called a friend of God in James 2:23).
• Incarnational Theology: Highlighting the idea that Jesus, as God incarnate, chooses to reveal God to humanity in an intimate and personal way.
• Eschatological Fulfillment: Some theologians may interpret Jesus' revealing of all things from the Father as a lead-in to the revelation of the end times and His role in the ultimate divine plan.
• Trinitarian Consistency: It can be a reference to the interpenetrative relationships within the Trinity, implying that believers are invited into that eternal communication and relationship.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse encourages believers to foster a personal and intimate relationship with God, rather than a purely dutiful or distant one.

It emphasizes the value of open communication in prayer, the need for community where individuals can share and understand God's workings in their lives, and a discipleship model based on friendship and trust rather than fear and control.

Cross-References

• James 2:23: "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God."
• John 8:47: "He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."
• John 10:27: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for servant is "doulos," which means "slave" or "bondservant," indicating someone with no autonomy.

In stark contrast, the word for friends is "philoi," derived from "phileo," a verb meaning to love or have affection for someone in a non-romantic but personal way.

The shift from "doulos" to "philoi" is significant in interpreting the transformation of the relationship Jesus is describing.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient culture, friendship was often considered the highest form of social relationship because it was based on mutual affection and respect rather than on duty.

Comparatively, in Greco-Roman mythology, gods did not typically consider mortals as friends but as subjects or playthings.

Similarly, other ancient religions maintained a strict deity-devotee dynamic where the idea of friendship would minimize the reverence to the divine.

Scientific Perspectives

Science typically does not intersect directly with the theological and relational concepts presented in this verse.

However, studies in psychology and sociology can affirm the importance of intimate, mutual relationships for emotional and mental well-being, suggesting that the model Jesus proposes for relationships with the divine positively corresponds with what is deemed healthy human interaction.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the privilege of being called friends by Christ. It insists that this privilege requires obedience to His commandments.
• Benson Commentary suggests that being friends of Christ does not mean an equality but involves a genuine familiarity and freedom rarer between a master and his servant.
• Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges focuses on the thought that revelation is the basis for this friendship, as friends share secrets, unlike servants.
• Barnes' Notes on the Bible reflects on the notion that whereas servants are often ignorant of the reasons for the commands they receive, friends are treated with fuller knowledge and confidence.