The Vine and the Branches – John 15: 1-11

 

Can you think of examples of things in our daily life which need to stay connected to something? Why do they need to stay connected?  

 

Watch videos 


According to the videos, what does a branch need to do in order to produce lots of grapes?

A.   Work very hard
B.    Follow many religious rules
C.   Keep reminding itself to bear fruit next time
D.   Feel bad about not bearing fruit
E.    Be pruned by the gardener and stay connected to the vine

 

Bible story

“I am the true vine. My Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch joined to me that does not bear fruit. He prunes every branch that does bear fruit. Then it will bear even more fruit. 

3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, just as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself. It must remain in the vine. In the same way, you can’t bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing.

6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and dries up. Branches like those are picked up. They are thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for anything you wish. And it will be done for you. 

8 When you bear a lot of fruit, it brings glory to my Father. It shows that you are my disciples.

9 “Just as the Father has loved me, I have loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. In the same way, I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 

 

Discussion Questions

1. Who/what are represented by these 4 symbols: the vine, the gardener, the branches, the fruit. What role does each one play?

2. Instead of commanding us to bear fruit, why is Jesus’ only command “remain in me”? What exactly does ‘remain in Christ’ mean?

3. Pruning (cutting off branches) and burning unwanted branches are a necessary but seemingly brutal process. What do you think they mean and why are they necessary? In what ways have you experienced the Father’s pruning?

4. There are 3 kinds of branches in this passage: no fruit, some fruit and much fruit. Which kind would you identify yourself in? Why? How is Jesus’ teaching speaking to you today?