I am the True Vine (John 15:1-17)

How is Jesus “the true vine?” Does his being the “true” vine indicate that there are “false” vines? What might be some false vines?

What are some of the actions the Father undertakes as the vinedresser?

“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” What/who are the branches? Are these branches Christians or different religious groups? Please explain your answer. What is the fruit the Lord expects us to bear? Why does the Father take away the branch that bears no fruit? How might the Father prune the branches which do bear fruit?

How did the word Jesus spoke make the disciples clean?

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” How could the disciples “abide” in Jesus? How can we abide in Jesus? What steps are you taking to abide in Jesus?

How would Jesus abide in the disciples? How does Jesus abide in you? How can you know whether or not Jesus abides in you?

Why could the disciples not bear fruit unless they remained in Jesus?

“If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” What happens in the life of one who “is thrown away like a branch and withers?” When will the withered branched be gathered, throw into the fire, and burned?

Why was it important that the words of Jesus abide in the disciples?

“In this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” How would the Father be glorified in the disciples’ bearing much fruit? How would the disciples’ bearing much fruit demonstrate that they were Jesus’ disciples?

What actions would show that the disciples were abiding in Jesus’ love?

Why would the disciples’ joy be full through the word Jesus had spoken?

How had Jesus loved his disciples? How should his disciples, therefore, love one another?

Why is laying down one’s life for his friends the greatest demonstration of love? How did Jesus show this love? How have others through the centuries demonstrated this love?

In what way(s) had Jesus demonstrated that the disciples were his friends?

Were the disciples really no longer Jesus’ servants? Why or why not?

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” If Jesus chose the disciples, did they have any say in the matter? Do we have any say in whether or not we follow Jesus today? If the disciples did not chose Jesus, why did they leave everything to follow him?

How could Jesus command that the disciples love one another?