We all know the metaphor of chapter 15 very well. Jesus as the true vine and God as the gardener (NIV). It is the last of the seven “I AM” statements in the Gospel of John. This is not the first time that the metaphor of the vine is mentioned in the bible. Multiple times throughout the Old Testament, the vine is in reference to Israel. Jesus states though that only he is the true vine and we are the branches.
When a branch is connected to the vine it bears fruit, but when it is not connected it withers away and dies, just like us when we are not connected to Jesus.
Without Jesus we are dead.
But when a branch does remain on the vine “it will bear much fruit” (verse 5). Just like if we remain in Jesus, we “will bear much fruit, showing yourselves to my disciples” (verse 8).
Jesus then goes on and talks about love. He tells us to remain in the father’s love and gives the commandment to love each other as he has loved us.
One of my favorite bible verses is John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” This is so powerful and reflects the depth of Jesus love for us because that’s exactly what he did for all of us, he laid down his life for his friends, I love the idea that Jesus is my friend.
Sometimes loving others isn’t easy and the world tells we shouldn’t love everyone and I think that’s why Jesus follows up with the next section. The world hates his disciples. When we abide in Jesus we will start looking different and acting different than the rest of the world and the world will hate us for it but we are not alone in this.
Thank you, Brittney!
"Without Jesus we are dead." What a great way to put it, Brittney! The thoughts in this chapter of being united with Christ and of loving like Christ are so powerful. Thank you for sharing!