John 15:12-17
Chapter 15
12
This is my commandment: Love one another as I have loved you!
13
There is no greater love than this, to give one’s life for one’s friends;
14
and you are my friends if you do what I command you.
15
I shall not call you servants anymore, because servants do not know what their master is about. Instead, I have called you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from my Father.
16
You did not choose me; it was I who chose you and sent you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will remain. And everything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.
17
This I command you: love one another.
Commentaries
The True Vine
Jesus is the true vine (1), the new Israel in opposition to the Old, which did not bear the expected fruit. He also contrasts with other vines that, compared to Him, have proved neither fruitful nor effective. The owner of the vine is the Father (1). The purpose of pruning is for the vine to produce abundant fruit (2). The branch that does not bear fruit will be cut off. The Father’s gift is matched by the disciple’s collaboration, which is characterized by remaining in Jesus (4). The act of bearing fruit has a double meaning. On one hand, the disciples must do so inwardly: they must remain in Jesus through brotherly love and, consequently, be “one.” On the other hand, they must do so outwardly: the disciples must commit themselves to the mission: “so that the world may believe that you sent me” (17:21b).