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Sunday School Lesson
To use the term, "profound simplicity" might seem to be uniting contradictory terms. However, as we read the teachings of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we see the reality of this phrase. The savior of the world did not "cloud the minds" of his hearers with "great theological concepts." He presented the pictures of the divine-human relationship in terms that all hearers could understand. The theologians and philosophers - who seemed to specialize in creating complexities - did not appreciate the word pictures that "cleared the thoughts" of the "common people." Mark 12:37c. The word pictures that were painted by the son of God began with the common "scenes" of that day, in a setting that was grasped by all of the 11 (Judas had already left the group - John 13:30). Vineyards were part of the landscape, and formed an important factor of that economy, thus, was part of everyday life. When this scene became the "background" for the illustration for this "lesson," the thoughts could be readily applied to the "spiritual life." The savior of the world began this "discourse" with a simple declaration. "I am the true (defines the relationship; corresponds to 'genuine') vine, and my father is the husbandman (the one who prunes or cultivates the vine)." John 15:1. Thus, he established the relationship that would be easily recognized by the hearers - and those who would become one of the "branches." Vineyards were not planted and cultivated as ornamental nor as decorative plants. The 11 knew that production was the purpose. "Every branch (flexible shoot) in me that beareth (bearing) not (relative negative) fruit (evidence of 'life within') he taketh away (lift; carry away): and every branch that beareth (bearing) fruit, he purgeth (cleanses) it, that it may bring forth (bear) more (much) fruit." John 15:2. It is important for us to "see the scene" that original hearers "sketched in their minds." They did not picture the husbandman as "never satisfied," but as one desiring the branch to have maximum production in the "best environment" that could be developed. In order for these men to begin to apply the principles to their lives, the master made a declaration - "Now (already; even now) ye are clean (cleansed) through (by the means of) the word (expression of thought) which I have spoken unto you." John 15:3. The master had told them earlier, "...your names are written in heaven". Luke 10:20c. Yet they needed to "stay clean" by applying the words of life in their daily lives. There is no place for "spiritual independence." Jesus gave a divine directive - "Abide (remain; dwell) in (a relationship) me, and I in you." John 15:4a. He, then, reminded them, "As (in the manner that) the branch cannot (has no power to) bear fruit of (indicates source) itself, except (unless) it abide in the vine; no more (so neither) can ye, except (unless) ye abide in me." John 15:4b,c. The master, again, declared, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same ('he') bringeth forth much fruit: for (for reason that) without (apart from) me ye can (are able to) do nothing (not even one [thing])." John 15:5. The directive is followed by a warning. "If (conditional) a man (anyone) abide not (relative negative - allowing personal choice) in (can indicate relationship) me, he is cast (to throw) forth (out) as (in the manner of) a branch, and is withered (dry up; parch): and men ('they') gather them, and cast them into (the point reached) the fire, and they are burned." John 15:6. These stern words are not given to cause one to spiritually "run scared," but to cause one to desire to "run close to" the master. 1 Corinthians 9:25- 27; Revelation 3:11. The Old Testament warning has never been amended nor deleted. Ezekiel 18:24; 33:18. The master gave a promise to the faithful ones. "If (conditional) ye abide in me, and my words (the actual words spoken, in contrast to 'expression of thought') abide in you, ye shall ask (as a supplicant, leaving the final results in the wisdom of God) what ye will (desire), and it shall be done (come to pass for) unto you." John 15:7. Matthew 6:10. Since the "point" of planting a vineyard is the production of fruit, Jesus declared, "Herein (in this) is my father glorified (to lift up; honored), that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." John 15:8. This thought is in contrast to the attitude that has been allowed to weave its threads into the fabric of many lives in our society - "what about ME?" Yes, this has "spilled over" into the "spiritual thought" of many who call themselves "Christians." This idea chokes the "life" out of any one who allows these ugly tentacles to seize them around their "spiritual throat." Luke 8:14. The master declared, "As (in the manner that) the father hath loved me, so (also) have I loved you: continue (abide) ye in my love." John 15:9. He told these 11 men - and us - how this fact could be accomplished. "If ye keep (guard; preserve) my commandments (precepts; charges), ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my father's commandments, and abide in his love." John 15:10. Yes, this action is a "deliberate act of submission" to the divine plan. There is "something in this for me." "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy (delight) might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (accomplished; complete)." John 15:11. It is important for us to remember that "joy" comes from a source that is within us, in contrast to "happiness" that has its source from without. Joy is not dependent upon outward circumstances, nor the fulfillment of personal desires. This fact is not "mecentered." Earlier, Jesus had told the 12, "...freely (as a gift) ye have received, freely give (to deliver; to bestow)." Matthew 10:8c. There in that upper room, he declared, "This is my commandment, That ye love (agape; self-giving love, centered on the object, with no expectation of return) one another, as (in the manner that) I have loved you." John 15:12.
The savior of the world declared, "Greater love hath no man (one) than this, that a man (one) lay down his life (soul) for his friends (one attached to another by esteem, respect or affection)." John 15:13. The stating of this principle was followed by his stating of his personal acceptance. "Ye are my friends, if (conditional) ye do (perform) whatsoever I command you. Henceforth (no longer) I call you not servants (slaves; bondmen); for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of (from the side of) my father I have made known unto you." John 15:15. What is you divine relationship?
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