Lent 2023: John 15:1-17

The Vine and the Branches

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be[a] my disciples.

Christlike Love

9 “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

11 “I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

12 “This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master[b] is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.

17 “This is what I command you: Love one another.

—John 15:1-17

Read & Journal

Read John 15:1-17. Let the following journal prompts guide you as you mull over what you’ve read.

• What does this passage teach you about Jesus—his identity, purpose or character? Explain.

• In the Gospel of John, Jesus’ “I am” statements depict Jesus’ identity and ministry. What does “I am the vine” reveal?

• In the Old Testament (Psalm 80), God used a vine as a symbol of his special relationship with Israel. How does Jesus expand on that imagery here? Explain.

• The goal of a branch is to bear fruit. Based on your understanding of this verse, how does a branch remain fruitful?

• To remain fruitful, the branch must remain connected to the vine. If you are the branch and Jesus is the vine, what are you doing in your life to keep your connection with him healthy and strong? What do you need to start doing? What do you need to stop doing?

• Jesus invites us to remain, abide, dwell in him as the means of growing and bearing fruit as a Christian. What steps will you take this week to rest, abide, dwell with and in him?

• In verse 15, Jesus says that his disciples are not his slaves, but rather his friends. Why is it important that Jesus elevates his followers to this higher relationship?

• Take a few moments to reflect on what it means for Jesus to be the vine and you the branch. Journal a prayer asking him to help you grow and flourish in him, bearing much fruit for his eternal kingdom.