Free group study handout
John 15: Group Study Handout
How to use: read John 15 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Jesus describes himself as the true vine and God as the farmer (vv. 1-3). He states that branches in him are pruned or removed based on their fruitfulness.
Key verse
“I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 (WEB)
Outline
- John 15:1–3 The True Vine and the Farmer
- John 15:4–8 The Call to Abide and Bear Fruit
- John 15:9–11 Remaining in Jesus' Love
- John 15:12–17 The Command to Love One Another
- John 15:18–21 Warning of Worldly Opposition
- John 15:22–25 Sin and Rejection of Jesus
- John 15:26–27 The Coming of the Counselor
Discussion questions
- In v5, what does Jesus mean by calling Himself 'the vine'?
- What is the consequence mentioned in v6 for not remaining in Jesus?
- In v8, what does it mean for the Father to be glorified by bearing much fruit?
- Why does Jesus refer to His followers as 'friends' in v15 instead of 'servants'?
- When have you experienced the call to 'love one another' as stated in v12?
Go deeper
Passages that echo John 15: Philippians 4, John 14, Psalm 37.
Before next time: read John 16.