Read: John 15
Chapter
fifteen begins with one of the most famous metaphors in all of Scripture and
the final “I AM” statement - “I am the
True Vine” (v. 1). Jesus is the
vine, the Father is the Gardener and believers are the branches growing from
the vine. The image of the metaphor is
clear and shows the intimate union believers need with Christ. Just as the branch cannot grow apart from the
vine, believers cannot grow spiritually when they separate themselves from
Christ. Verses 7-10 show us the
relationship between love and obedience in the context of remaining in
Christ. To
obey Him is to conform one's life to the very pattern of God's own life, this
brings joy! Jesus loves as the Father
loves (v. 9) and He commands His disciples to do the same (v. 12). Love is not merely a feeling, or it would be
impossible to fulfill. Jesus’ love for
His disciples is contrasted with the world’s hatred of Jesus and His disciples
(v. 18). He warns His disciples that
their love of Him would alienate them from the world.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Jesus expects that Christians bear fruit (v.
16). He cuts off branches that don’t
bear fruit and He prunes the rest (v. 2) so they can be more fruitful. Gal. 5:22-23 describes this fruit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to
do in order stay more firmly attached to the vine so you can bear good
fruit. .
Spend some time in prayer, committing to following through on what He
shows you.
2. Christians should not be surprised when
unbelievers hate them because they hated Him too. Some time in prayer for Christians who are
being persecuted in the world today.
Pray for their faith in Jesus to remain strong, pray for their families,
pray for their health, pray for strength to endure and not give up. Pray that many will be saved because of their
love for Christ and willingness to die for Him.
Ask the Lord to show you other things that you can pray for them.
