John 15 - Part 1 Study and Reflection

 

This study was done at Word Of Grace Church in groups on June 29th 2025. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

JOHN 15 SUNDAY MORNING STUDY - 

Part 1

Who Is the Author of the Gospel of John?

 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. 

How is the Gospel of John Different?

1. Structure and Content

·        No Parables: John does not contain parables like the Synoptic Gospels. Instead, it features long discourses and symbolic language (e.g., “I am the Bread of Life”).

·        Fewer Miracles, Called “Signs”: John focuses on seven signs that point to Jesus' divine identity, rather than a wide variety of miracles.

·        Focus on Jesus’ Identity: John emphasises Jesus as the eternal Word (Logos) and the Son of God. It’s more theological and less narrative-driven. 

 Historical and Cultural Context

1. Date and Location

·        Likely written around AD 90–100, later than the Synoptic Gospels.

·        Traditionally attributed to John the Apostle.

·        Possibly written in Ephesus (modern-day Turkey).

2. Audience

·        Aimed at a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles, possibly Jewish Christians who had been expelled from synagogues (see John 9:22). 

3. Cultural Setting

·        Written in a Greco-Roman world influenced by Hellenistic philosophy, especially Logos theology (the idea of the “Word” as divine reason or principle).

·        Reflects tension between early Christians and Jewish authorities, visible in phrases like “the Jews” (which needs careful contextual reading—it often refers to specific opponents, not all Jewish people). 

 Original Language

·        The Gospel of John was originally written in Koine Greek, the common dialect of the Eastern Mediterranean in the first century.

·        Although written in Greek, John uses Semitic thought patterns, indicating the writer’s Jewish background.

·        The use of the term "Logos" (Word) in John 1:1 is a profound bridge between Jewish theology (God speaks the world into being) and Greek philosophy (Logos as the rational principle of the universe). 

John’s Gospel is designed not just to tell the story of Jesus, but to invite faith in Him as the Son of God who gives eternal life (John 20:31). 

What Makes John's Gospel So Special? 

John’s Gospel diverges from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) in both content and style. Here’s what makes it stand out: 

1. Symbolic and Poetic Language

- Rich in metaphor: light vs. darkness, bread of life, living water, vine and branches.

- Simple Greek yet layered with profound spiritual meaning.

- Frequent use of repetition and contrast to drive home key themes. 

 2. Deep Theological Emphasis

- Often called the “spiritual Gospel.”

- Presents Jesus as the Logos (Word) made flesh (John 1:1, 14), the Son of God, and one with the Father.

- Clear purpose: “That you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). 

3. Selective and Interpretive Storytelling

- Includes unique episodes: the raising of Lazarus, Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, and the foot washing at the Last Supper.

- Omits familiar elements like parables and casting out demons.

- Structured around seven signs and seven “I AM” statements, each revealing aspects of Jesus’ identity. 

4. Use of Dualism

- Sharp contrasts: life vs. death, light vs. darkness, truth vs. falsehood, belief vs. unbelief.

- These dualities highlight the decisive choice each person must make about Jesus. 

5. Eyewitness Testimony

- The Gospel reads like a personal account from someone who walked closely with Jesus.

- Emphasises firsthand experience: 'We have seen His glory' (John 1:14); 'The one who saw it has testified' (John 19:35). 

Ways John Uses the Number 7

John masterfully uses the number 7 throughout his Gospel to convey completeness, divine perfection, and the fullness of Jesus’ identity and mission. In Jewish thought, the number 7 often symbolizes wholeness—rooted in the 7 days of creation (Genesis 1–2). John, steeped in this worldview, weaves this symbolism deeply into his Gospel to reveal Jesus as the new creation and the fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan. 

1. 7 Signs (Miracles)

These are selected acts of power that reveal Jesus' identity and lead to faith (John 20:30–31).

1.  Water into Wine

2.  Healing the Official’s Son

3.  Healing the Lame Man

4.  Feeding the 5,000

5.  Walking on Water

6.  Healing the Blind Man

7.  Raising Lazarus

 Culminates in resurrection power and points toward the eighth sign—Jesus' own resurrection, ushering in a new creation week. 

2. 7 "I Am" Statements

Jesus declares His divine identity with 7 metaphoric “I AM” statements (echoing God's name in Exodus 3:14).

Statement	Reference
1. I am the Bread of Life	John 6:35
2. I am the Light of the World	John 8:12
3. I am the Door	John 10:9
4. I am the Good Shepherd	John 10:11
5. I am the Resurrection and the Life	John 11:25
6. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life	John 14:6
7. I am the True Vine	John 15:1

 These reveal how Jesus meets every human need—sustenance, guidance, protection, resurrection, truth, and abiding life. 

3. 7 Witnesses to Jesus’ Identity

John includes 7 key individuals (or groups) who testify to who Jesus is:

1.  John the Baptist – “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29)

2.  Nathanael – “You are the Son of God” (John 1:49)

3.  Peter – “You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:69)

4.  Martha – “You are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27)

5.  Thomas – “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)

6.  Jesus Himself – “I who speak to you am He” (John 4:26)

7.  The Writer (John) – “These are written so that you may believe...” (John 20:31)

 These testimonies build a cumulative legal and theological case for belief. 

4. 7 Titles for Jesus in Chapter 1

In just the first chapter, John layers 7 titles for Jesus, creating a composite identity:

1.  The Word

2.  The Lamb of God

3.  Rabbi

4.  Messiah

5.  Son of God

6.  King of Israel

7.  Son of Man

Each title connects to Old Testament hopes and messianic expectations, fulfilled in Christ. 

5. 7 Feasts or Festivals Referenced

John structures much of Jesus’ ministry around Jewish feasts—all of which find their true meaning in Him:

1.  Sabbath (John 5)

2.  Passover (John 2, 6, 13)

3.  Feast of Unleavened Bread

4.  Feast of Tabernacles (John 7)

5.  Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah, John 10)

6.  Another Sabbath healing (John 9)

7.  Final Passover → Crucifixion and Resurrection (John 18–20)

Jesus fulfills and reinterprets these symbols as the true center of worship. 

Here are Bible study discussion questions based on John 15:1–3 (NIV):

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” 

Bible Study Discussion Questions

Understanding the Passage

1.  What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the true vine”?

o   How does this metaphor connect to Israel in the Old Testament?

2.  Who is the gardener, and what is His role in this passage?

o   What does this reveal about God's active involvement in our spiritual growth?

3.  What is the difference between “cutting off” and “pruning” as used in verse 2?

o   How can pruning be both painful and necessary?

4.  In verse 3, Jesus says the disciples are already clean because of the word He has spoken. What does that imply about the power of His word? 

Personal Reflection

5.  Can you identify areas in your life where God might be “pruning” you right now?

o   What fruit might He be cultivating through it?

6.  Have there been times when you felt “cut off” from God? Looking back, do you think it was pruning or something else?

7.  How do you respond when God begins to prune areas of comfort, success, or control in your life? 

Application

8.  What practical steps can we take to remain connected to the “true vine”?

9.  What are some examples of “fruit” that God desires to see in our lives?

o   How can we discern what kind of fruit we are bearing?

10.              How can the Word of God continue to “clean” us today?

• In what ways do you allow Scripture to shape your thoughts, habits, and relationships?

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