John 15 - Introduction

Further Words in the Upper Room. Jesus Is the True Vine, the Sprouting of the New Israel, the Supplier Of The Holy Spirit.

One of the dangers of our division of the Bible into Chapter s and verses is that sometimes we can overlook the continuity. In chapter 14 Jesus has been revealing the full truth about Himself, and the resources which will be at the disciples' disposal as they go about the task ahead. Now He brings home to them precisely what that task is for which they have been equipped. It is the establishment of the new Israel, growing out of the old, which is an Israel founded in Himself. The old vine of Israel has proved to be degenerate and unrecoverable (Isaiah 5:1; Jeremiah 2:21). Jesus has therefore come as the True Vine, in Whom the promises to Israel will be fulfilled. The genuine branches of the True Vine are genuine believers. The disciples' task will be the encouraging and pruning of the branches of the Vine, which includes themselves.

This was an indication that a new era was beginning for Israel which was founded on Himself. He had come out of Egypt as the new Israel (Matthew 2:15). Unbelieving Israel was now no longer relevant. From now on the emphasis will be on believing Israel, as seen in Jesus Christ and the new ‘congregation' that He will build up, founded on Himself (Matthew 16:18; compare Matthew 21:43). Initially it would be made up almost entirely of believing Jews (Acts 1-12). But as always throughout history believing Gentiles would be able to be incorporated into the new Israel and become true sons of Abraham (Galatians 3:29).

It is important to recognise that the early church did not see themselves as distinct from Israel. Indeed they saw themselves as the continuation of Israel, as the purified remnant of Israel (see Romans 11:17; Galatians 6:16; Ephesians 2:11; 1 Peter 2:9; etc). See also attached note at the bottom of this chapter.

With regard to the theme of the whole Gospel, the portrayal of the Messiahship and Sonship of Jesus, we should note that chapter 15 continues the theme of chapter 14. Jesus and the Father are seen as continuing to work together as One for our salvation. That salvation, however, is found by our being made one with Jesus (John 15:4; John 15:10), something which could only be possible because of His omnipresence. Thus Jesus is seen as continually claiming the same omnipresence as the Father. This fact is often overlooked, that what Jesus promises for their day by day future requires Him to be omnipresent (e.g. John 14:13; John 14:20; John 14:23; John 15:4). Furthermore Jesus will make known to them ‘all things that He has heard from His Father' (John 15:15), and whatever they ask the Father in His Name, the Father will give it to them (John 15:16). Compare John 14:13 where it is Jesus Himself Who would do it for them when they asked in His Name. Jesus is thus to continue His ministry to them, and to all believers, from Heaven.

The special relationship with His Father from chapter 14 continues in this chapter. But especially prominent in this chapter is the fact that it is Jesus Himself Who will send the Helper to them from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth (John 15:26). Previously it has been the Father Who would send Him at the request of Jesus (John 14:16) or ‘in Jesus' name' (John 14:26). Now Jesus is also seen as performing the role. Father and Son work as One.