Branches of the Vine: A Fresh Look at John 15

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“I Am”––two short words, yet immortal in meaning. John 8:58 quotes Jesus as having said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was [born], I am” (ESV). The Apostle John recorded seven “I Am” statements made by Christ as He spoke metaphorically of His relationship to mankind, and more specifically of His relationship to those who would trust in Him. The focus of this essay is on the seventh (i.e., last) metaphorical statement, as Jesus told His disciples: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). A key to understanding this passage is based on knowing whom the branches represent and what their relationship is to the Vine. Many teachers and commentators are inconsistent: claiming that the branches represent unbelievers in verse 2a, but then believers in verses 4 and 5. This leads us to consider two other words that are vital to understanding this passage––and its key phrase, “Abide in me” (v. 4)

“In Me”––again, two short words, yet immense in meaning. And again, many teachers and commentators are inconsistent in their interpretation of who it is that is characterized as being “in the Vine.” Thus, a fresh look at John 15:1–6 is greatly needed. This book is based on word studies from the original Greek text, and it compares related passages in Scripture to the words and phrases in John 15, with the intention of arriving at the “ABC’s” of interpretation: being accurate, biblical, and consistent. It was approached without bias or preconceived conclusions, being bathed in prayer and meditation on God’s Word.

Following after the commentary on John 15:1–6, an appendix chapter is offered with a brief commentary on a passage that uses an analogy regarding a vineyard (Matt. 20:1–16). A sequel e-book is also available, entitled “The Bread of Life: A Consistent Sense of John 6.” It focuses on the first of the “I Am” statements of Christ. That e-book is highly recommended; however, it was evident that a longer commentary was needed on the seventh “I Am” statement––particularly as most other commentaries are brief and inconsistent in their interpretation of certain phrases. Thus the subtitle of this essay / commentary: “A Fresh Look at John 15.” Thank you for considering this more extensive and revealing commentary.

The commentary on John 15, in this book, is also included and expanded upon in the more comprehensive book on the seven "I Am" metaphorical statements, entitled "Christ, the I Am"––now available both in print and as an e-book.