What Does the Lord Jesus Say About His Children?

Understanding what the Lord Jesus says about His children is essential for every believer.

His words provide comfort, guidance, and assurance of our identity and relationship with Him.

In this article, we’ll explore various aspects of what Jesus says about His children, addressing His love, promises, and expectations.

Let’s dive into the heart of Christ’s message and see how it applies to you.

Jesus Loves His Children Unconditionally

First and foremost, Jesus’s love for His children is unconditional.

This means He loves you regardless of your actions, past mistakes, or shortcomings.

In John 15:9, Jesus says,

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”

Here, Jesus emphasizes that His love mirrors the Father’s love for Him—perfect and unending.

Key Points About Jesus’s Love:

Unconditional:

You don’t need to earn it.

Everlasting:

It never fades away.

Sacrificial:

He gave His life for you (John 3:16).

You Are Chosen and Appointed

In John 15:16, Jesus tells His disciples,

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

This powerful statement reveals that Jesus has a specific purpose and mission for each of His children.

What This Means for You:

Chosen:

You’re selected by God, which means you’re valued and significant.

Appointed:

You have a unique role and mission in God’s kingdom.

Fruitful:

Your life is meant to make a lasting impact.

Jesus Calls His Children Friends

One of the most intimate aspects of Jesus’s relationship with His children is that He calls them friends.

In John 15:15, He says,

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

Implications of Being Jesus’s Friend:

Intimacy:

You have a close, personal relationship with Jesus.

Revelation:

He shares His plans and purposes with you.

Trust:

He trusts you with His mission.

Assurance of Eternal Life

Jesus assures His children of eternal life, a cornerstone of Christian faith.

In John 10:28, Jesus declares,

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

This promise offers incredible security and hope.

Key Takeaways on Eternal Life:

Gift:

Eternal life is given freely to believers.

Security:

You’re safe in Jesus’s hands, protected forever.

Hope:

This life isn’t the end—there’s a glorious future awaiting you.

Jesus Expects Obedience and Abiding

While Jesus’s love is unconditional, He does expect His children to obey His commands and abide in Him.

In John 14:15, Jesus states,

“If you love me, keep my commands.”

Additionally, in John 15:4, He says,

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

Expectations from Jesus:

Obedience:

Show your love by following His teachings.

Abiding:

Stay connected to Jesus, drawing strength and sustenance from Him.

Fruitfulness:

A life connected to Jesus is productive and impactful.

Promises of the Holy Spirit

Jesus promises His children the Holy Spirit to be their helper and guide.

In John 14:16-17, He assures,

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

Role of the Holy Spirit:

Helper:

Assists you in living a godly life.

Guide:

Leads you into all truth and understanding.

Presence:

Dwells within you, offering constant companionship.

Jesus Prays for His Children

One of the most comforting truths is that Jesus prays for His children.

In John 17, Jesus prays specifically for His disciples and all believers, asking the Father to protect them, sanctify them, and unify them.

Insights from Jesus’s Prayer:

Protection:

Jesus prays for your safety and well-being.

Sanctification:

He desires your growth in holiness and truth.

Unity:

Jesus seeks unity among His followers.

You Are Light and Salt

Jesus calls His children to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth.

In Matthew 5:14-16, He says,

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Your Role as Light and Salt:

Influence:

Shine brightly in your community, spreading hope and truth.

Preservation:

Be a preserving influence in a world prone to moral decay.

Visibility:

Live your faith openly, drawing others to God.

Conclusion

Understanding what the Lord Jesus says about His children is both empowering and humbling.

He loves you unconditionally, chooses and appoints you for a purpose, calls you His friend, assures you of eternal life, expects your obedience, promises the Holy Spirit, prays for you, and calls you to be light and salt in the world.

Embrace these truths and let them transform the way you live.

Your relationship with Jesus is the most significant and impactful aspect of your life—cherish it, nurture it, and let it guide you daily.

FAQs About What the Lord Jesus Says About His Children

1. What does Jesus mean when He says He loves His children unconditionally?

Unconditional love means that Jesus loves His children regardless of their actions, past mistakes, or shortcomings.

His love is perfect, everlasting, and sacrificial, mirroring the love the Father has for Him.

2. How does being chosen and appointed by Jesus affect my life?

Being chosen and appointed by Jesus means you are valued and significant in God’s eyes.

You have a unique role and mission in His kingdom, and your life is meant to make a lasting impact through the “fruit” you bear.

3. Why does Jesus call His children friends instead of servants?

Jesus calls His children friends to emphasize the close, personal relationship He has with them.

Unlike servants who don’t know their master’s business, friends are privy to Jesus’s plans and purposes, highlighting the trust and intimacy in this relationship.

4. What assurance does Jesus give about eternal life?

Jesus assures His children of eternal life, stating that they will never perish and no one can snatch them out of His hand.

This promise provides security, hope, and the assurance of a glorious future beyond this life.

5. What are the expectations Jesus has for His children?

Jesus expects His children to obey His commands and remain in Him.

Obedience shows love for Him, and abiding in Him ensures that their lives are productive and impactful, drawing strength and sustenance from the relationship with Jesus.

6. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the lives of Jesus’s children?

The Holy Spirit is promised as a helper and guide, living within Jesus’s children.

The Spirit assists in living a godly life, leads them into all truth, and provides constant companionship.

7. How does Jesus pray for His children?

In John 17, Jesus prays for His disciples and all believers, asking the Father to protect them, sanctify them in truth, and unify them.

His prayers emphasize His care and desire for their well-being and spiritual growth.

8. What does it mean to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth?

Being the light of the world means shining brightly in your community, spreading hope and truth.

Being the salt of the earth means being a preserving influence in a world prone to moral decay.

Both roles involve living your faith openly and positively impacting those around you.

9. How can I embrace and live out the truths Jesus speaks about His children?

You can embrace and live out these truths by understanding your identity in Christ, nurturing your relationship with Him, obeying His commands, relying on the Holy Spirit, and actively fulfilling your role as light and salt in the world.

Let these truths transform your daily life and guide your actions.

10. Where can I find more about what Jesus says about His children?

The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are primary sources where you can find Jesus’s teachings about His children.

Additionally, the New Testament letters offer further insights and explanations on living out these truths as a believer.