Chapter 15
The use of an illustration is one of the most effective methods of teaching. Jesus, the master teacher, uses an illustration of a vine within a vineyard to teach his disciples. Let us see if we can see the truth that Jesus is teaching today.
1
Who is the vine? Who is the gardener? Who are the branches? (15:1,5)
2
The gardener takes away some branches and he prunes some branches. What kind of branches does he take away? What kind of branches does he prune? (15:2)
3
Why does the gardener prune some branches? (15:2) What do you think this tells you about the heart of the gardener?
4
According to Jesus, what is essential to the branch for it to be alive and fruitful? (15:5)
5
What do you think Jesus means by teaching that the branch must remain in the vine?
6
How useful is a branch that does not remain in the vine? (15:6)
7
Jesus teaches that as a branch is to remain in the vine, even so his followers are to remain in what? (15:9)
8
How will a person who loves Jesus demonstrate this love? (15:10)
9
Why is Jesus telling his disciples about the need to remain in him? (15:11)
10
What is Jesus’ most important command? (15:12)
11
How do you think Jesus ultimately lived out his own command? (15:13)
12
Does the world accept or reject Jesus and his followers? (15:18-19)
13
Why does the world reject Jesus and his followers? (15:21)
