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{I AM} #7

 “I AM [the True Vine]” 

John 15:1-8_ 

 
If you ever visit a vineyard in early spring, chances are you would be shocked to see how drasticly the grapevines have been pruned back. The plants all look like dead bleeding stumps! 
This, it turns out, has to be the way.  
One vineyard owner said, “You have to choose between beautiful, leafy vines or plump, juicy grapes.” 

 

[Group discussion starter] How are you at getting plants to grow? Tell a story of a memorable plant experience. 

 

Jesus spoke the words of John 15 as he and his closest followers made their way from a banquet room in Jerusalem to an olive grove on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. Maybe they were walking through a grape vineyard on their way or maybe Jesus pointed to carvings of grapevines on the walls of the temple as they walked through. The imagery of the vine and the branches was a very familiar part of the cultural setting in Jesus’ world... 

 

[Read John 15:1-8] 

 

In the natural world, what does the main vine do for the smaller branches? 

 

What benefits do the branches provide to the vine? 

 

Jesus uses the vine and branches as an allegory of the relationship he has with his followers. If he is the vine and we are the branches, what does Jesus provide in the relationship? 

 

What do we, as branches, provide for Jesus the vine? 

 

God the Father is the overseer and caretaker of the relationship between Jesus and his followers. How does he tend to the branches that bear fruit and to the branches that do not (verse 2)? 

What is the “fruit” that the Father desires to see in our lives? 
 

 

What, specifically, do you think is the fruit the Father desires for you? 
 

 

Jesus repeatedly calls us to “remain” or “abide” in him. 
What does that mean? 
 

 

What are the consequences of not remaining in him? 
 

 

How might the Father “prune” our lives to prompt us to produce more fruit? 
 

 

How does this passage help you understand God’s purposes for the difficult pruning experiences in your life? 
 

 

Based on this passage, how would you explain to a friend what your purpose in life really is? 
 

 

What specific steps can you take to remind yourself of God’s purpose for your life as you go through the routine of your day? 
 

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