Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 15:14

"Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you." — John 15:14 (ASV)

Again Jesus defines friendship in terms of obedience. Christian friendship is more than a casual acquaintance; it is a partnership of mutual esteem and affection (14:21). Jesus elevates the disciples above mere tools and makes them partners in his work. A slave is never given a reason for the work assigned to him; he must perform it because he has no other choice. The friend, however, is a confidant who shares the knowledge of his superior’s purpose and voluntarily adopts it as his own. Jesus declares that he has revealed to the disciples all that the Father has given to him. The disclosure of the mind of God concerning his career and theirs will give them assurance that they are engaged in the right task and that God will ultimately bring it to a successful conclusion.