For the last I AM statement in John's account, Jesus uses the picture of a vine with branches. A vine is the source of life for the branches. So, Jesus is saying he alone is the life for any who would connect and remain in him. Jesus states he is the "true vine" because although there have been other "vines" (See Psalm 80:8, Jeremiah 2:21), there's never been a vine like Jesus. There will be evidence of being connected to the true vine. There will be fruit in our lives just like a branch remaining in the vine bears fruit.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Y - Yield
Sunday's Message Text: John 15:1-11
Bible Plan Reading - Week 45
START IT.
We are currently in a teaching series, I AM: Jesus In His Own Words, focused on meeting Jesus in the book of John. From Sunday's message in John 15 or the Meet Jesus Bible Reading Plan this week, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
From John 15:1, how would you describe the relationship between Jesus and God (The Father)? Why did Jesus choose this word picture to describe himself?
What can we know about branches from John 15:2-7? Who are the branches? Anything stick out to you and why?
What does Jesus make clear in John 15:5? What is the main purpose of the branches?
What does "abiding" (remaining) in Jesus look like in John 15:7-10?
According to John 15:11, why did Jesus say these things about vines and branches? What's the big "so that" from this verse? What does abiding in Christ look like in one word?
SHARE IT.
What makes Jesus the "true" vine in your opinion? What is different about him than anyone else?
Someone has said, "What makes Jesus saying 'I am' so important? ...Because I am not." What does this mean, and do you agree with the statement? Why or why not?
According to Jesus, branches that stay connected (abide) in the vine bear fruit. Based on this, would you say you are connected to the vine?
If Jesus said these things so that we have joy, how does your life bear the fruit of joy? What can you point to that reveals your Jesus-fueled joy?
From the last 8 weeks in this series, what has made a lasting impact on you? Think about the I AM statements and lessons we've learned.
FINAL THOUGHT
There will be moments in our life when we will prove (or not prove) we are disciples of Jesus. Jesus knows the temperature of each situation. He knows the pressure can mount from his own personal experience. After all, he was sharing these things on his way to the cross! To this pressure he says, "Abide in me." Are you abiding in Christ today? He's all you need.
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