Jesus heals a man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, leading to controversy and deepening conflict with the Jewish leaders.
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already ye are clean because of 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; so neither 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 beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples. 9 Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide 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 may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12 This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even 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 the things which I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father I have made known unto you. 16 Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye may love one another. 18 If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, 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 excuse 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 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 may 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 bear witness of me: 27 and ye also bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
American Standard Version (ASV)
We have referenced the American Standard Version in the passage above, which is in the public domain and is without copyright restrictions when quoted in entirety. The Audio Bible version has been produced using the New International Version (NIV) translation.
John Chapter 15 in the Gospel According to John is a rich and metaphorical passage, where Jesus uses the imagery of the vine and the branches to illustrate the vital relationship between Himself and His followers. This chapter is central to understanding the concepts of abiding in Christ, spiritual fruitfulness, and the love that underpins the Christian life.
In this chapter, Jesus describes Himself as the true vine, with His Father as the vinedresser. The metaphor emphasizes the importance of remaining (or abiding) in Him for spiritual nourishment and growth. Just as branches cannot bear fruit by themselves unless they abide in the vine, so too can believers only be fruitful when they maintain a living connection with Jesus.
Jesus further elaborates on the consequences of not abiding in Him, illustrating how such separation leads to spiritual barrenness. Conversely, He promises that those who abide in Him and His words will bear much fruit, reflecting a life enriched by and responsive to His teachings.
The latter part of John Chapter 15 discusses the love and obedience that characterize the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. He commands them to love one another as He has loved them, setting the highest standard for love – self-sacrificial love. This love is not only a hallmark of true discipleship but also a testimony to the world of their relationship with Him.
The chapter concludes with Jesus preparing His disciples for the persecution they will face from the world, offering comfort and the assurance of His presence through the Holy Spirit.
The ‘John 15 Audio Bible’ provides a vivid and engaging way to explore this profound chapter. The audio format allows for a deeper appreciation of the vine and branches metaphor, making the teachings about abiding in Christ, bearing fruit, and loving one another more accessible and impactful.
For anyone looking to delve into the teachings of the Gospel According to John, especially chapter 15, the ‘John 15 Audio Bible’ is an invaluable resource. It offers a convenient and immersive way to connect with the scripture, whether for personal reflection or as part of a broader study. The ‘John 15 Audio Bible’ not only enhances understanding of the chapter’s themes but also enriches the listener’s spiritual journey, inviting them to explore and live out the principles of abiding in Jesus and loving as He loves.
