Sixth Sunday of Easter John 15:9-17

The lectionary text for this week begins at 15:9, but as I shared last week, this text should be read as a part of a larger unit, which includes the lectionary text for last week (15:1-8).

Context

Preparing the Disciples for the Cross

Remember, in John’s narrative, this whole discourse – with its talk of vines and branches, abiding and bearing fruit – is set in the context of the evening before Christ’s death; it’s all about preparing his disciples for his death. In the first eight verses of Chapter 15, Jesus uses the imagery of the vine and its branches to show how connected he and his disciples are. In this week’s Gospel text (15:9-17), we get more insight into what it means to be…

1. John 9:9-17 is a part of Jesus’ last words to his friends before his death. How does knowing this context change the way we hear these words? What is he trying to do for his disciples in this passage?

2. How can we love one another as Christ has loved us? What does it look like?

3. What is the difference between a slave/servant and a friend, and how does that make a difference for the disciples? How does it make a difference for us? What does it mean to be a friend of Jesus?

4. Have you ever been chosen for a special task in school, at work, on a sports team, or in some other setting? How did it make you feel to be asked to play a unique role or be chosen for a particular team? What do you think it meant to the disciples to be chosen by Jesus?…