John 15: The True Vine
Abiding in Christ and Bearing Fruit in the Gospel of John
John Chapter 15
The Vine and the Branches.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.
The World’s Hatred.
18. “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
19. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. 20. Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
21. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.
22. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin; but as it is they have no excuse for their sin.
23. Whoever hates me also hates my Father.
24. If I had not done works among them that no one else ever did, they would not have sin; but as it is, they have seen and hated both me and my Father.
25. But in order that the word written in their law might be fulfilled, ‘They hated me without cause.’
26. “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me.
27. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
Commentary on John Chapter 15
Union with Christ: Jesus emphasizes the importance of remaining in him, as branches remain connected to the vine to bear fruit (John 15:1-8). This union is essential for spiritual vitality and productivity.
Love and Obedience: Jesus commands his disciples to love one another as he has loved them, highlighting love as the fulfillment of his commandments (John 15:9-17).
Friendship with Jesus: Jesus elevates his disciples from servants to friends, sharing with them the knowledge of the Father’s will (John 15:15).
Persecution and Witness: Jesus warns of the world’s hatred towards his followers, paralleling the world’s rejection of him. He assures them of the Holy Spirit’s support in their witness (John 15:18-27).
Catechism References for John Chapter 15
CCC 1827: Discusses charity as the greatest of the theological virtues, reflecting Jesus’ command to love one another (John 15:12).
CCC 2074: Relates to the fruitfulness of good works, which are possible through union with Christ, as described in John 15:5.
CCC 787-788: Explains the intimate union of believers with Christ, as branches with the vine, emphasizing the indwelling of Christ in believers (John 15:4-5).
Applying John Chapter 15 to Daily Life
Cultivate a Relationship with Christ: Prioritize your spiritual connection with Jesus through prayer, scripture reading, and participation in the sacraments, ensuring you remain in him as a branch in the vine.
Practice Love and Service: Follow Jesus’ command to love others selflessly, seeking opportunities to serve and support those around you.
Embrace Your Identity in Christ: Recognize your identity as a friend of Jesus, chosen to bear lasting fruit. Let this identity guide your actions and decisions.
Prepare for Challenges: Be aware of potential opposition or misunderstanding from the world, and rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in your witness to the faith.
Action Plan
Abide in Jesus:
Read the passage about the vine and the branches (John 15:1-8).
Reflect on what it means to "abide" in Jesus, understanding that staying connected to Him is essential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
Identify practices that help you remain connected to Jesus, such as prayer, reading scripture, and participating in a faith community, and commit to incorporating them into your daily life.
Bear Fruit Through Love:
Focus on Jesus' command to love one another as He has loved us (John 15:9-17).
Reflect on how love is the primary fruit that results from abiding in Jesus and how it manifests in your actions and relationships.
Consider specific ways you can demonstrate love to others, whether through acts of kindness, service, or support, and make a plan to put these into practice.
Prepare for Challenges and Persevere:
Study Jesus' warning about the world's hatred and the challenges His followers will face (John 15:18-25).
Reflect on the reality of facing opposition or difficulties because of your faith, and how Jesus' teachings can help you persevere.
Think about how you can strengthen your faith and resilience, perhaps by seeking support from fellow believers or deepening your understanding of Jesus' words.
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