John 15:1-8

The Vine and the Branches

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

In the illustration, what is the farmer’s (husbandman, vineyard-keeper) goal?

What activities does the farmer engage in to see that fruit happens on a branch?

What is the true mark of “discipleship”?

What do you think is “behind” Jesus’ statement “this is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit”?

In families, do you think children grow up achieving more by growing up in a parental environment of “HIGH” expectations or “LOW” expectations?

Why?