The Vineyard Church

PRAY: Heavenly Father, I am so thankful you are in charge of this world and my life. I come into your presence today confident that you know what's best for me.

READ: John 15:1-17

REFLECT: It's important to understand the context in which Jesus introduced this next figure of speech. In John 14-17, John records an extended, private teaching session that Jesus had with his disciples the night before he was arrested (chap. 18) and then crucified (chap. 19). John 15:1-17 is part of Jesus' last opportunity to communicate the nature of his relationship with his Father and his followers. It was a tough challenge, so he used a familiar image–a vine and its branches.

Let's start by clarifying the basics; Jesus says he's the vine (v. 1), his followers are the branches (v. 5), and God is the gardener (v. 1). That would be easy to remember. But think about all the things that such a simple analogy would communicate: The gardener is in charge. The vine holds everything together. The branches can't live apart from the vine. What other lessons do you see?

Jesus emphasizes two specific points about the analogy that he felt were especially important. The first was the significance of fruit. The main job of the branches was to bear fruit, that is, for Jesus' followers to do the things he's been instructing them to do (vv. 7-8). That's still true today. The most important thing we can do in life is not to be successful, wealthy, or recognized. It's to bear "fruit that will last" (v. 16). Is that the goal of your life?

His second point relates to love. Jesus didn't encourage his disciples with some Disney-style platitude: Just follow your hearts. Instead, he commanded them to love one another (v. 17). That's tough work, especially since he set the ultimate standard (v. 13). True love involves both obedience to God's commands and sacrifice for the good of others. Is that kind of love evident in your life?

The kitchen window in our house looks out over one of my wife's many gardens. On the window sill, she keeps a little plaque with a quote on it based on Dorothy Frances Gurney's poem "God's Garden." The plaque reads: "One is closer to God in a garden than anywhere else on earth." I think Jesus just might agree.

APPLY: Which goal do you need to work on more in the next month: bearing fruit or showing love? How could you do this?

PRAY: Ask God for his help in working on the goal you've selected apply.

Discussion Questions for "More Parables of Jesus"

1. Have you ever seen or experienced examples of the kingdom of heaven here on earth? What was it like?
2. Why do you think most of the religions of the world are based on the idea that we can somehow earn salvation?
3. If salvation is really a gift from God, is there any need for good works? Why bother to be good if you can't earn your salvation?
4. Do you think preaching and teaching about judgment should have a greater or lesser emphasis in churches today? Why?
5. Today, some people are offended by the idea that Jesus is the only way to God. What do you think? Is it acceptable to express this view in public?
6. In what ways should a Christian bear fruit? Should all believers bear the same kind of fruit? Is there some fruit that all followers of Christ should have?
7. What are the best examples of sacrificial love you've seen in your lifetime?

The Essential Jesus (Part 12): The Miracles of Jesus

Scripture Union USA

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