TEACHING

ON
JOHN 15 : 7
 Intro
• The Bread of Life Prayer Group has started a series of talks on LIFE

CHANGING verses from the Bible or the Word of God.

• Trying to do an indepth study of the Scripture and daily

application( putting the Word into practice) *

• For the Word of God is living and active, and is profitable for teaching, for

reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of

God may be complete, equipped for every good work.( 2 Tim 3 : 16).*
 Gospel of John: Outline
• This evening we will study the Scripture Verse John 15 : 7 . The Gospel of John
is outlined as follows :
• First Part : The Prologue : The Word Coming into the World (Jn 1: 1 to Jn 1: 18)
• Second Part : called “The Book of Signs” : where the theme is “ His Own Did
Not Receive Him “(Jn 1: 19 to Jn 12 : 50)
• Third Part : called “ The Book of Glory “ where the theme is “ He Gave Them
Power to Become Children of God “.(Jn 13 : 1 to Jn 20 : 31)
• Fourth Part : The Epilogue : where ‘ The Lord appears in Galilee ‘ ( Jn 21 : 1-25)
 Our focus today: Third Part
• So today we are in the Third Part : called ‘The Book of Glory’ where Jesus
Himself gives His disciples the power to become children of God.

• In this part we have THE LAST SUPPER DISCOURSES.(Jn 13: 1 to 17 : 26). As

part of the Last Supper Discourses we have the imagery of JESUS, as the TRUE
VINE(Jn 15: 1 to 11).
 What's in the last supper discourse
• THE LAST SUPPER DISCOURSES.(Jn 13: 1 to 17 : 26). As part of the Last Supper
Discourses we have the imagery of JESUS, as the TRUE VINE(Jn 15: 1 to 11) *.

• The last words of any person before he or she dies is always precious to those
left behind

• we must understand how important this text is in knowing Jesus.

• The allegory of the vine and the branches used by Jesus is to emphasise the
need for CONSTANT UNION of the disciples WITH HIM in order to bring forth
DESIRED FRUIT *
 The Narrative
• Jesus tells His disciples : I am the TRUE VINE , and my Father is the VINE
DRESSER(Jn 15 : 1). He also says : I AM THE VINE , you are the branches (Jn
15 ; 5)
• Three persons are depicted :
– The Father : as the VINEDRESSER

– The Son : as the VINE

– We ( his disciples) : as the BRANCHES *

• He concludes by saying that if you ABIDE( or remain) in ME( or in my love),
and my WORDS abide in YOU, ask WHATEVER you will, and it SHALL be done
for you.
 Interpretation of the Narrative
• The images of ISRAEL as the VINE is used several times in the Old
Testament ( Is 5 : 1-7; Jer 2 : 21 ; Hos 10 : 1;Ezek 15 : 1-6 ) *
• ‘Pruning’ or corrections or set backs in life are necessary to bear much
fruit in life. We have examples as in the case of the accident to St. Ignatius
of Loyola, or the concentration camp for St. Maximillian Colbe. * *
• “Bearing Fruit” implies missionary activity
– (Jn 28 : 19) *

– The fruit of a Christian, is to make another Christian.

– Fruit is meant for others , not for ourselves.
 Interpretation of the Narrative
• “Remaining in Jesus” : The intimacy with Jesus at all times. In Him we live,
and move and have our being. (Acts 17: 28) *
• “MY WORDS ABIDE IN YOU” : HIS WORDS will abide ( remain in us) only if
we know His Words.
– Hence the necessity to MEMORISE HIS WORDS. *

• “ASK WHATEVER YOU WILL” : * The WORD that abides in us will guide
us in what we need to ask.
 HOW DO WE GET THE FULL BENEFIT OF THE PROMISE OF THIS
VERSE IN OUR LIFE

• Exercising that choice of being with Jesus rather than with the world *

• “ You “ : *
• “Abide in Me “: There are many ways in which WE abide( remain) in CHRIST.

– Receiving the Holy Body of Christ everyday: ( Jn 6 : 56-57) *

– Personal Prayer : This is our lifeline with Christ: * “Pray
constantly”(1 Thes 5 : 16) *
– Faith without works is Dead : Just faith will not do. (Jas 2 : !7 ) * ( Rom
10 : 17).
– Serving the Kingdom of God ( Body of Christ) in some way : Five loaves
and two fish : If you belong to Christ, you will serve.
HOW DO WE GET THE FULL BENEFIT OF THE PROMISE OF THIS VERSE IN OUR LIFE

• “My Words Abide in You” : Memorizing scripture verses *

• Ask Whatever you Will : Seek first the kingdom of God ( the reign of God in
our life), and all these things will be added unto you.(Mt 6 : 33) *
• Ask for His Spirit : If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts
to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy
Spirit to those who ASK HIM (Lk 11 : 13) *
• “It shall be done for you” : Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you
have already received it and it shall be yours: (Mk 11 : 24).
– Hence the need to thank God as we have already received it.
 Action Points
• Always choose life
• Each of us has to respond to Jesus’ invitation
• Abiding in Jesus : apart from me you can do
nothing (Jn 15 : 5)
• My words abide in you : Memorising Scripture
verses
• Ask for Spiritual gifts
• Confidence that our prayers are always heard
Let’s Pray