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I AM the True Vine (John 15:1-8)

Survey the “I AM” statements in John: 8:58; 6:20 (literally, “I AM. Don’t be afraid”); 6:35; 8:12; 10:7-9; 10:11-14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1).

Seeing all these together, what are your take-aways? Which one of these claims impresses you most?

Read Isaiah 5:1-7, Jeremiah 2:19-21, and Psalm 80:8-19.

Who or what is the vine (or vineyard) in each of these passages?

When the vine is identified with Israel in these passages, is the image used to illustrate something positive or negative? Explain.

Read John 15:1-8.

Who is the gardener (vinedresser/grape farmer) in Isaiah 5:1-7, Jeremiah 2:19-21, and Psalm 80:8-19? Who is he in John 15:1?

If Jesus and his disciples were passing the temple when Jesus said, “I AM the Vine?” what import might that have? (Consider John 1:14 and 4:20-24.)

Since the disciples knew Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Psalm 80, how might they have understood what Jesus was getting at when he said, “I am the true vine”?

Do you think it is wise to “unhitch” your teaching of what it means to follow Jesus “from all things old covenant”? Why or why not?

Jesus not only said that he is the vine, he also said that we are the branches. What might this mean?

What are some components of the vine and the branch relationship in a plant (like the grape vine)? Does this have implications for our relationship to Jesus?

How would you help a Christian who is against Jewish people realize that such prejudice is out of bounds for the people of Jesus?

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