I Am the True Vine

John 15:1–11 ESV

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.

What is the implication of Jesus being the vine?

Why is the “true” modifier significant?

What are the things that the vinedresser does to make sure that the branches produce fruit?

removes unfruitful branches

prunes/trims fruitful ones

What is similar about the both removal and pruning?

What is different?

How does the father prune us?

In verse 5, Jesus says he is the vine and we are the branches.

What must we do, according to Jesus, in order to bear fruit?

What does it mean to abide? (remain/reside)

How do we practically do that?

What is the fruit/result that Jesus references? (as it pertains to our abiding?)