October 21, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 15
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.
23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
John Chapter 15 is a deep and meaningful section in Jesus’ teachings. Here, Jesus uses the powerful imagery of the vine and the branches to illustrate the close, life-giving relationship between Himself and His followers. He emphasizes the necessity of remaining in Him to bear fruit, symbolizing the Christian life and dedication to God. This chapter also highlights the central role of love among believers and the challenges they will face due to the world’s hatred. These words of Jesus prepare His disciples for the upcoming suffering and the significance of the Holy Spirit.
Commentary
The True Vine and the Branches (Verses 1-8)
Jesus begins this section with an allegorical portrayal of Himself as the true vine and God as the vinedresser. Believers are the branches, which can only bear fruit if they remain closely connected to the vine, that is, to Jesus. This comparison underscores the absolute dependence of believers on Christ. Without Him, Jesus states, they can “do nothing” (Verse 5). The branches that do not bear fruit are removed and burned, symbolizing the consequence of someone separating from Christ and spiritually withering.
The imagery of the vine represents the organic and life-essential relationship between Jesus and His followers. It also illustrates God’s role as the vinedresser, who cleanses the fruitful branches to enable them to bear even more fruit. This “pruning” can be understood as God’s work in believers, purifying them through trials and fostering their spiritual maturity.
The Commandment of Love (Verses 9-17)
In the following verses, Jesus emphasizes love as the central commandment. He urges His disciples to remain in His love by keeping His commandments. This love is not merely an emotional bond but is demonstrated through obedience to Jesus’ teachings. The deepest form of love, according to Jesus, is shown when someone “lays down their life for their friends” (Verse 13). This points to His impending sacrifice on the cross and redefines His disciples not as servants but as friends to whom He has revealed the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.
The selection of the disciples by Jesus Himself (Verse 16) underscores the divine initiative in the relationship between God and humans. It is not humans who choose Christ, but Christ who chooses and commissions humans to bear fruit. This enduring fruit is a life of discipleship characterized by love for God and for others.
The Hatred of the World (Verses 18-25)
Jesus also warns His disciples about the world’s hatred. This section prepares the disciples for the rejection and persecution they will face. Because they belong to Jesus and are not “of the world,” the world will reject them just as it has rejected Jesus. This persecution is not unfounded but occurs because people do not recognize God. Jesus shows the inseparable connection between hatred for Him and hatred for the Father (Verse 23).
This section also highlights the guilt of those who have seen the light of truth yet have rejected Christ. Jesus’ words and actions leave no room for excuses, and thus the rejection of Jesus is described as sin.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit (Verses 26-27)
At the end of this chapter, Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit, whom He refers to as the “Comforter.” The Holy Spirit, also called the “Spirit of truth,” is sent by Jesus from the Father to testify about Him. This promise offers the disciples comfort and assurance that they will not be left alone but that the Spirit will guide and strengthen them as they testify about Jesus. The presence of the Holy Spirit signifies that God is with them even in the most challenging times.
Summary
John Chapter 15 uses the imagery of the vine and the branches to illustrate the close, life-giving relationship between Jesus and His followers. Only in connection with Jesus can believers bear spiritual fruit. The chapter also emphasizes the central role of love—both God’s love for believers and the love they are to share among themselves. Additionally, Jesus warns His disciples about the hatred and persecution they will face from the world and highlights the deeper connection between hatred for Him and for the Father. Finally, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, who will strengthen believers and support them in their mission. This chapter calls believers to remain in Christ, live in love, and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 72—“In Remembrance of Me”
This chapter is based on Matthew 26:20-29; Mark 14:17-25; Luke 22:14-23; John 13:18-30.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 72 deals with one of the most central moments in the life of Jesus and Christian theology: the institution of the Lord’s Supper, which Jesus celebrated with His disciples during the Passover festival. This moment, described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, marks the transition from the Jewish tradition of Passover to a new covenant, symbolized by the bread and wine that Jesus referred to as His body and blood. This act points both to His impending sacrifice on the cross and to the hope of Christ’s return. This chapter describes the profound significance of the Lord’s Supper, the despair of the disciples in the face of the impending betrayal, and the symbolic power of the promise of redemption.
Commentary
In this chapter, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, making it a central rite for His followers. During the Last Passover meal, which traditionally commemorates the liberation of Israel from Egyptian bondage, Jesus gives the meal a new meaning. He takes the bread and the wine and declares that these elements represent His body and His blood, which are given for the sins of the world. Thus, the Passover, which was a symbol of the Jews’ liberation from physical slavery, is transformed into the Lord’s Supper, which signifies the liberation of humanity from the bondage of sin through Jesus’ death.
The institution of the Lord’s Supper marks the beginning of the “New Covenant,” which is sealed by Jesus’ death and resurrection. This new order replaces the old Jewish law and the ritual sacrifices. Instead, Jesus’ sacrifice and the remembrance thereof take center stage in the believers’ faith life. The chapter makes it clear that the Lord’s Supper is not merely a symbolic act but a means of spiritual strengthening that fosters community with Christ and among the believers themselves.
Judas’ behavior, as he focuses on his betrayal amidst this sacred act, highlights the stark contrast between Jesus’ gracious offer and human sin. Jesus is aware of Judas’ betrayal but continually gives him opportunities to repent, underscoring Jesus’ infinite patience and mercy. Despite the darkness surrounding Judas, the invitation to grace remains open until the last moment.
Another central point in this chapter is the emphasis on spiritual preparation and self-examination before partaking in the Lord’s Supper. Believers are called to participate at the Lord’s table in holiness and reverence. No one is to be excluded from this celebration, but it is necessary for each individual to examine their own heart before partaking in the Lord’s Supper.
Summary
Chapter 72 of the book The Life of Jesus offers a deep reflection on the institution of the Lord’s Supper by Jesus during the Passover festival. Jesus uses this opportunity to explain the bread and wine as symbols of His impending death, which will free humanity from sin. This new celebration replaces the traditional Jewish Passover and marks the beginning of the New Covenant, established through Christ’s sacrifice. The act in which Judas plans to betray Jesus demonstrates the serious consequences of sin and betrayal. At the same time, Jesus demonstrates God’s profound mercy through His patience and offer of grace. The chapter highlights the significance of the Lord’s Supper as a source of spiritual strength and community with Christ and among believers, and emphasizes the necessity of self-examination and preparation before participation. It reminds believers to live in anticipation of Jesus’ return, which is proclaimed in every celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
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