28 April 2024

We Bear Fruit

How Shall We Love

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B

Throughout the three weeks of this series, the theme of giving glory or glorifying God arises again and again-"How do we give God glory?"

• Who is “the true vine” and “vinegrower”? [Jesus is the true vine, and God is the vinegrower. "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower” (John 15:1).

• What happens to branches that do not bear fruit? [“He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit..." (John 15:2a).]

• “Abide in me as I abide in you,” verse 4a, is translated in different ways. “Abide” was defined as “remain” (Common English Bible), “dwell” (AMPC Amplified Bible, Classic Edition), and “stay joined to me” (Contemporary English Version).

  • Which translation of the word do you prefer and why?

  • The Preaching Notes for April 28 say, “There is also a warning – watch out for pruning. Not because of being cut off so much as being left out. We always read this as judgment, and it is. But the real power of the image is that what is pruned misses the vitality of connection; you miss the verdant life offered; you miss out on the sustenance and strengthening and the glory of growth and life and joy. And you miss the opportunity to produce fruit.”

  • What does it mean to you that we need to “watch out for pruning”?

  • Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5a). How might you be more fruitful in your life and your church as his branch? Are there things you can do this week to abide more in Jesus?

​