John 15 True Vine ATO Study

Recall:

John has been building to the point of Jesus’ crucifixion; look at the phrase “his hour had not yet come” (John 2:4, 7:30, 8:20)

What happened when he came back to save Lazarus? (John 12:23, 13:1, 17:1)

We are in the final moments of Christ’s life before he is crucified?

Question: What do you say to your closest friends (John 13:1, 15:13) when you are on your death bed?

Question: Have you geared your life to build things that endure?

V. 1

Jesus has used numerous “I am statements” which reveal in new ways who he is.

John 6:35, 8:12, 10:7, 10:11, 11:25, 14:6, 15:1

Bread of Life

Light of the World

Door

Good Shepherd

Resurrection and the Life

Way, Truth, and Life

True Vine

What is the significance of Jesus saying that he is the true vine?

Jer. 2:21

The OT is full of vine-based imagery. Israel was supposed to be a vine planted by God that bore good fruit, but it did not remain in Him.

Jesus is the fulfillment of the OT; he is the true vine. —> People can come to him for fruit; if you want your life to be fruitful, you go to the vine who will give you everything you need.

Connects to the divine mandate —> Gen. 1:28

How does Jesus help me become a more fruitful person or live a more fruitful life?

How do we know that fruitfulness is what Jesus is after here? John 15:8 —> God is glorified when you bear fruit.

How does that concept shape your relationship with God?

Is God trying to oppress you or is God trying to advance you?

There are structures of the Scripture which only help you.

Sometimes requires you to have a long term vision of your life.

V. 2

How is pruning different for living verses dead branches?

Are you spiritually alive to God?

Pruning happens in a vineyard where the branch is cleaned and positioned to bear even more fruit.

Think purpose and position. In terms of purpose you will feel more alive when your life bears the kind of fruit that God promises. In terms of position, your life extends in its range of impact as you grow as well.

Become alive to God by giving yourself to Christ —> Commit yourself to following Him and God will prune things in your life —> Begin to see fruit and sense deep purpose & bless many.

V. 3

What is the impact of receiving the Word of God as true?

V. 4

How does a branch abide in a vine?

What does the word “abide” mean?

How does the word “abide” create a vision for the circle of your life? What does that circle look like?