Jesus is the true vine. So then what is the false vine?
- There was a large golden vine on the front of the temple in Jesus time (according to Josephus and the Mishnah)
- A vine refers to Israel and its covenant. Fruitless vines refer to judgment. (Psalm 80:8-9, Isaiah 5:1-7, Jeremiah 2:21)
- Maybe: The carvings of grapes, pomegranates, and lilies adorning the temple are lifeless and useless compared to what Jesus as the vine and temple offers (according to for example Craig Keener, Mark Kinzer, Philo)
Question 1.
Notice the 6 times "fruit" (καρπός) is used in John 15:1-8. Fruit seems to be a consequence, not an obligation.
What does Jesus mean by "fruit"?
Question 2.
Notice the 10 times "abide" (μένω) is used in John 15:4-10
Also in John 5:38, John 6:56, John 8:31, John 8:35, John 12:46, John 14:10, John 14:17 (and other places like staying at the house of Lazarus).
What does He mean by abiding, and why is it important?
Question 3.
Jesus and the disciples all knew that grapes don't grow on a vine. They grow on branches from a vine.
What does that tell us about our connection to the vine and to the fruit?
Question 4.
John 15:3 says His word (logos, not rhema) has made us clean.
What is he saying, and why in the context of fruitfulness and pruning?