Thursday, May 22 – John 15, 16

1. To what did Jesus compare Himself? (John 15:1)

2. To what did He compare His Father? (John 15:1)

3. To what did He compare us? (John 15:2–3)

4. What is the secret to fruitfulness? (John 15:4)

Today’s chapters document some of Jesus’ last teachings as He walked toward Gethsemane just hours before His arrest. It appears He reserved His most direct and intimate lessons for this moment so that the disciples would remember them vividly.

Along the way, He passed a vine laden with ripe grapes. As was His custom, He used a detail from nature to illustrate a spiritual truth about the Kingdom of God.

Did you notice the key word in this passage? It’s the word “abide.” It is even more important than bearing fruit. No one can bear fruit without first abiding in Christ. In the first 16 verses of John 15, Jesus uses some form of the verb “abide” ten times.

Reflect on this inspired quote: “The principle that man can save himself by his own works lay at the foundation of every heathen religion… Wherever it is held, men have no barrier against sin.” (The Desire of Ages, pp. 35–36)

Good works are certainly important. A Christian should bear much fruit for the glory of God. However, no one can be fruitful unless they are first connected to the living Vine, Christ. The key is to abide in Him.

In the vine illustration, there are three types of branches:

1. The branch that abides in Christ (John 15:5).

2. The branch that does not abide in Christ (John 15:6).

3. The branch that is in Christ but does not bear fruit properly (John 15:2).

The third branch is often confused with the others but is quite different. It represents those who remain in the church, not entirely separated from Jesus, yet not bearing the fruit they should. They don’t bear “much fruit,” but neither are they completely fruitless and cast into the fire. These are lukewarm Christians, underperforming spiritually, but God still loves them enough to work on them.

Let’s examine John 15:2:

“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away…”

Jesus says that even though it does not bear fruit, the branch is still in Him; it hasn’t detached from the Vine.

He says the heavenly Gardener “takes it away.” But from where? At first glance, we might think He removes it from the Vine. But that cannot be because He then says the purpose is “that it may bear more fruit.” If it were cut off, it couldn’t bear fruit (John 15:5).

The Greek word translated as “takes away” is “airo,” which can also mean “to lift up” or “to clean.” Grape growers know that sometimes a vine branch slips from the trellis and falls to the ground, becoming dirty or infected and failing to produce properly. The vinedresser doesn’t discard it; it’s too valuable. Instead, he washes it in water and lifts it back into place, allowing it to grow in a healthy environment.

This third group represents church members who are not yet producing. The Lord will cleanse them so they can bear fruit.

From what impurities might the Lord need to cleanse us so that we can be more fruitful? He loves us so much that He doesn’t cut us off, He prunes and lifts us up. We still have hope! God loves us that deeply.

In John 16, Jesus comforts His disciples in preparation for the trials they will face. He promises that after His departure, He will send them “another Helper”, the Holy Spirit. Note that He refers to a person distinct from Himself yet closely connected. He did not promise to send an emanation of Himself or an impersonal force from the Father. If that were the case, He would have said, “another consolation,” not “another Helper.”

The third Person of the Godhead would come to continue the divine work on behalf of humanity:

1. The Father sends His Son (John 3:16).

2. The Son gives His life for us (Philippians 2:8).

3. The Holy Spirit comes to teach Christ’s words and engrave them on hearts through conversion (John 14:26; 16:15).

What perfectly united work the Godhead performs for our salvation. Hallelujah!

I pray the Lord blesses you through this study, strengthening your faith in Christ, in His Word, and in the blessed hope.