Fifth Sunday of Easter John 15:1-8

Preaching Commentary

Context

The last “I Am” Statement

The Gospel text for this week includes the final “I am” statement in John’s Gospel: “I am the vine.” The lectionary text for this week ends at 15:8, but this text should be read as a part of a larger unit which includes the lectionary text for next week (15:9-17). Together this larger unit is set as a part of Jesus’ last meal and last words to his disciples in John 13-17, often referred to as the “Farewell Discourse.” In fact, a number of commentators refer to this passage as the “heart” of this final discourse in John’s Gospel.