When it comes to pruning grapes, the most common mistake people make is not pruning heavily enough. The Explore the Bible Study: Remain in Me, focuses on John 15 where Jesus uses the portrait of a grapevine, branches in need of pruning, a gardener, and the production of good fruit. Jesus explains how one who remains in Christ will provide evidence in the way that they live.

Remaining in Christ produces fruit – John 15:1-8

During this part of the conversation, Jesus described Himself as the TRUE vine. This refers to the Old Testament passage where the vine came to symbolize Israel. Sadly, Israel could never be the TRUE vine because they were corrupt. Jeremiah 2:21 states this about Israel, “I planted you, a choice vine from the very best seed. How then could you turn into a degenerate, foreign vine?” 

Jesus addresses his listeners in this context. He was explaining to them that He was not like Israel but was the True Vine and God, the Father, was the Vine Dresser or Gardener. The disciples would have recognized this reference.

Jesus also contrasted two types of branches – branches that bear fruit and branches that don’t bear fruit.

Notice how the branches that bear fruit are described in verses 2, 5, and 8. Jesus describes the fruit-bearing branches as remaining in Him. Those who remain in Christ are like these branches. They are trimmed and pruned so that they will produce more fruit. When the branches that are grafted into the vine are pruned by the Gardener (God), they will produce more and better-quality fruit. 

As much as the Father does through the Son to bring about fruitfulness in those who abide in the vine, it’s hard to comprehend that some have no desire to produce fruit. Look what the Gardener (the Father) does for those who are fruitless.

The term “does not remain in me” in verse 6 is not a reference to someone who loses his salvation. It is about someone who never truly received Christ. They may have even made a profession of faith at some point but have no evidence of fruit. 

Keep in mind the events of that night. Judas was one who appeared to be a part of the vine. He walked with Jesus, followed Jesus, listened to Jesus, but in the end, he rejected and betrayed Jesus. Earlier Jesus also taught Peter that most in the room were already clean, but there was one who was not, Judas. He repeats this reminder in this passage, 3 “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” 4 “Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.” As Jesus discussed the importance of abiding or remaining in Him, He declared the disciples clean. 

Jesus states that the branches that don’t bear fruit are taken away, allowed to wither, picked up, thrown in fire, and are burned. He is referring to those who reject the message of Christ; thus they don’t remain in Him. They are the ones who have only known superficially the ways of Christ or who have dabbled with God but have never been grafted into the vine.

While the fruitless branches are set aside and destroyed, the gardener prunes the ones that are fruitful. The act of pruning was not intended to punish these branches. Rather, pruning stimulates growth and leads to more fruit. 

How would you define the fruit to which Jesus is referring? What type of fruit do you desire for your life as a believer to produce? How do you think the Father prunes you so that you can produce this kind of fruit? 

Jesus did not go into specifics about what the fruit would be, but it could include some of the following:

• Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
• The fruit of evangelism.
• The fruit of thanksgiving.
• The fruit of generosity. 
• The “fruit of righteousness” (Hebrew 12:11). 

In any case, we can surmise it relates to following Christ and obeying Him. Jesus knew that if His disciples would keep that strong connection to Him, they would naturally produce fruit that pleases Him.  Finally, Jesus didn’t only say we’d be limited if we didn’t remain in Him. He said we could do nothing without Him.

Truly remaining or abiding in Christ not only produces fruit; it brings joy.

Remaining in Christ Brings Joy – John 15:9-11

When you read the phrase, “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you,” what are your thoughts about the way God loves?

Jesus focuses on the topic of love—both His love for us and our love for others—and how that love produces joy. That joy is only made complete through the joy we have by remaining (abiding) in Christ. His joy in us, makes our joy complete!

How would you define complete joy? Why is it important to define what joy really is? What kind of approaches might we be tempted to take to pursue what we believe is complete joy? What did Jesus say was the criteria for experiencing His joy? (Love and obedience)

Here is the progression. Keeping Jesus’ commands keeps us in His love, which keeps us connected to Him, which leads to much fruit, which produces joy. Like dominoes, if something is missing along the way, the whole chain stops.

Considering the dominoes described, is there something missing along the way that is robbing you of the joy that Christ desires for you to have?

The joy we have in Christ, while centered in remaining in Christ’s love, produces love for others.

Remaining in Christ Means We Can Love as Christ Loved – John 15:12-17

Why did Jesus say He called them His friends? Do you have this kind of friendship with other believers? Is it difficult for us to have this kind of friendship today? If so, why? How difficult is it for us to obey the command to “love one another”?

The only way we can have this kind of friendship with others, especially believers, is to remain or abide in Christ. This is something we will work on our entire lives as we continue to learn how to remain in Christ.

Are You Remaining In Christ?

Remaining in Christ for one who claims to follow Christ is not something we do because we seek justification before God. As believers we are justified because of salvation that only comes through Christ. What we are doing as believers when we are striving to remain in Christ is something called sanctification. We are daily striving to become more like Christ. If this isn’t taking place, then one must ask oneself if there is any evidence that they are truly a fruit-bearing branch or rather a branch that isn’t truly connected to the vine.

Consider your walk with Christ. Are you:

• Producing good fruit?
• Experiencing joy that is only complete in Christ?
• Loving others as Christ loved you?

Billy Graham’s book, Peace for Each Day, is described in this way online: “In a world in which everyone seems to be rushing to finish their to-do list, answer their emails, and respond to their cell phones, peace is still possible.” Do you really believe people can still experience peace? Jesus said that those who believe in Him can have peace. The Explore the Bible Study: Peace I Leave focuses on Jesus words on how one can find peace.

We come again to Jesus’ conversations with His disciples during the Last Supper. The disciples were not experiencing peace because they were wrestling with the reality of Jesus' words about His imminent departure from this world.

As we examine John 14:16-29, keep in mind two things. First, John was led by the Holy Spirit to capture this exchange years after it took place. This means that John was writing from a perspective of one who now realized what Jesus was saying. This brings us to the second point. Jesus tells them in verse 29, “I have told you now before it happens so that when it does happen you may believe.”  This entire exchange was confusing to them; it disturbed them. It’s through these circumstances that Jesus chose to introduce the work of the Holy Spirit and the role He has in providing peace to those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit (The Counselor) is the Giver of Peace – John 14:16-21

Jesus sought to reassure His disciples by telling them more about what was going to take place. Jesus assured the group that He would send a Comforter or Counselor. The third member of the Trinity would reside within them and make it possible for them to experience peace with God and with each other. When Jesus departed the world, the disciples would not be alone.

Jesus described the Holy Spirit as “another Counselor.” What’s important about describing the Holy Spirit in this manner at this moment in time? Why did Jesus say “another Counselor”? What was different about the Counselor’s ministry versus Jesus’ ministry as their Counselor?

The term Counselor describes “one called alongside.” Jesus had been with them and been their Counselor, but He was not going to be with them physically any longer. The Holy Spirit, however, would be with them and all believers forever!

Jesus also described the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of truth.” As the Spirit of truth, He testifies about Jesus (John 15:26) and leads believers to know the truth through the Scriptures (John 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:16). However, unbelievers are unable to receive Him because they don’t see Him or know Him. Again, Jesus reminds them of the forever promise of the Holy Spirit – “He remains with you.”

Then Jesus says to them in verses 18-20 something that could be really confusing, yet it describes the relationship between Jesus, the Holy spirit, and the Father. He says, “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you.”

How can Jesus leave but not leave them as orphans because He is coming to them? How does this demonstrate oneness in the relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit? Why can believers see Jesus even though they “no longer see” Him?

While Jesus was returning to heaven, the Spirit would stay. And, when that day came, Jesus would be in the Father, the believers would be in Him, and Jesus would be in them through the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit. Finally, Jesus explains why this takes place as He makes an amazing statement about those who love and follow Jesus: “the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.” 

When you consider everything Jesus says in this passage about Himself, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father, how can this give believers peace?

Jesus continues the conversation by answering questions about how the disciples will learn about all that He has previously stated.

The Holy Spirit will Teach You so that You can Have Peace – John 14:22-26

Jesus' primary focus was on the disciples’ love and obedience. Anyone who loves Jesus will keep His commands. The idea in Greek involves maintaining and protecting. Love is not merely an emotion; it is an action. 

On the other hand, whoever doesn’t love Christ will not obey Him. When unbelievers disobey God’s Word, they are merely behaving naturally. Because they have no love for Christ, they lack the supernatural desire to follow Him that is only possible through the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit.

The disciples would need help recalling what He had taught them. Jesus says the Father would send the Counselor on behalf of Jesus, explaining again the relationship of the Trinity. Now the disciples and all believers who receive Christ will receive the Holy Spirit as their Teacher. The Spirit would teach them and remind them of everything Jesus had shared with them and all who would believe. As mentioned earlier, the Spirit primarily does so through the Scriptures, enlightening readers to God’s truth through the Word.

How can knowing that the Holy Spirit is our teacher bring us peace?

Believers can understand God’s truths and act on them with confidence. They can be at peace as they act on God’s truth, especially when it goes against the cultural norms. When we obey His Word, we demonstrate our love for Him and for His Son. The Father loves it when we demonstrate our love for Jesus because, in doing so, we display our love for Him. This love relationship enables us to take full advantage of God’s gift to us, the indwelling Spirit.

Finally, Jesus says He must go so He can give them peace.

Jesus had to go away so all believers could experience peace – John 14:27-29

1. He leaves them with peace. This peace would be experienced by all who would believe because the Holy Spirit would not only help them experience peace, but His indwelling would also be the origination of peace that only one who receives Christ can experience.
2. Jesus gives them peace. This is a free gift to all who believe, and it is a peace that only Jesus can impart. It can’t be found through any other means. 

Because of this, Jesus didn’t want their hearts to be troubled, but He also knew they, as well as all who believe would have times when their hearts would be troubled. That’s when we must remember the words of Jesus. He had to leave so we could experience true and lasting peace, but He will come again which should also give us peace.

Peace Every Day

Billy Graham, in the book, Peace for Each Day, made this statement, "Millions are searching for [peace], but we Christians have found it! It is ours now and forever." Perfect peace finds its ultimate expression in the relationship between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—one God in three persons. 

Although the disciples were troubled and confused, Jesus offered them perfect peace and the giver and sustainer of peace in all believer’s hearts – The Holy Spirit. His peace was different from what the world could give them. His peace never depends on external circumstances. The disciples could actually rejoice that Jesus was going to the Father because then the Father would send the Spirit. With Him, they and all who believe can face whatever challenges the world throws in their direction while still experiencing peace.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association shared this video a few years ago. Consider what Billy Graham says about finding peace. 

In what ways, other than through Jesus, do people try to experience peace? 

Do most people today believe that peace only comes through a personal relationship with Christ? 

How can those who profess Christ demonstrate peace in their lives today?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

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LifeWay Explore The Bible Resources

These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

I’m sure we have all heard this statement or used this statement at some point in our lives: “I can’t wait to show you what I did while you were away.” We have all experienced times when we have prepared something in anticipation for someone returning that we felt excited about showing them when they returned. The Explore the Bible Study: I Will Come Again, will challenge you to consider what you are doing to honor Jesus as we anticipate His return.

In the passages leading up to our main passage of study, Jesus has just finished washing the disciples feet, they have eaten the Passover meal together, Jesus reveals that someone at the table will betray Him, and His betrayer (Judas) will leave the dinner to do his evil deed. After Judas leaves, Jesus prepares the remaining disciples for His death. 

It’s in this discourse that Jesus encourages them to honor Him as they awaited His return. This is where we can learn from the conversation how we should honor Jesus as we anticipate His return.

First, we should honor Jesus through our love – John 13: 31-35

The wheels were in motion that would lead to Jesus’ death. Judas had left to betray Him, and now Jesus speaks directly to His remaining disciples regarding what is about to take place. Jesus used this moment to speak of His glorification. Jesus relayed the fact that, although His crucifixion would not take place until the following day, He was glorified now. This included the entire period of His atoning sacrifice, resurrection, ascension, return, and reign. Not only was He glorified, but His death also glorified the Father. Philippians 2:8-9 reminds us that Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name . . .”

Now Jesus turns to His disciples and expresses something that we have probably heard from our own parents at some point, “I am going to be gone for a while, and you can’t come with me.” Then he tells them, in John 13:34-35, what they should do while He is away. 

In what ways did the disciples struggle with doing what Jesus commanded as they watched Him die on the cross and even after He arose from the grave?

Do believers struggle with this today? If so, why?

Based on Jesus’ statement, what is one of the greatest results that can come out of believers learning to love one another?

What can we do to learn how to honor Jesus through our love for one another?

This single action—love one another—is how people can recognize true disciples. Christians honor the Lord in many ways, but if our activities lack Christlike love, the world won’t see Jesus. Jesus then has conversation with Peter who is processing all this and trying to understand exactly what Jesus is saying. It’s out of this conversation that we see another way we should honor Jesus.

We should honor Jesus through our loyalty – John 13:36-38

Notice that Jesus reemphasized what He had just said because He knew Peter was going to argue with Him. He told Peter that he could not follow Him at this point but would follow Him later. Peter, the one to whom Jesus said, “follow me” was not being told by Jesus that He couldn’t follow Him. Peter boldly said that His loyalty to Christ was such that He would be following Him even unto death! Still Jesus said “no.” 

Then Jesus tells Peter that he isn’t as loyal as he thinks he is. He will betray Jesus instead of die for Him. His loyalty will be tested, and it will fail.

In what ways do we assume we will never be disloyal to Christ? Why do we need to be careful when we assume we will remain loyal in these areas of our lives? How can we take what we know will be Peter’s disloyalty and learn how to remain more loyal to Christ in our own walk with Him?

We are a lot like Peter. Sometimes we make commitments without counting the cost. Thankfully, Peter’s story encourages us to recall that Jesus knows our weaknesses and is willing to restore us when we fall short. He continues His work in us so we can move past our failures and follow Him.

Finally, Jesus emphasizes that His listeners must hold on to their belief as they observe what is about to take place. This is where we learn the third way we honor Jesus.

We should honor Jesus through holding on to what we believe – John 14:1-6

These disciples' hearts were absolutely troubled by what they heard, but Jesus said they must keep believing in Him as they have believed in God.

What circumstances might challenge a believer to doubt their belief? How can what Jesus said next in this passage help us today to hold on to what we believe? How does this communicate that one who truly believes can’t walk away? Who determines our security in Him and our future?

Believers honor Christ by believing in Him as they await His return. Anticipating Jesus’ return does not mean waiting passively—it prods us to engage the world around us. People without Jesus need to know Him and be saved. Each believer must reflect the life of Christ so others can see Him as He really is and experience the life-giving and life-changing power of Jesus. The lost must see through believers that Jesus truly is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. When we struggle with believing this we communicate to a lost world that there might be another way, truth, or life outside of Jesus.

Evaluating our lives and the ways in which we honor Jesus

Are you currently honoring Jesus by the way that you love other believers? Is there something you have done to dishonor that love Jesus says we are to have for one-another? If so, consider the actions you need to take to regain the honor that was lost.

Did Jesus’ words about loyalty remind you of times when you haven’t been loyal to Christ or when you were tempted to be disloyal? If so, what actions do you need to take to honor Him with your loyalty?

Are the circumstances you are facing, the life you are living, or the struggles you are having causing you to struggle with your belief in Christ as the way, truth, and life? Talk with someone about this and remember the promises of Jesus in this passage that He is “going to prepare a place for you." And that He "will come again and take you to [Himself], so that where [He is] you may be also.”

Death and life are intertwined in all of God’s creation. We see this played out daily in many ways. While, from a human perspective, death isn’t something pleasant to consider, it is out of death that life continues for so many things. The Explore The Bible Study: If It Dies, focuses on Jesus' words related to this as He turns His attention and focus toward giving His life for us so that we can have eternal life.

No one can have life in Christ without His sacrificial death.  Jesus once again shares, in John 12:20-33,  about His impending death so that He could provide eternal life to those who would believe in and follow Him.

Before we examine the key passages, let’s examine what took place leading up to this. This conversation about death takes place right after Jesus’ triumphal entry in Jerusalem on the days leading up to His trial, death, and resurrection. John 12:12-19 describes this exciting moment:

The next day, when the large crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 they took palm branches and went out to meet him. They kept shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!” 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written: 15 Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion. Look, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt. 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first. However, when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. 17 Meanwhile, the crowd, which had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, continued to testify. 18 This is also why the crowd met him, because they heard he had done this sign. 19 Then the Pharisees said to one another, “You see? You’ve accomplished nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!”

Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem drew the attention of the entire city. If you recall, this was the time of the Passover festival, so people from all regions were in Jerusalem, including some Greeks. They observed Jesus’ entry and desired to “see Jesus” because of what they had heard about restoring the life of Lazarus. They desired to know more about this man who gave life to the dead.

Seeking Jesus – John 12:20-22

The Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the observance of the Passover sought out Jesus because of what they had heard about Him, especially regarding the raising of Lazarus. We don’t know why they came to Philip, nor why Philip went and told Andrew. It’s interesting how John describes the process – The Greeks go to Philip; Philip goes to Andrew; they both go and tell Jesus! One must wonder why Philip didn’t just take the group directly to Jesus. What we do know is that the Greeks desired to “see Jesus.” This is what’s important.

Would you be surprised if someone asked you to introduce them to Jesus? How can you be more approachable so that people would be willing to ask you about Jesus?

We all have those moments when someone approaches us and desires to “see Jesus.” These are sometimes called divine appointments. When these take place we should be ready to either help them “see Jesus” or take them to someone who can help them “see Jesus.” Next, John describes Jesus’ response.

Death Brings Life—John 12:23-26

It’s not clear who is “them” to whom Jesus was responding. Was it Philip and Andrew, the Greeks, or the crowd? While this isn’t clear, Jesus’ message is very clear. Jesus was preparing for His death, and by using His own life as an example, Jesus told them that the hour had come for the “Son of Man to be glorified.” 

Jesus went on to compare His death to a grain of wheat that must fall into the soil and perish. Only after it perishes could it produce “much fruit.” Jesus knew His obedience to the Father would cost Him everything. He knew He would soon die on a cross. Yet He also knew that His death would “produce much fruit” by providing a way for all who believed to be born again and receive eternal life.

Then the Lord applied this principle to His disciples: “The one who loves his life will lose it.” 

What evidence demonstrates that one loves their life more than following Jesus? What is wrong with loving your life?

We cannot “love” our lives and still expect to follow Christ. The Explore the Bible Leader Commentary describes what Jesus was saying this way: “Jesus wanted the disciples to understand a vital spiritual truth. . . The phrase describes people caring more about their earthly life, including worldly pleasures, than about serving God. Such individuals will inevitably forfeit their earthly and spiritual lives.”

Jesus went on to say that “the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

How does one hate his/her life? Does this refer to desiring to physically die?

What does the phrase “in this world” tell us about what Jesus meant by saying one must “hate his life”?

What did Jesus say was the outcome of hating one’s life? (Eternal life)

Why is it difficult to hate one’s life in this world? (In PSG, p. 24)

Jesus points to hating the curse of sin that one has to continually deal with. It points to the impact of sin on one’s life and the world in general. If one hates this kind of life, what should one do? If you hate something in this world you have choices – isolate or serve. In Christ we are to serve.

The Explore the Bible leader commentary summarizes it this way: 

“People have the option to serve Christ or not, but serving Jesus carries both a requirement (“follow me”) and a reward (the Father’s honor). Believers also receive a second reward: Jesus said they would live where I am. To be present with the Master is the greatest blessing imaginable.”

The following verses can help you understand what Jesus was saying. John 11:25–26; 1 John 5:11–12; Romans 5:21; Hebrews 5:9; Hebrews 9:12

Facing Death Physically and Spiritually is Difficult—John 12:27-28

Notice Jesus’ request. He didn’t ask for strength, peace, or comfort, but that the Father's name be glorified. What does this communicate to you about what we should seek from God when we have a troubled soul? 

In what ways might God, or has God, affirmed you when your soul was troubled and you refocused on doing His will?

This very public conversation had a purpose though. It wasn’t for Jesus but for those who were listening. John 12:29-30 reveals the purpose: 

“29 The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus responded, “This voice came, not for me, but for you.” 

This very public response from God was for the crowd. Jesus never sought the Father’s verbal approval because He and the Father were One. Like Jesus’ prayer at Lazarus’ tomb, this manifestation was for the people who heard it. They had trouble comprehending what took place, yet they knew that something supernatural had occurred. 

Then Jesus speaks boldly regarding what was about to take place in verse 31:

31 “Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out.”

It was time for boldness. Jesus knew that His death would produce eternal life for those who would repent of their sins and confess Him as Savior.  Jesus declared that the judgment of this world would come when people would have to choose whether to follow Him or reject Him—this was the dividing line of faith. Jesus’ death and resurrection established the basis for judgment. 

Additionally, judgment would fall on the ruler of this world. The original sinner, Satan, was judged along with the world system he controlled. We know that Satan being cast out was not immediate. But, with the death and resurrection of Jesus, his defeat and judgment were assured. 

Finally, Jesus makes a beautiful statement in verse 32-33: 32: 

“As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate what kind of death he was about to die.

Jesus saw the cross just a few days away. He understood the hour had come to fulfill His mission and to provide the sacrificial atonement so people might be saved through faith in Him.

Jesus Died so That We Might Live

Consider what Jesus did for you as you read this quote from the ETB Leader Commentary:

“Jesus draws those who seek Him to the cross. He draws their eyes upward to see His nail-pierced hands and feet, along with the horrible results of scourging upon His body. He draws their conscience inward so they can understand why the enormity of sin made the death of God’s Son necessary. He draws their hearts outward to repent, believe, and receive Him as Lord and Savior.”

When you consider the image that is described by this and what Christ did for you, how should you respond? 

How should this motivate you to avoid loving this world more than loving life in Christ?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

Download PDF Version

Download Word Version

LifeWay Explore The Bible Resources

These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources.