Perhaps the most-quoted words from Jesus’ final teaching are found in John 15:1-17, this passage about abiding in the vine as branches that bear fruit. But what does that really mean? What was Jesus trying to tell us about our life hidden in God?
SERMON OUTLINE
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Jesus as the True Vine (John 15:1
- “True” Vine
- Scriptural backgrounds (Psalm 80:8-11; Isaiah 5:1-7; Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6)
- He will do what Israel could not do
- He will walk in obedience to God
Abiding in the Vine (John 15:2-6)
- Our part is to remain–to abide–to live in–to stay put
Four Aspects of Abiding (John 16:7-17)
- Abiding in His words (John 15:7-8)
Abiding in His love (John 15:9-11)
Abiding in love for one another (John 15:12-13, 17) - Abiding by bearing fruit in prayer (John 15:14-16)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Spring is almost here! What plants do you most look forward to seeing as Spring returns? Why?
- This week we continue our series, “Chosen Words,” by looking at Jesus’ words about abiding or remaining in God from John 15:1-17. Before you read this passage of Scripture aloud, take a moment to ask God to speak to you as you read His word.
- Jesus picks up the extended agricultural metaphor of the vine and branches bearing fruit in this passage. This image is used throughout Scripture, often to describe the people of God, as seen in Psalm 80:8-19 and Isaiah 5:1-5. Jesus takes the image a slightly different direction here. What does he say the vine, branches, and gardener represent?
- One clear theme of this passage is the concept of bearing fruit. Take a moment to notice how often the word ‘fruit’ appears in this passage. What do you think Jesus mean by ‘bearing fruit’ in this passage?
- Would you describe yourself as someone who bears fruit for God? Why or why not? 6. In verse 4, Jesus says: “neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” If bearing fruit is directly tied to ‘remaining’ – or ‘abiding’ or ‘staying put’ – in Jesus, what does Jesus specifically mean by remaining in Him from this passage?
- Jesus emphasizes love when He says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love” (vs 9). What do you think this means? What sort of love is Jesus talking about?
- How have you cultivated the life of remaining or abiding in Christ? Are there specific spiritual practices that help you with this?
- Jesus offers some very specific requests near the end of this passage: ‘love each other as I have loved you’ (vs 12), ‘you are my friends if you do what I command’ (vs 13), ‘so that you might go and bear fruit’ (v 16). How do you think this call to action connects with the call to remain in love?
- What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you through this study? How will that shape your life in the coming week? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone.