37. John 15:1-17 Jesus, the True Vine

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 

15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 

17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

• Jesus is the true vine, the source of real life and fruitfulness (v.1, 5).
• God desires for us to grow and flourish in Jesus (v.2).
• Jesus invites us into His love, the same love the Father has for Him (v.9).
• Jesus wants us to love each other in the same way He loved us (v.12, 17). 

•  We are like branches, completely dependent on Jesus for life and purpose. Apart from Him, we can do nothing (v.5). 

• We are called to remain connected to Jesus through trust and obedience (v. 4, v. 10).

• God chose us not only for our salvation but also to live lives that bear fruit—participating in His mission and living in a way that reflects His love and purpose in the world (v. 16).

• We are called to love like Christ (v.12, 17).
  
  

• In John 15:15, when Jesus calls His disciples "friends," it holds a much deeper meaning than how we typically understand friendship today. In the cultural context of Jesus' time, a servant (or "slave") was someone who followed orders but did not know the plans or heart of their master. However, a friend was someone trusted with the master's secrets and involved in his mission.
  
  In the ancient world, the concept of a "friend of the king" was significant. These were individuals trusted by the king to share in his most important decisions and work. By calling His disciples "friends," Jesus is inviting them into a deep, intimate relationship where they are not only His followers but also trusted partners in His mission.
  This becomes even clearer in Jesus' statement, "for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15). Here, Jesus is offering His disciples knowledge of God's will. This access to God's purposes emphasizes the partnership Jesus grants His followers, inviting them to share in His divine work.
  
  Unlike today's casual friendships, where emotional connection is often the main focus, Jesus’ call to His disciples is centered on sharing in His work and purpose. As His friends, they are called to know His heart, follow His commands, and live out His love in the world. Thus, when Jesus says, "You are my friends," He is offering more than companionship— He is extending a partnership in the mission of God's Kingdom. This friendship goes beyond emotional closeness and is rooted in trust, understanding, and shared purpose.

What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions? 

Today, I find many applications in this passage, but I really want to focus on John 15:15. Jesus calls His disciples "friends." It’s not just about following Him like a servant; it’s about being a close, trusted friend. Jesus is inviting me into a deeper relationship with Him. He wants me to understand His heart, and He shares His mission with me. His heart and mission are rooted in "love"—not just emotional love, but a sacrificial love willing to give everything. Jesus came to this earth because He loves us and to show us how to love.

I realize that being His friend means obeying Him, living out His love, and doing His work in the world. This challenges me to treat others the way Jesus treats me. I am called to love them sacrificially, just as He loves me.

However, I admit that this is never an easy task, and I confess that on my own, it’s impossible. That’s why I must remain closely connected to Jesus. It’s not just about staying close, but about living in obedient love and bearing fruit.

Because Jesus has chosen me to be His friend, I know this should change how I live, how I love, and how I serve others. I want to stay connected to Him and reflect His sacrificial love every day.