John: True Vine

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The True Vine (John 15:1-16:4)

In Chapter 15, Jesus uses the picture of a vine to teach his disciples about their relationship to him. They have now left the room where they had the Passover meal and may have been walking through vineyards as they were talking. Jesus often used the vine as a symbol for the nation of Israel:

•	the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)

•	the parable of the tenants in the vineyard (Mathew 21:28-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-16)

In the Old Testament, the vine also represented Israel (see Isaiah 5:1-7; Hosea 10:1-2). Sadly, Israel chose to worship idols instead of the true God who had saved and sustained them throughout their history. In contrast, Jesus is the true vine, who represents what true humanity should be. As he prepared his disciples to face the future without his visible presence, he repeatedly emphasised the importance of remaining close to him spiritually.

Questions to consider:

1) Why does Jesus say that his disciples are branches? How many different types of branches can you see in this passage (vs1-6)?

2) Why does the gardener (the Father) prune fruitful branches (v2)? What happens to branches that bear no fruit (vs2,6)?

3) Why does Jesus ask us to remain in him (v4)? What does “remaining in him” mean?

4) What do you think the fruit represents? (see Galatians 5:22-23)

5) In John 13:34-35, Jesus has already told his disciples to love one another. How does he increase the standard of this love in v12?

6) What does being a friend of Jesus mean for us (vs14-17)?

7) Why does Jesus start talking about hate (v18)? Why does the world hate him and his followers (vs18-25)?

8) How will the Holy Spirit (the Counsellor) and the disciples continue the work that Jesus had begun (vs26-27)?

9) How would the disciples be treated by those who do not know Jesus (16:1-14)?

Notes:

v1-8 The phrase “in me” is used many times in John. A true Christian remains in Jesus, and has an intimate relationship with him. Just as the branches of a vine have to be attached to the trunk and root in order to bear fruit, we are to remain in him. This means getting to know him more through God's word (studying the Bible); talking to him regularly (praying); and obeying him. Only then can we bear fruit.

v2 Grapevines grow vigorously, and a lot of wood must be cut away each year. Such rampant growth represents preoccupations and priorities in our lives that stop us from bearing fruit. Branches must be pruned hard to achieve maximum yields. The most fruitful Christians are those who have been pruned most!

v27 The disciples will continue Jesus' work by witnessing to others about what he has done. The Spirit will also work in people's hearts to convince them of the truth.

v18-20 Believers have to be prepared to face hostility from the world. The people in Jesus' day had been given sufficient evidence for Jesus' claim to be God. Although many had heard his words and seen his miracles, they still rejected him. Therefore, they had no excuse.

1)	Why does Jesus say that his disciples are branches? How many different types of branches can you see in this passage (vs1-6)?
2)	Why does the gardener (the Father) prune fruitful branches (v2)? What happens to branches that bear no fruit (vs2,6)?
3)	Why does Jesus ask us to remain in him (v4)? What does “remaining in him” mean?
4)	What do you think the fruit represents? (see Galatians 5:22-23)
5)	In John 13:34-35, Jesus has already told his disciples to love one another. How does he increase the standard of this love in v12?
6)	What does being a friend of Jesus mean for us (vs14-17)?
7)	Why does Jesus start talking about hate (v18)? Why does the world hate him and his followers (vs18-25)?
8)	How will the Holy Spirit (the Counsellor) and the disciples continue the work that Jesus had begun (vs26-27)?
9)	How would the disciples be treated by those who do not know Jesus (16:1-14)?

v1-8	The phrase “in me” is used many times in John. A true Christian remains in Jesus, and has an intimate relationship with him. Just as the branches of a vine have to be attached to the trunk and root in order to bear fruit, we are to remain in him. This means getting to know him more through God's word (studying the Bible); talking to him regularly (praying); and obeying him. Only then can we bear fruit.
v2	Grapevines grow vigorously, and a lot of wood must be cut away each year. Such rampant growth represents preoccupations and priorities in our lives that stop us from bearing fruit. Branches must be pruned hard to achieve maximum yields. The most fruitful Christians are those who have been pruned most!
v27	The disciples will continue Jesus' work by witnessing to others about what he has done. The Spirit will also work in people's hearts to convince them of the truth.
v18-20	Believers have to be prepared to face hostility from the world. The people in Jesus' day had been given sufficient evidence for Jesus' claim to be God. Although many had heard his words and seen his miracles, they still rejected him. Therefore, they had no excuse.