1. Jesus states in verse 1 that he is the true vine. Elsewhere in the Book of John he was also referred to as the true ________. Fill in the blank and cite the verse(s).
Jesus is the true light
In Chapter 1 of the Gospel of John, verse 9 tells us that Jesus is the true light: "The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world."
Jesus is the true bread
In the Gospel of John Chapter 6, verse 32 we read: "Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven."
All three references allude to the true life of the believer
2. Read Galatians Chapter 5, verses 22 and 23. What are the fruits of the spirit?
|
|
|
3. What is similar about the nine fruits of the spirit; how are they all the same or related? What is the greatest of these fruits and why?
The greatest is love – See I Corinthians Chapter 13.
1. What do you think Jesus meant when he said the Father prunes branches that bear fruit so that they will bear even more fruit?
He takes away some things that are not a blessing to Him in your life as you turn to Him and do His will and bear fruit
2. List the commands of Jesus to his disciples in the following verses:
3. What are the results of following these commands of Jesus as cited in the following verses?
1. Why did Jesus tell his disciples to remain in his love?
So that he might have joy in their obedience and that their joy might be complete (see Chapter 15, verse 11)
2. How can we lay down our lives for our friends?
YOUR ANSWER HERE
3. Who do you think Jesus is referring to when he uses the word “world” and “they” when he is speaking to the disciples in Chapter 15, verses 18 through 25?
Jesus is referring to those that do not believe in him as we see in Chapter 15, verse 19:“As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”
1. What do we learn about the world and those in it from the following verses?
Verse 18:
Verse 19:
Verse 20:
Verse 21:
Verse 23:
2. For what 2 reasons did the world have no excuse for their sins?
Chapter 15, Verse 22:
If Jesus had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guiltyof sin…They have no excuse for their sin
Chapter 15, Verse 24:
If Jesus had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father
3. Jesus commands us to love one another. How do we sometimes let things of this world prevent us from loving one another?
YOUR ANSWER HERE
1. What passage of scripture is referred to in Chapter 15, verse 25?
Here are three possible answers:
Ps 35:19>BR> 19 Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye.
Ps 69:4:>BR> Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.
Ps 69:4:>BR> 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'
2. What 5 things do we learn about the Holy Spirit from Chapter 15, verse 26?
3. To whom do you think the Holy Spirit was to testify as provided in verse 26?
The disciples (See Chapter 15, verses 26 and 27)
According to the Inter varsity Press Bible Background Commentary on the New Testament, there were different levels of friendship in antiquity and Greco-Roman writers often commented on the topic. Friendship could involve political or military alliances and was often pursued in self-interest; but dying for others was considered heroic in Greco-Roman stories, and friendship to the death was considered a high moral value.
It seems that the ancient readers would easily understand this concept when Jesus states in the Gospel of John, verse 13: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
What is the difference between what was done in laying one’s life down for his friends in that ancient culture or today’s culture and what Jesus did for his friends?
The difference in what Jesus did is significant and eternally important to all mankind.
His death was for those that were his friends then (his disciples) and those who were yet to know him (such as you and I). He didn't just die for his friends - he gave them eternal life! He gave his life for sinners so that God might be worshiped for eternity.
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die(Romans 5:7).
Aren't you glad Jesus is your friend?
By the way - If he's not your friend why not repent of your sins and claim him today as your Lord and Savior?