Grow Guide | March 20, 2022
Better Together
John 15:4-17
Connecting Questions
Have you ever cultivated something--a plant, a relationship, a dream--that blossomed into something special? What elements are necessary to make that thing flourish?
Think about one of your closest friends. What does it take to have a friendship like that?
Context
We continue our Lenten Series “Better Together” this week by looking at a section of the conversation that Jesus had with his disciples at their last supper together. Last week Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and told them to serve and love one another. After Judas left the dinner party to orchestrate Jesus’ arrest, Jesus spends chapters 14-17 preparing his disciples for life without him; life after his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.
Our specific text records a metaphor that Jesus used to describe the nature of the disciples’ relationships. Here are two key words he uses that, having a full definition, will help us understand him well. First, to abide, means to dwell, remain, hang out with, spend time. It is the Greek word meno and is a running theme throughout John. Second, glory is the Greek word doxa and means reputation or high opinion. Therefore, to glorify someone is to represent them well to others so that others think well of them.
Look at the Book
Read John 15:4-11.
What metaphor is Jesus using to describe his relationship with the disciples?
What must the branch do in order to bear fruit?
What happens if a branch is not connected to the vine?
In what specific thing does Jesus invite them to abide (verses 9-10)?
What is Jesus’ motivation for giving this metaphor (verse 11)?
Read John 15:12-17
What is Jesus’ commandment?
What is the difference between a servant and a friend, and how might the term “commandment” be heard differently in these two relationships?
What promise(s) does Jesus make in this passage?
Taking it Home
This metaphor is powerful, and probably hit home with farmers in Jesus' day. However, there aren’t a lot of farmers in the suburbs where we live. Try to put the message of this passage into your own words. Is there another metaphor that might translate to our culture that would communicate the same message? What is Jesus’ point?
What might “abiding in Jesus’ love” look like in our daily lives?
How does this passage speak to our theme “Better Together?”
For more reflection on the Vine metaphor, visit https://www.stevethomason.net/2022/03/08/images-of-the-vine-2/