Big Idea: Staying connected to Jesus is how we receive life in abundance.

            John 10:10

            John 15:1-2

            Psalm 80:8-9

How do we receive the abundant life that Jesus offers?

            John 15:3-4

What is the result of Jesus’ abundant life in us?

            John 15:5-8

            Galatians 5:22-23a

How do we remain in Jesus and produce fruit?

            John 15:9-17

What is keeping you from staying connected to Jesus right now?

            John 15:2

Where could you use some pruning right now?

Message Questions

If you only had hours left to live, what would you do? For Jesus, he chose to spend his last moments before going to the cross teaching his disciples the most important truths they would need to cling to once he was gone. These are the things Jesus knew they needed to know, and we do too. In this message series, we’ll be diving into John 13-16 as we learn more about the Heart of the Teacher: Jesus’ Final Words. This week we are in John 15:1-17, and the big idea is: Staying connected to Jesus is how we receive life in abundance. 

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do. 

1. Have someone read John 15:1-4. Jesus describes himself as the vine and us as the branches, saying we must remain in him to bear fruit. What does it practically look like to stay connected to Jesus in your daily life? 
2. Have someone read John 15:5-8. Jesus says that apart from him, we can do nothing. Why do we sometimes try to produce fruit on our own? What happens when we rely on our own strength instead of staying connected to him? 
3. Have someone read John 15:9-13 and Galatians 5:22-23. Jesus calls us to remain in his love and love one another, and Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit. Which fruit do you see growing in your life, and which one do you struggle with the most? 
4. John 15:2 says that God prunes us so we can produce more fruit. What might God be pruning in your life to help you grow right now? How can you embrace his work in you rather than resisting it? 
5. Jesus says in John 15:16-17 that he chose and appointed us to bear lasting fruit. Who in your life needs to experience the love and joy of Jesus? How can you go and show them what it means to remain in Christ this week?