John 15
John 15
Today, we’re diving into one of the most popular and rich chapters in the Bible: John 15. It’s a chapter that uses the imagery of vines and branches to convey profound truths about our connection to Jesus and our spiritual growth. This chapter is not only well-loved but deeply impactful, offering us valuable lessons about how we live out our faith.
We recently tackled a challenge in our backyard—finding a space where we could successfully garden. It turns out that the prime real estate in our backyard is taken up by our kids’ play area. So, we decided to build a greenhouse. It's been an interesting journey watching plants grow, vine, and blossom, which naturally connects us to the imagery in John 15. Just as our plants need the right conditions to thrive, so do we need to remain connected to Jesus to bear fruit in our lives.
In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to describe our relationship with Him. He says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” This imagery is powerful. Just like a branch can only bear fruit if it’s connected to the vine, our spiritual life and identity are rooted in our relationship with Christ. Our connection to Him is where we find our true identity and life source.
Jesus refers to Himself as the “true vine,” emphasizing that while we might find temporary satisfaction in other things, true and lasting life comes only from Him. The Old Testament also uses similar imagery to speak of God’s relationship with Israel, portraying Him as the one true source of life and nourishment.
One of the striking points Jesus makes is about pruning. He explains that while branches that don’t bear fruit are cut off, those that do are pruned to be even more fruitful. We’ve experienced this ourselves with our garden. Last year, we had to cut back a plant significantly, which felt counterintuitive. Yet, this pruning led to an explosion of new growth and flowers. It’s a perfect metaphor for how God works in our lives. Seasons of pruning, though challenging, lead to greater fruitfulness. These times of difficulty or seeming dormancy are not wasted but are essential for our growth.
Jesus tells us that to bear fruit, we must remain in Him. This “remaining” or “abiding” is a continuous, mutual relationship. It’s not just about occasional interactions but a daily living connected to the vine. When we stay connected to Jesus and His words, we align our desires with God’s will, and He enables us to bear fruit that glorifies Him.
The metrics of our spiritual growth might not be as straightforward as lifting weights or tracking physical progress, but they are real. Jesus highlights that the true measure of growth is in our Christlikeness—our love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness. These qualities are the fruit of the Spirit, and they manifest when we are truly connected to Jesus.
In practical terms, “remaining” or “abiding” in Jesus means living day in and day out in close relationship with Him. It’s about trusting Him and resting in His presence. Just as we need to stay connected to the vine for our plants to thrive, we need to remain connected to Jesus to grow spiritually and live out our calling effectively. The essence of our faith and our connection to God is deeply rooted in love. Jesus’ command is clear and profound—“We love each other.” But how do we embody this command in our daily lives? The answer lies in our relationship with the true vine, Jesus Christ.
In verse 17, Jesus emphasizes the importance of love, stating that it is His command for us. But here’s the crux: the ability to truly love others comes from our connection with Him. As we read earlier in John 14, Jesus spoke about following His commands as an expression of our love for Him. This connection is essential because love flows from the divine source. It’s not merely about trying harder but about being rooted in Christ, the true vine.
We can all recall the song we sang in our youth, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” This familiar refrain captures the essence of our faith: love is the hallmark of our identity as followers of Christ. When we experience genuine love from others, especially in times of difficulty or pain, it becomes evident that this love stems from a deep connection with Christ.
This love is not just a feeling but a reflection of our relationship with God. We’ve all noticed how someone's countenance can change when they are connected to the Holy Spirit. Their joy, peace, and love shine through, even in challenging times. This transformation is a sign of their deep relationship with God.
In John 15:9-11, Jesus links love with obedience. He tells us that if we keep His commands, we will remain in His love just as He remains in the Father’s love. This connection to God not only affects our relationship with Him but also our joy. Jesus desires that His joy may be in us, making our joy complete. Our obedience to His commands is an expression of our love and is integral to our spiritual well-being.
As we continue in this chapter, we see a shift in our relationship with God. Jesus uses the analogy of a growing relationship, comparing it to the stages of friendship and marriage. Just as our relationship with a spouse evolves, so does our relationship with God. When we are obedient to His commands, we transition from being mere servants to being friends. This new position before God is one of intimacy and understanding.
This idea is beautifully captured in verses 14-15, where Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” He is inviting us into a deeper, more personal relationship with Him. This friendship is not just about following rules but about sharing in His mission and His understanding of the Father’s will. We are no longer just servants but friends who are entrusted with His knowledge and purpose.
However, Jesus also prepares us for the reality that following Him will not always be easy. In verses 18-25, He warns that the world will hate us because it hated Him first. This truth can be disheartening, especially when we see the world embracing values contrary to our faith. Yet, this opposition should not deter us. Instead, we are called to speak the truth in love, standing firm in our convictions while treating others with kindness and respect.
Our role as Christians is to be witnesses of Christ’s love and truth. Just as a loving act would be to warn someone in danger, we are called to share the truth of the gospel with wisdom and compassion. The Holy Spirit, as described in verses 26-27, will be our helper in this mission. The Spirit will testify about Christ and empower us to do the same.
In summary, our faith journey is marked by a profound connection to the true vine, Jesus Christ. This connection fuels our love for others and our obedience to His commands. While we may face challenges and opposition, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit is our counselor and guide, enabling us to live out our faith with courage and conviction.
Let us embrace this love and friendship with God, allowing it to transform our hearts and guide our actions. As we remain in Him, we will experience His joy and share His love with a world that desperately needs it.
