This study was done at Word Of Grace Church in groups on July 6thh 2025. For the audio & video please click here. For the worship please click here.
JOHN 15 Sunday Study
Part 2
John 15:3-8
INTRODUCTION
Traditionally, the Gospel of John is
attributed to John the Apostle, the son of Zebedee and brother of James. As one
of Jesus’ twelve disciples and part of His inner circle alongside Peter and
James, John had a front-row seat to Jesus’ ministry.
The Gospel of John is distinct from the Synoptic
Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—in both content and style.
Here's a breakdown of how it differs, as well as its historical and
cultural context and the original language in which
it was written.
Before we dive into Jon 15, let us look at the
significance of the use of the word Logos/Word.
It is interesting to note that John does not start by
mentioning Jesus’ name. He calls Him the Word, which the Jews associate with
Gen 1:1. John makes it clear that he is not talking about the beginning of
creation, but rather about a time before anything came into existence, when there
was the Word.
The Significance of Logos in John 1:1
John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God.”
Introduction
The
Gospel of John begins not with a narrative but with a profound theological
declaration: “In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.”
John’s use of the term Logos bridges two worlds—Greek philosophy and Jewish
theology, both of which carried deep significance for his audience.
Understanding what Logos meant to these audiences reveals the richness of
John’s opening statement.
What Logos Meant to the Greeks
- Logos
Reason, Logic, Universal Order
- Thought to be the rational principle that governed the cosmos
- Seen as an impersonal force or bridge between the divine and the material.
Therefore, in this opening John said to
both Jews and Greeks: “For centuries you’ve been talking, thinking, and writing
about the Word (the logos). Now I will
tell you who He is.” John met both Jews and Greeks where they were and
explained Jesus in terms they already understood. – David Guzik ( commentary on
John)
“John was using a term which, with various
shades of meaning, was in common use everywhere. He could reckon on all men
catching his essential meaning.” (Morris)
John’s Radical Claim:
V4.
In Him was life. So, Jesus is not only the source of
biological life but also the very principle of life.
This Logos is not a force—it’s a Person. He is God, eternal, and has now taken
on flesh in Jesus (John 1:14). From the Greek perspective, they thought of God
as too lofty, i.e., gods like Hercules, who were superhuman but men all the
same. John is saying this ‘divine reason’ became flesh.
For the
Jew, they think of God as too high, so a great God of the Old Testament
becoming Flesh was hard to swallow.
What Logos Meant to the
Jews
- Hebrew
equivalent: Dabar = word, action, or matter
- God created the world by His Word (Psalm 33:6)
- God revealed His will through His Word to prophets
- Targums used Memra (Word) as a way of speaking about God's presence and power
John’s
Bold Assertion:
Jesus is the very Word of God—His creative, powerful, self-revealing expression
in the world.
Reflection Questions
1. Why
do you think John starts his Gospel with the concept of Logos?
2. How does this portrayal of Jesus as Logos shape your understanding of His
divinity?
3. What does it mean that the Logos "became flesh" and lived among us
(John 1:14)?
4. How does Jesus embody both God’s wisdom and power in your life today?
Application
-
Reflect on Jesus as God’s Word to you today.
- Read John 1:1 18 slowly and prayerfully.
- Ask: Where do I need to let the Logos—God’s living Word—speak into my life?
JOHN 15: 2-8 Bible Study
Reflective Questions
1.
In verse 3, Jesus says we are 'already
clean' because of His word.
- How do you understand being
spiritually 'clean'?
2.
Do you understand the
distinction between pruning ( katharie)
and being clean (katharoi)?
3.
'Remain in me, as I also remain in you'
(v.4).
- What does it look like for you to
remain (or abide) in Jesus daily?
- Are there specific practices or
moments where you feel especially connected to Him?
4.
'Apart from me, you can do nothing'
(v.5).
- Have you experienced moments of
striving without abiding?
5.
What is the ‘nothing’ that
Jesus is referring to?
6.
Jesus uses the image of branches withering
and being burned (v.6).
- What warning or invitation do you
hear in this verse?
-What things in your life pose danger
to you, withering?
7.
'If my words remain in you…' (v.7)
- What does it mean for His Word to
'remain' in you?
8.
Bearing much fruit brings glory to the
Father (v.8).
- What kind of fruit is growing in
your life right now (e.g., love, peace, patience—Galatians 5:22-23)?
All of us are bearing fruit- What kind
of fruit are you bearing, ones that glorify God or..?
Application Questions
1. 1. What role has God’s Word played in cleansing or shaping your
heart recently?
2. Where in your life right now
do you sense God inviting you to deeper abiding?
- Is it in prayer, Scripture,
surrender, trust, or obedience?
3. Is there any 'fruitlessness'
in your life that may be a result of disconnecting from the Vine? - What needs
to be realigned or surrendered?
4. What practical rhythms can
you build to help you remain in Christ and His Word?
- (Examples: daily quiet time,
Scripture memory, journaling, listening prayer)
5. Think about a situation where
you’ve tried to do something 'apart from Jesus.'
- What was the result, and what did
you learn about abiding?
6. How can your life this week
actively bring glory to the Father through bearing fruit?
- Is there a relationship, task, or
opportunity where you can show evidence of abiding?
7. Can you see God’s Grace in this passage?
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