John 15:1-17
Q.1. How are we to understand Christ’s teaching on the Vine? Why is it essential to stay connected to the Vine? Does bearing fruit avoid the need for pruning? – (Jn.15:1-6)
Jesus used an agricultural lesson that was well understood in His day. The people would have been familiar with vines, and the role of the workers who fertilized, pruned, harvested, and burned the pruned branches. Jesus stated – “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser (Jn.15:1). The Father, as the vinedresser, sovereignly provides all that is necessary for the branches to produce abundant fruit. Jesus works in perfect harmony with the Father’s plan, for those branches connected to the True Vine. For branches to bear fruit, they must stay connected to the vine, lest they be rejected and burned up with fire (Jn.15:4 c.f. 6). By staying in fellowship with Christ, we will not only bear fruit, but will bear much fruit – I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing (Jn.15:5). Using our own resources, we can achieve some things. However, in the spiritual realm of being fruitful in growing like Christ, and in bringing others to Christ, we must stay connected. It may be supposed that pruning and testings are not necessary for those who bear fruit for Christ. However, Jesus taught – Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit (Jn.15:2). Trials and pruning are all part of producing more fruitfulness.
Q.2. What are the conditions that Jesus gave for having our prayers answered? What did He say about fruit-bearing, love, joy, and obedience? – (Jn.15:6-11)
It is important to keep God’s promises to answer our prayers, in the context of His teaching on fruitfulness. God does not simply answer prayer, regardless of whether or not we stay connected to Him. When we abide in Christ, His wishes become our wishes, and we can be confident that – it will be done for you … nor will we pray contrary to His wishes when – My words abide in you (Jn.15:7). The context of this promise was specified by Jesus – My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples (Jn.15:8). The connection to God’s love is damaged by our disobedience. In the same way, fruit cannot be produced without our abiding in Christ (Jn.15:9-10). The secret to joy is discovered as we stay connected in fellowship to Christ. This joy is sustained by abiding in Christ. Proof of the genuineness of our connection to Christ, is fruitfulness – and so prove to be My disciples (Jn.15:8).
Q.3. How special to Him are Jesus’ followers? What is the implication of His love for us? Why has Jesus chosen us? – (Jn.15:12-17)
There is much we may not understand. We may find some experiences difficult to equate with a God of love. However, His love is undeniable – Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends (Jn.15:13). More than this, Christ calls us His friends – No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you (Jn.15:15). This means that in spite of our immense limitations, those who abide in Christ can grow to understand more of God and His purposes. However, as His followers we must learn to – love one another as I have loved you (Jn.15:12 & 17). When we see things as they really are, we will see that God’s choice of us is a source of everlasting wonder. God never saved us for ourselves. Rather – You did not choose Me but I chose you and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you (Jn.15:16). Fruit has two applications: (i) Becoming more like Jesus by displaying the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ (Rom.8:2); (ii) Bringing in a harvest of souls for Jesus (Ps.126:5-6). All the fire-power of God is available to those who are committed to completing this mission – so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you (Jn.15:16).