John Chapter 15

“I am the true vine, etc.] The fruit of which he had been just speaking of at supper with his disciples; and then informs them, that he himself is the vine from whence that fruit must be expected, which should be partook of by them in his Father’s kingdom; for though Christ may be compared to a vine for its tenderness, weakness, and being subject to cuttings and prunings; all which may express his outward meanness in his birth, parentage, and education, Which exposed him to the contempt of men; the weakness of the human nature in itself, his being encompassed with the infirmities of his people, and his sufferings…”

“DISCOURSE AT THE SUPPER TABLE CONTINUED. (John 15:1-27) The spiritual oneness of Christ and His people, and His relation to them as the Source of all their spiritual life and fruitfulness, are here beautifully set forth by a figure familiar to Jewish ears (Isa 5:1, &c.). I am the true vine--of whom the vine of nature is but a shadow. my Father is the husbandman--the great Proprietor of the vineyard, the Lord of the spiritual kingdom. (It is surely unnecessary to point out the claim to supreme divinity involved in this).”

“I am the true vine - Some have supposed that this discourse was delivered in the room where the Lord’s Supper was instituted, and that, as they had made use of wine, Jesus took occasion from that to say that he was the true vine, and to intimate that his blood was the real wine that was to give strength to the soul. Others have supposed that it was delivered in the temple, the entrance to which was adorned with a golden vine (Josephus), and that Jesus took occasion thence to say that he was the true vine; but it is most probable that it was spoken while they were going from the paschal supper to the Mount of…”

“I am the true vine - So the true bread, Joh 6:32; that is, the most excellent. John 15:2”

“15:1-27 Jesus prepared his disciples for his departure, instructing them to remain in close fellowship with him. The image of a grapevine illustrates both intimacy and fruitfulness. To sustain genuine spiritual life in the world, believers must remain intimately connected to Christ. 15:1 I am: See study note on 6:35. The grapevine and the vineyard traditionally represented God’s people, planted and tended by him in Israel (Ps 80:8-18; Isa 5:1-7; Jer 2:21; 12:10-11; Ezek 15:1-5; Hos 10:1-2). When Jesus used this image, he made an important departure: He declared that he is the true grapevine and that a…”

“true: Joh 1:9, Joh 1:17, Joh 6:32, Joh 6:55; Jo1 2:8 vine: Gen 49:10, Gen 49:11; Psa 80:8-19; Isa 4:2, Isa 5:1-7; Jer 2:21, Jer 12:10; Eze 15:2-6; Hos 10:1; Zac 3:8; Mat 21:33; Luk 13:6 husbandman: Sol 7:12, Sol 8:11, Sol 8:12; Isa 27:2, Isa 27:3, Isa 60:21, Isa 61:3; Mat 20:1; Mar 12:1; Co1 3:9 John 15:2”