I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
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.
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
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.
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.
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.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
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.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
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.
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.
These things I command you, that ye love one another.
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
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.
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.
But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.
He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
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.
But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
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:
And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
Context: A Final Discourse
John 15 occurs in the midst of Jesus' extended teaching to His disciples, a discourse that began during the Last Supper. This section follows Jesus' declaration of Himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) and His promises regarding the Holy Spirit's work. In John 15, Jesus uses the powerful metaphor of the vine and the branches, reiterates the commandment to love one another, and warns of the world's hatred towards believers. This sets the stage for chapter 16, which focuses on perseverance through trials, and ultimately leads to Jesus' prayer for His disciples in chapter 17.
The True Vine (John 15:1-6)
Jesus declares, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener" (John 15:1). This imagery resonates deeply with the Old Testament, where Israel was often depicted as God's vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). However, Israel, the vineyard, produced sour grapes, failing to meet God's expectations. In contrast, Jesus, the "true vine," perfectly obeys the Father and reveals His will.
The Father, as the gardener, tends to the vine, ensuring its health and fruitfulness. Every branch in Jesus that does not produce fruit, the Father removes (John 15:2). Conversely, every branch that bears fruit, He prunes so that it will produce more. It is important to remember that the phrase "every branch" refers to those who identify as Christians, because they are "in Jesus." God's desire for every believer is growth in fruit-bearing. We are meant to progress from producing no fruit (John 15:2) to some fruit (John 15:2) to more fruit (John 15:2) to much fruit (John 15:5) to remaining fruit (John 15:16).
Fruitfulness is a life of spiritual usefulness and productivity for the good of others and the glory of God. It’s the proof of true discipleship (John 15:8). Consider the characteristics of fruit: it reflects the character of its tree, it is visible, and it is always for the benefit of others. The fruit in your life should reflect Christ—His attitudes and actions, His character and conduct.
The Greek word translated "removes" can also mean "lifts up." In ancient vineyards, branches could become heavy and drag on the ground. The gardener would lift them up to promote better growth. God, likewise, lifts us up through encouragement, His Word, and His people, motivating us to be fruitful. Pruning, while sometimes painful, is essential for increased productivity. God may bring challenges and trials into our lives to strengthen our faith and remove anything hindering our full potential.
The analogy of the vine and the branches highlights the importance of genuine connection. Just as a branch must be connected to the vine to receive life-giving nutrients, so too must believers abide in Christ to experience true spiritual life. It is possible to be "in" a church or Christian community without being truly saved. The evidence of genuine connection is fruitfulness. Branches that are not legitimately part of the true vine are barren and eventually cut off and destroyed. This isn't a loss of salvation, but a recognition that those branches were never meaningfully part of the vine in the first place.
Abiding in Christ (John 15:7-11)
The disciples were already clean through the washing of Christ’s word (John 15:3; see Ephesians 5:26). This is how we stay clean too; nevertheless, we must remain in Jesus. A branch that’s disconnected from the vine is useless. So also we can’t produce fruit unless we remain in Jesus (John 15:4). The idea of “remaining” or “abiding” in Christ has to do with intimacy and relationship. Jesus Christ is our source, the only one who can provide the spiritual sustenance and vitality we need to be useful believers. Thus, we need to hang out with him. You can’t avoid Jesus all week and then show up on Sunday morning expecting growth. We only produce much fruit when we remain in him (John 15:5).
To have Jesus’s words remain (or “abide”) in you requires more than merely reading or listening to them. You must internalize them. Another way to describe this is meditating on God’s Word, rolling it around in your mind to grasp what it means and how to apply it to your specific circumstances. We must chew and swallow Scripture, so to speak, so that it becomes part of us. When you do this, you can ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. In other words, prayers get answered when we maintain intimate fellowship with God through his Word. That’s because you’ll find your will aligning with his.
If someone chooses not to remain in Jesus, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. Such branches are gathered and burned (John 15:6). This is not a description of hell and cannot refer to loss of salvation since believers are eternally secure. We’ve already seen that everyone who comes to Jesus will never be cast out. If you could lose eternal life, then it wasn’t eternal to begin with (see commentary on 6:36-40). So instead, the burning is a reference to the consequences of a loss of both fellowship with God and rewards from him. If you disconnect from the vine for too long, don’t be surprised to find yourself experiencing divine discipline, getting burned, and seeing your spiritual life withering. Such a believer is useless to himself, God, and others. So, if you find such things happening to you, repent! “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
Jesus emphasizes the connection between obedience and love. Those who truly love and abide in Him will naturally adhere to His teachings. Disobedience reveals a lack of genuine connection. Abiding in Christ also unlocks access to God's power, enabling believers to accomplish His will.
My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples (John 15:8). The more useful you become to the kingdom, the more glory God will receive and the more people will recognize you as a serious saint (rather than a casual Christian). The Lord wants followers, not mere fans.
Jesus told his disciples, Remain in my love (John 15:9). How do we do that? Jesus said, If you keep my commands you will remain in my love. Love for Jesus results in obedience. And obedience produces a deeper relationship with him. The Son wants us to enjoy the intimate kind of loving relationship that he enjoys with the Father (John 15:10).
Jesus’s goal in teaching his disciples things was that their joy would be complete (John 15:11). Joy is internal stability in spite of external circumstances because of the knowledge that God is in control. It is a settled assurance and quiet confidence in God’s sovereignty that results in the decision to praise him. Notice that Jesus offered them his own joy. So, if your joy container is empty, Jesus will let you borrow some of his.
Love One Another (John 15:12-17)
Jesus repeats His earlier command: that Christians are to show love to each other (John 13:34). This love is practical, focusing on actions rather than mere emotions. It is meant to emulate the sacrificial, humble, and constant love Christ showed us. Offering one's life for the sake of others is the ultimate expression of this love, but Christian love is not limited to grand gestures. It is to be the pattern of our entire lives.
Jesus repeated the command he gave them earlier (see 13:34): Love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12). Biblical love involves more than mere emotions and personal preferences. Love is the decision to compassionately, righteously, responsibly, and sacrificially seek the well-being of another. You can love people whom you may not necessarily like because love is not dependent on your feelings. That’s why Jesus can command you to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). It’s true that love may include feelings of affection, and such feelings may develop over time. But it’s not driven by them. Love is driven by sacrifice for the welfare of others. And the greatest expression of love is to lay down one’s life for . . . friends (John 15:13). That’s the kind of love Jesus modeled for us.
Part of friendship with God is honoring His teachings. It also means God communicating with us in something more than simple orders. Abraham's friendship with God (James 2:23) was demonstrated in God's willingness to speak with Abraham. So too does Christ speak to us. His work in choosing us, saving us, sanctifying us, and teaching us is merciful and amazing.
Jesus told his disciples that they were not mere servants to him. They were his friends (John 15:15). A master doesn’t reveal things to a servant, but friends do. Jesus had made known to his disciples everything he had heard from his Father.
When the Bible refers to God’s choice (or election) of people, it’s a choosing for service, not salvation. Jesus chose his disciples so that they would produce fruit that would be useful to his kingdom and reflect God’s character. He didn’t simply save them for heaven only; he appointed them to a mission on earth that would involve winning people to Christ and growing them in the faith (John 15:16)—a mission that involves keeping his commands, loving him, and loving one another (John 15:9-15). When that happens, the Father answers prayer (John 15:16).
The World's Hatred (John 15:18-27)
As much as Christ loves believers, the world hates them. "The world" refers to the unbelieving, godless nature of humanity in general. As servants of Christ, we should not expect to be treated better than He was.
The world system headed by Satan (see commentary on 12:31; 14:30-31) hates Jesus. Therefore, followers of Jesus who identify with his person and character will face hatred and opposition from the world (John 15:18-19). As servants of Christ, we should not expect to be treated better than he was. If they persecuted [him], they will also persecute you. But, similarly, if they kept [his] word, they will also keep the word spoken by his disciples (John 15:20). When you faithfully represent Jesus, the world will relate to you as it related to him.
The world's hatred is irrational and spiteful—driven by anger and conviction over sins which Christians do not endorse or join in.
The Son of God came personally into the world to reveal the Father, so those who rejected him have no excuse for their sin (John 15:22). The one who hates me, he told them, also hates my Father (John 15:23). That’s strong language, but there’s no way around it. People can’t talk about their love for God while simultaneously rejecting his Son. In spite of all Jesus’s words and works, many refused to believe in him, thus demonstrating their hatred for the Father and the Son (John 15:24). They fulfilled the Scripture spoken by David in Psalm 69:4: They hated me for no reason (John 15:25). As the wicked showed their disdain for King David, so they showed disdain for the Son of David.
Part of our help in enduring that persecution is the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit provides a reminder of Christ's teachings. In a similar way, Christians serve to remind the world of Christ's message.
Again Jesus told his disciples about the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, the Spirit of truth (John 15:26; see 14:16-17, 26). Jesus said that when the Spirit comes, he will testify about Jesus (John 15:26). Since the role of the Holy Spirit is to testify about the Son of God, the Spirit has a Christocentric ministry. He does not merely draw attention to himself; he draws attention to Jesus. Therefore, we should be wary of those who claim the Spirit’s involvement in a ministry that ignores Jesus. If the Spirit makes much of Jesus, then his disciples should too (John 15:27).
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
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.
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
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.
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.
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.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
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.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
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.
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.
These things I command you, that ye love one another.
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
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.
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.
But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.
He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
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.
But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
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:
And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
Context: A Final Discourse
John 15 occurs in the midst of Jesus' extended teaching to His disciples, a discourse that began during the Last Supper. This section follows Jesus' declaration of Himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) and His promises regarding the Holy Spirit's work. In John 15, Jesus uses the powerful metaphor of the vine and the branches, reiterates the commandment to love one another, and warns of the world's hatred towards believers. This sets the stage for chapter 16, which focuses on perseverance through trials, and ultimately leads to Jesus' prayer for His disciples in chapter 17.
The True Vine (John 15:1-6)
Jesus declares, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener" (John 15:1). This imagery resonates deeply with the Old Testament, where Israel was often depicted as God's vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). However, Israel, the vineyard, produced sour grapes, failing to meet God's expectations. In contrast, Jesus, the "true vine," perfectly obeys the Father and reveals His will.
The Father, as the gardener, tends to the vine, ensuring its health and fruitfulness. Every branch in Jesus that does not produce fruit, the Father removes (John 15:2). Conversely, every branch that bears fruit, He prunes so that it will produce more. It is important to remember that the phrase "every branch" refers to those who identify as Christians, because they are "in Jesus." God's desire for every believer is growth in fruit-bearing. We are meant to progress from producing no fruit (John 15:2) to some fruit (John 15:2) to more fruit (John 15:2) to much fruit (John 15:5) to remaining fruit (John 15:16).
Fruitfulness is a life of spiritual usefulness and productivity for the good of others and the glory of God. It’s the proof of true discipleship (John 15:8). Consider the characteristics of fruit: it reflects the character of its tree, it is visible, and it is always for the benefit of others. The fruit in your life should reflect Christ—His attitudes and actions, His character and conduct.
The Greek word translated "removes" can also mean "lifts up." In ancient vineyards, branches could become heavy and drag on the ground. The gardener would lift them up to promote better growth. God, likewise, lifts us up through encouragement, His Word, and His people, motivating us to be fruitful. Pruning, while sometimes painful, is essential for increased productivity. God may bring challenges and trials into our lives to strengthen our faith and remove anything hindering our full potential.
The analogy of the vine and the branches highlights the importance of genuine connection. Just as a branch must be connected to the vine to receive life-giving nutrients, so too must believers abide in Christ to experience true spiritual life. It is possible to be "in" a church or Christian community without being truly saved. The evidence of genuine connection is fruitfulness. Branches that are not legitimately part of the true vine are barren and eventually cut off and destroyed. This isn't a loss of salvation, but a recognition that those branches were never meaningfully part of the vine in the first place.
Abiding in Christ (John 15:7-11)
The disciples were already clean through the washing of Christ’s word (John 15:3; see Ephesians 5:26). This is how we stay clean too; nevertheless, we must remain in Jesus. A branch that’s disconnected from the vine is useless. So also we can’t produce fruit unless we remain in Jesus (John 15:4). The idea of “remaining” or “abiding” in Christ has to do with intimacy and relationship. Jesus Christ is our source, the only one who can provide the spiritual sustenance and vitality we need to be useful believers. Thus, we need to hang out with him. You can’t avoid Jesus all week and then show up on Sunday morning expecting growth. We only produce much fruit when we remain in him (John 15:5).
To have Jesus’s words remain (or “abide”) in you requires more than merely reading or listening to them. You must internalize them. Another way to describe this is meditating on God’s Word, rolling it around in your mind to grasp what it means and how to apply it to your specific circumstances. We must chew and swallow Scripture, so to speak, so that it becomes part of us. When you do this, you can ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. In other words, prayers get answered when we maintain intimate fellowship with God through his Word. That’s because you’ll find your will aligning with his.
If someone chooses not to remain in Jesus, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. Such branches are gathered and burned (John 15:6). This is not a description of hell and cannot refer to loss of salvation since believers are eternally secure. We’ve already seen that everyone who comes to Jesus will never be cast out. If you could lose eternal life, then it wasn’t eternal to begin with (see commentary on 6:36-40). So instead, the burning is a reference to the consequences of a loss of both fellowship with God and rewards from him. If you disconnect from the vine for too long, don’t be surprised to find yourself experiencing divine discipline, getting burned, and seeing your spiritual life withering. Such a believer is useless to himself, God, and others. So, if you find such things happening to you, repent! “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
Jesus emphasizes the connection between obedience and love. Those who truly love and abide in Him will naturally adhere to His teachings. Disobedience reveals a lack of genuine connection. Abiding in Christ also unlocks access to God's power, enabling believers to accomplish His will.
My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples (John 15:8). The more useful you become to the kingdom, the more glory God will receive and the more people will recognize you as a serious saint (rather than a casual Christian). The Lord wants followers, not mere fans.
Jesus told his disciples, Remain in my love (John 15:9). How do we do that? Jesus said, If you keep my commands you will remain in my love. Love for Jesus results in obedience. And obedience produces a deeper relationship with him. The Son wants us to enjoy the intimate kind of loving relationship that he enjoys with the Father (John 15:10).
Jesus’s goal in teaching his disciples things was that their joy would be complete (John 15:11). Joy is internal stability in spite of external circumstances because of the knowledge that God is in control. It is a settled assurance and quiet confidence in God’s sovereignty that results in the decision to praise him. Notice that Jesus offered them his own joy. So, if your joy container is empty, Jesus will let you borrow some of his.
Love One Another (John 15:12-17)
Jesus repeats His earlier command: that Christians are to show love to each other (John 13:34). This love is practical, focusing on actions rather than mere emotions. It is meant to emulate the sacrificial, humble, and constant love Christ showed us. Offering one's life for the sake of others is the ultimate expression of this love, but Christian love is not limited to grand gestures. It is to be the pattern of our entire lives.
Jesus repeated the command he gave them earlier (see 13:34): Love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12). Biblical love involves more than mere emotions and personal preferences. Love is the decision to compassionately, righteously, responsibly, and sacrificially seek the well-being of another. You can love people whom you may not necessarily like because love is not dependent on your feelings. That’s why Jesus can command you to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). It’s true that love may include feelings of affection, and such feelings may develop over time. But it’s not driven by them. Love is driven by sacrifice for the welfare of others. And the greatest expression of love is to lay down one’s life for . . . friends (John 15:13). That’s the kind of love Jesus modeled for us.
Part of friendship with God is honoring His teachings. It also means God communicating with us in something more than simple orders. Abraham's friendship with God (James 2:23) was demonstrated in God's willingness to speak with Abraham. So too does Christ speak to us. His work in choosing us, saving us, sanctifying us, and teaching us is merciful and amazing.
Jesus told his disciples that they were not mere servants to him. They were his friends (John 15:15). A master doesn’t reveal things to a servant, but friends do. Jesus had made known to his disciples everything he had heard from his Father.
When the Bible refers to God’s choice (or election) of people, it’s a choosing for service, not salvation. Jesus chose his disciples so that they would produce fruit that would be useful to his kingdom and reflect God’s character. He didn’t simply save them for heaven only; he appointed them to a mission on earth that would involve winning people to Christ and growing them in the faith (John 15:16)—a mission that involves keeping his commands, loving him, and loving one another (John 15:9-15). When that happens, the Father answers prayer (John 15:16).
The World's Hatred (John 15:18-27)
As much as Christ loves believers, the world hates them. "The world" refers to the unbelieving, godless nature of humanity in general. As servants of Christ, we should not expect to be treated better than He was.
The world system headed by Satan (see commentary on 12:31; 14:30-31) hates Jesus. Therefore, followers of Jesus who identify with his person and character will face hatred and opposition from the world (John 15:18-19). As servants of Christ, we should not expect to be treated better than he was. If they persecuted [him], they will also persecute you. But, similarly, if they kept [his] word, they will also keep the word spoken by his disciples (John 15:20). When you faithfully represent Jesus, the world will relate to you as it related to him.
The world's hatred is irrational and spiteful—driven by anger and conviction over sins which Christians do not endorse or join in.
The Son of God came personally into the world to reveal the Father, so those who rejected him have no excuse for their sin (John 15:22). The one who hates me, he told them, also hates my Father (John 15:23). That’s strong language, but there’s no way around it. People can’t talk about their love for God while simultaneously rejecting his Son. In spite of all Jesus’s words and works, many refused to believe in him, thus demonstrating their hatred for the Father and the Son (John 15:24). They fulfilled the Scripture spoken by David in Psalm 69:4: They hated me for no reason (John 15:25). As the wicked showed their disdain for King David, so they showed disdain for the Son of David.
Part of our help in enduring that persecution is the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit provides a reminder of Christ's teachings. In a similar way, Christians serve to remind the world of Christ's message.
Again Jesus told his disciples about the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, the Spirit of truth (John 15:26; see 14:16-17, 26). Jesus said that when the Spirit comes, he will testify about Jesus (John 15:26). Since the role of the Holy Spirit is to testify about the Son of God, the Spirit has a Christocentric ministry. He does not merely draw attention to himself; he draws attention to Jesus. Therefore, we should be wary of those who claim the Spirit’s involvement in a ministry that ignores Jesus. If the Spirit makes much of Jesus, then his disciples should too (John 15:27).