Week 15 – John chapter 15 Jesus is the True Vine

1. Read John 15:1-8 Jesus is our source of spiritual nourishment

a. For some Old Testament background, read Isaiah 5:1-7. What does this Old Testament passage reveal about Israel? What fruit did God expect to see produced in His vineyard? What did God’s vineyard produced instead?

b. For deeper thought: Jesus’ proclamation in John 15:1 is the last of the seven “I AM” statements in the book of John. In light of this Old Testament background, what is the meaning of Jesus’ claim in John 15:1 that He is the “true vine”?

Jesus continues to teach His disciples about the provisions Jesus has made for them so that they may carry on Jesus’ work after He has returned to the Father. This important chapter gives us insight into the blessing of a lifelong, deepening relationship with the risen Jesus. The extended metaphor of Jesus as the Vine and His true followers as branches gives us essential wisdom about living a life that is pleasing to God.

The metaphor of the vine is often used in the Old Testament to refer to God’s people Israel. The nation is described as a vineyard planted and tended by God for the purpose of bearing fruit that is pleasing to God.

The I AM statements of Jesus • I AM the Bread of Life - John 6:35 • I AM the Light of the world - John 8:12 • I AM the gate for the sheep - John 10:7 • I AM the Good Shepherd - John 10:11 • I AM the resurrection and the life - John 11:25 • I AM the way, the truth, and the life –John 14 • I AM the true vine – John 15:5

c. Just as a farmer plants a grapevine because he wants to see fruit produced on that vine, God intends for the branches connected to His vine to produce fruit—and the fruit God desires is godly character—the fruit of a supernaturally changed heart.

i. Read Colossians 1:9-10 and Hebrews 12:11. What fruit is referred to here?

ii. What fruit is produced in us through the Holy Spirit? (Galatians 5:22-23)

iii. What is the glorious ultimate harvest that Jesus as the true Vine will produce in us? (See Ephesians 4:13 and Romans 8:29-30)

d. What is the only source and means of fruitfulness in our lives? How are we enabled to produce the fruit of godly character? (John 15:4-5)

e. For personal reflection: Take a moment to ponder this concept. Does this challenge your current thinking about living a Christian life? Even though we may be living in a moral and upright way, if that “good life” is not being nourished through the spiritual life Jesus continuously supplies, then our lives are not fruitful. Can you recall a contrast in your own life between good works done out of moral obligation, and good works done as an outworking of your relationship with Christ?

We may mistakenly believe that success in the Christian life may be achieved through good works and personal effort. Jesus’ teaching of the Vine and the branches refutes this assumption. There is a crucial difference between the fruit of a morally constrained heart—a life of good deeds accomplished through strict self-discipline and moral effort—and the fruit of a supernaturally changed heart—a life that is growing in Christlikeness in response to a deepening fellowship with Christ.

f. How does God the Father tend His Vine so that it will produce more and better fruit? (John 15:2)

g. For personal reflection: We will not grow without pruning. Sometimes God’s pruning seems difficult, and it is only later that we realize how we have gained from what God has been doing. It is good to remember that God is supremely wise, perfectly good, and He loves each of us with a relentless love. How have you seen God’s pruning work for the good in your own life?

h. For deeper thought: Read carefully John 15:7-8. How does Jesus’ purpose in answering prayer (John 15:7) accomplish His goal of bringing glory to the Father (John 15:8)? How does the topic of bearing fruit refine your understanding of Jesus’ invitation to ask Him in prayer for whatever we wish?

i. For personal reflection: Consider the imagery of this passage, and explain in your words what it means to remain in the Vine. (See also John 6:56). How should this challenge shape your own life? What are some practical ways you can stay connected to the Vine?

2. Read John 15:9-17 Those who remain in Jesus enjoy His friendship

a. How does Jesus challenge His followers to live? (John 15:9-10, 12, 16-17)

b. What are the benefits of being intimately connected with God through Jesus? Look through John 15:9-17 and see what benefits you find.

c. How does Jesus describe the difference between a relationship of friendship and a relationship of servanthood? (John 15:13-15)

d. How does Jesus demonstrate His unwavering love and commitment for His disciples and for us? (John 15:13)

e. For personal reflection: The Bible describes the love of God for His people in many astonishing ways. Jesus calls us His friends, His brothers, and His bride. God calls us adopted children, co-heirs with Christ, His masterpiece, His delight, and His beloved. How do these expressions of intimacy encourage you and strengthen your faith? Does one term in particular connect with you? Are there any that are difficult for you to accept as true?

3. Read John 15:18-27 As the world hates Jesus, it also hates His disciples

a. What strong warning does Jesus give to His disciples? (John 15:18-21)

b. The Jews believed that they were God’s vineyard, and that they exemplified a life of obedience to God. Jesus revealed that the Jewish leaders did not love God; rather, they hated Him. How have the Jews demonstrated their guilt? (John 15:22-24)

c. Why are the Jews of Jesus’ day accountable and responsible for their refusal to believe? (John 15:24)

d. Jesus is about to go to His death. The disciples will have to face the same strong opposition that Jesus now faces. What does Jesus promise to provide to strengthen and defend His followers as they carry on Jesus’ work? (John 15:26)

e. What specific assignment does Jesus give to this bewildered band of disciples? (John 15:26-27)

f. For personal reflection: Think back over this chapter. The heart of Jesus’ teaching in this Farewell Discourse (John chapters 13-17) is the image of Jesus as the Vine and His people as branches. This is the central focus of Jesus’ teaching on this final night before He goes to the cross. Jesus emphasizes that He is the source of spiritual nourishment that enables His people to live and bear fruit that is pleasing to God. He is the Vine; we are the branches. Jesus charges us to remain in Him. How does this metaphor challenge you today?

True followers of Jesus will bear fruit as they remain

in a vital, life-giving relationship with Jesus

Additional notes