Tyndale Open Study NotesJohn 15

Jesus prepared his disciples for his departure, instructing them to remain in close fellowship with him. The image of a grapevine illustrates both intimacy and fruitfulness. To sustain genuine spiritual life in the world, believers must remain intimately connected to Christ.

I am: See study note on 6:35. The vine and the vineyard have traditionally represented God’s people. He "plants and tends" them in Israel (Psalm 80:8–18; Isaiah 5:1–7; Jeremiah 2:21; 12:10–11; Ezekiel 15:1–5; Hosea 10:1–2). When Jesus used this image, he made an important change. He declared that he is the true vine and that a relationship with God requires attachment to him.

Gardeners cut away dead branches and trim healthy branches so they will produce more fruit. Fruitfulness is the result of life-giving connection to the vine.

The term remain (Greek menō) is important for understanding 15:4–10. A growing disciple, in whom the Father and the Son live through the Spirit, must be continuously connected to Christ (see 14:16–25; 15:26).

\Anyone who does not remain in Christ is separated from the vine and its life. A living branch produces clusters of grapes (15:5). Connection with the vine allows the life of Jesus to flow fruitfully through the disciple. Those who claim to be attached to Christ but yield no fruit are useless and will be burned.

Those whose lives are in harmony with Jesus may ask for anything because their prayers are controlled by his word. Their prayers will be answered and bring glory to God (14:10–13).

True disciples will experience a transformed, fruit-bearing life because they live in a relationship of love with both Jesus and the Father (15:9–10).

Just as Jesus demonstrated his love for the Father by obeying his will (14:31), the disciples of Jesus show their love by obeying him (13:34–35; 14:15; 1 John 2:5; 5:2–3).

• This is My commandment … love each other: See 13:34.

• Jesus demonstrated his love by sacrificing his life at the cross.

God considered Abraham and Moses to be his friends (Exodus 33:11; 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23). This is the closest relationship possible between God and a person. Jesus chooses his friends (John 15:16). They demonstrate their friendship by obeying him.

The disciples of a rabbi were considered his servants or slaves. Jesus elevated his followers to a higher relationship as his friends.

Disciples must be like their master in every way. They must show love and obedience and experience opposition from those against their message (15:20–21; see 9:1–41; 11:16). Darkness opposes light (1:5). The followers of Jesus carry that light in the world (1 John 1:7; 2:9). They should expect the world to hate them in the way it hated Jesus (see John 17:14). The disciples of Jesus share his separation from and conflict with the world.

No servant is greater than his master: See study note on 13:16. The disciples of Jesus should live like him in every way, even when they face suffering or death because of their faith.

Now, however, they have no excuse: The ministry of Jesus provided both words and works as evidence that pointed to God (15:22; 15:24). Once people have heard and seen him, they are accountable.

They hated Me without reason: This Old Testament citation shows the unjustified anger of people who live in the darkness, meaning those who oppose God’s truth.

When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth: Like a legal representative, the Holy Spirit is counselor and protector of the followers of Jesus.

Disciples are not alone when they testify about Christ (Matthew 28:20). The Holy Spirit is with them and gives them the words to say (Matthew 10:19–20).