Part 2 The Gospel of John Chapters 15-16
John Chapter 15
The True Vine
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. John 15:1-10 KJV
The excerpt from John 15:1-10 found in the King James Version of the Bible, commonly known as “The True Vine,” is a dialogue delivered by Jesus to His disciples. In this allegory, Jesus portrays Himself as the “true vine,” God the Father as the “husbandman” or caretaker, and His followers as the “branches.”
At the core of this passage lies the relationship between Jesus and His disciples, emphasizing the significance of remaining spiritually connected to Him. The mention of “fruit” as a symbol for the virtues and righteous actions that arise from a life intertwined with Jesus. The passage suggests that without, this connection one cannot bear good fruit.
Jesus clarifies that branches that fail to bear fruit are pruned away, which can be understood as a cautionary message against spiritual sterility. Conversely, fruitful branches are meticulously trimmed to encourage further growth, symbolizing God’s guidance and correction leads to heightened spiritual maturity.
The passage also brings the reciprocal connection between Jesus and His disciples: “Dwell in me, and I in you.” This mutual dwelling is vital for believers to produce fruitful outcomes. The consequences of not abiding in Jesus, are exemplified by the withered branches cast into the flames, symbolizing judgment.
In verse 7, Jesus assures that if His words persist in His followers and they remain in Him, their prayers will be granted. This emphasizes the potency of living in harmony with Jesus’ teachings.
The passage concludes with an appeal to obedience and love, mirroring the love shared between God the Father and Jesus. Disciples are encouraged to uphold Jesus’ commandments and dwell in His love, just as Jesus remains in the love of the Father.
An illustration from the King James Version that further elucidates this concept is found in Galatians 5:22-23, which enumerates the “fruit of the Spirit”: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are the produce that believers are expected to bear when they abide in Jesus, the true vine.
That you love one another
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. 18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your’s also. John 15:12-20 KJV
The passage found in John 15:12-20 within the renowned King James Version of the Bible holds tremendous significance. In this section, Jesus imparts profound wisdom to His disciples, emphasizing the paramount importance of love and forewarning them about the real possibility of persecution they may face as followers of His teachings.
In verses 12 and 17, Jesus issued a powerful command to His disciples, instructing them to love one another just as He has loved them. This love is not ordinary or superficial; rather, it is sacrificial. This sacrificial love is exemplified in verse 13, which states that the highest form of love entails laying down one’s own life for the sake of friends. Through this teaching, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the ultimate demonstration of His love – His crucifixion.
Verses 14 and 15 elevate the status of the disciples from mere servants to intimate friends, symbolizing a profound closeness with Jesus. As friends, they are granted access to the deep knowledge and mysteries of God, a privilege not bestowed upon servants. This intimate bond between Jesus and His disciples is characterized by, deep trust and mutual understanding.
In this passage, Jesus imparts invaluable lessons on the nature of love and the challenges that may arise from following His teachings. It serves as a reminder to His disciples – both then and now – of the immense love. He has for them and the potential hardships they may encounter in their journey of faith.
In verses 16 and 19, Jesus expounds upon the notion that His disciples were specifically chosen by Him and set apart from the rest of the world. This selection serves a purpose: to go forth and bear fruit, which signifies spreading His teachings and love, ensuring their efforts in His name endure.
The latter portion of the passage, encompassing verses 18-20, delves into the theme of persecution. Jesus cautions his disciples. That they will be despised by the world. As it initially despised Him. The term ‘world’ here refers to those who oppose Jesus’ teachings and mission. The disciples are prepared for the opposition they will inevitably encounter, and Jesus reminds them that a servant is not superior to his master. If Jesus himself faced persecution, His followers would face it as well.
An instance from the King James Version that illuminates this teaching can be found in Acts 5:41-42, where the apostles rejoice at being considered worthy of suffering shame for the sake of Jesus’ name. They persist in teaching and preaching about Jesus Christ despite facing persecution.
This passage is central to Christian theology, emphasizing love, sacrifice, and the cost of discipleship. It serves as a reminder to believers of the love they are to show, their relationship with Christ, and the challenges they may face in the world because of their faith.
John Chapter 16
That when the time shall come
1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? 6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. John 16:1-11
The passage from John 16:1-11 in the King James Version of the Bible is a part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to His disciples, where He prepares them for the upcoming challenges they will face after His departure. Jesus speaks to comfort His disciples, forewarning them of persecution and explaining the necessity of His departure for the coming of the Holy Spirit, referred to as the Comforter.
In verses 1-4, Jesus warns the disciples that they will face exclusion from religious communities and even violence, but reassures them that these things are told in advance so they might be prepared and remember His words when they occur.
Verses 5-7 address the sorrow, the disciples feel about Jesus’ announcement that He is leaving. Jesus explains that it is beneficial for Him to go because only then will the Comforter come to them. This Comforter is the Holy Spirit, who will aid and guide the disciples in Jesus’ physical absence.
Verses 8-11 describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the world: to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin because people do not believe in Jesus, of righteousness. After all, Jesus is returning to the Father and will no longer be seen, and of judgment because the ruler of this world (interpreted as Satan) stands condemned.
An example from the King James Version that illustrates the role of the Holy Spirit can be found in Acts 2, where the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in different tongues and empowering them to preach boldly and perform miracles, which leads to the conviction of many listeners about the truth of Jesus’ message.
This passage emphasizes the transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to the age of the Spirit, where the disciples will continue Jesus’ work empowered by the Holy Spirit, facing opposition with divine assistance. It’s a message of hope and assurance that despite, the challenges, they are not alone. The Holy Spirit’s presence assures them of ongoing guidance, support, and the ultimate victory over sin and evil.
I shall shew you plainly of the Father
25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. 26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: 27 for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. 28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. 29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. 30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. 31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? 32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:25-33 KJV
In verses 16 and 19, Jesus elucidates that His chosen disciples have been selected and set apart from the world. This selection carries a purpose: to go forth and bear fruit – signifying the dissemination of His teachings and love – so that their endeavors accomplished in His name may leave a lasting impact.
The latter portion of the passage, encompassing verses 18-20, delves into the theme of persecution. Jesus cautioned His disciples that the world would harbor animosity towards them because it harbored animosity towards Him first. In this context, the term “world” represents those who oppose Jesus’ teachings and mission. The disciples are being prepared for the opposition they will inevitably encounter, with Jesus reminding them that a servant is not above his master. If Jesus faced persecution, so too would His followers.
The passage from John 16:25-33 in the King James Version of the Bible presents a profound segment where Jesus imparts wisdom to His disciples regarding the revelation of truth and the impending challenges they will face. In this passage, Jesus draws a contrast, between employing parables or proverbs as a means of communication and speaking candidly about the Father. He alludes to a time when He will cease using metaphors and unveil the truth directly.
The followers express their comprehension and conviction that Jesus possesses omniscience and originates from the divine realm. Jesus challenges their faith, foretelling the forthcoming hardships they will endure, particularly their dispersion and abandonment of Him. Nevertheless, He consoles them by affirming that He is never truly alone since the Father is constantly by His side.
In conclusion, Jesus imparts a message of tranquility and motivation. Despite the challenges and afflictions they will encounter in the earthly realm, they should maintain a joyful disposition because Jesus has triumphed over the world.
An example from the King James Version that illustrates this teaching is in John 14:1-3, where Jesus comforts His disciples, saying, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” This passage echoes the themes of comfort, belief, and the promise of Jesus’s return, similar to the assurance He provides in John 16:25-33.
Leave a Reply