Today we gather and engage with probably one of the most popular, and powerful sections of the Bible. The section is an allegory, which is message that uses the grape vine to communicate a broader message about real-world issues and occurrences. This message is also the last of the “I am” messages in John’s gospel.
It is not clear where the message took place, but if John 14:31 marks the point of departure from the upper room, it is possible that Jesus and his disciples were passing by a vine which was then used as a spiritual illustration. We don’t know if they are walking through a living, thriving vineyard or by a pile of dead branches. What ever the visual, Jesus uses the moment to relate between is disciples, God and himself.
The term vine and vineyard has been used as an idea of Israel.
Psalm 80:1-16
Isaiah 5:1-7
Ezekiel 15:1-6
Ezekiel 19:10-14
John 15 – I am the true vine
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone 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. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. – John 15:1-11 ESV
Jesus opens the message by stating he is the true vine. Jesus was the true vine in the sense of being genuine as compared with Israel which had not acted in harmony with its calling. Jesus was the reality of which Israel was but the type. The gardener, identified as the Father, would be responsible for the caring for the vine. The figure shows how close is the relationship between Jesus and the Father.
Pruning (2,3)
Jesus makes a distinction between two kinds of pruning, one a separating and the other cutting back.
What is you insights and understandings of pruning and the differences?
Is pruning necessary? Is pruning optional?
We have not been separated yet, but can you share a time that you may consider a time you were pruned? (Remember pruning is for increased fruitfulness, not just discipline)
Fruit (5)
As we discuss the concept of pruning we then focus on the concept of fruit.
What is your view, idea or concept of fruit?
Galatians 5:22-24
2 Peter 1:5-8
Remaining & Being Good (5-8)
To remain in Christ means (1) believing that he is God’s son [1 John 4:15], (2) receiving him as Savior and Lord [John 1:12], (3) doing what God says [1 John 3:24], (4) continuing to believe the gospel [1 John 2:24]and (5) relating in love to the community of believer, Christ’s body [John 15:12]
Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right. But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful.
Can you relate and share your experience of trying to be good and how connecting and living with Christ relates to these situations?
Abide (9,10)
If we have read the Bible much we have heard of the word abide. Even in this section there are directives from Jesus about abiding.
What is your thoughts on abide? What does abiding mean, how does one abide?
Is abiding only an action we take? Does Jesus have to abide? Does Jesus abide to God, or does he abide to us?
Many individuals can quickly think that the meaning of abiding, means obeying. Or staying in agreement with. If we take the word abide and understand where it derives it will shed light on the concept. Abide signifies “awaiting”, “remain”, “lodge”, “sojourn”, “dwell”, “continue”, “endure”. From this concept we get another term we may be familiar with “abode”. We can understand that Jesus does abide in us, which does not mean that Jesus obeys us, but lives in us…
John 17:23
Colossians 1:27
1John3:24
The results of abiding in the vine is that we will be fruitful
Joy (11)
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. – John 15:11
The joy described in verse is not limited to things in the future or promises to come, but a joy that we can experience in this life.
Can you share your experiences with this joy of abiding in Christ? Is it a joy different than joy you may have tried to create on your own?
Vine, fruit and wine
We will take this allegory and begin a series based on the book Crushing by T.D. Jakes. It will be a glorious series that will build on the facts of the bible and apply the full life cycle of grapes, from seeds, planted, sprouting, grow and producing grapes. We will learn about grapes and our lives as we walk through the next study together.
Be blessed this week abiding WITH Jesus.
- The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 15:1–11). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
- Carson, D. A., France, R. T., Motyer, J. A., & Wenham, G. J. (Eds.). (1994). New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed.). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.