Seeking Truth Bible Study: Gospel of John (Chapter 15 Part 1)

“I am the true vine.” With this seventh and final “I am” statement, Chapter 15 of
John’s Gospel focuses on our need to abide in Christ, remaining in His love. The image of a vine reminds
us of the many allegories in the Bible related to wine, grapes and vineyards. Jesus uses the same
imagery in John 15 when he describes the blessings to those who abide in him and the destruction that
occurs to those that do not. God’s vine of Israel was meant to spread throughout the world, but instead
became an un-kept, disgraceful vineyard. Israel was in need of a new and true vine, and Jesus fulfills
that need.