Biblical interpretation John 15:1-11 - Essay Example

SCHOOL SCRIPTURE INTERPRETATION AND MEDITATION OF JOHN 15 11 A SCRIPTURE INTERPRETATION AND MEDITATION PAPER SUBMITTED TO DEPARTMENT BY FULL NAME CITY, STATE DATE John 15:1-111 is a part of the whole book of John which is a gospel, meaning the ‘good news’. It is called so because the book tells about the saving grace of God through His son, Jesus Christ which is considered the good news. Gospels contain the story of Jesus’ life and what he has done to save the people from their sins as the Son of God.

His stories are usually told as stories in the form of parables which give instructions to how Jesus’ followers should live. During the time of Jesus, the Israelites were religiously following the doctrines known to them as they were passed from their forefathers from generation to generation. However, there were inconsistencies found in how they lived their lives in accordance to the commandments of God. This was brought out by Jesus in the gospels and he despised even the teachers of the law who were not excluded in such practices.

In the passage, the author uses metaphorical languages to express his thoughts and for the audience to have a better grasp of his meanings, letting them see the literal parallelism he wanted portrayed. Readers must keep in mind not to take the gospels literally when reading as there are certain literary languages used by the authors, especially when quoting the words of Jesus. Like in the given passage, Jesus claims to be the vine and his people likened to the branches which when they are cut from the vine, will die and not bear any fruit unlike those which remain in the vine and pruned, they bear much fruit.

This means that when a person strays away from God, he is cut away from his favor, therefore will die in his spirit. Pruning could be the discipline of God to a person as when a branch is pruned, some of its twigs and leaves are cut, which to a person could be painful. Yet it is through discipline that a man’s character is formed, bearing virtues which are the fruits. Author: The author of John was not written in any part of the book nor was it ever hinted 1. The Holy Bible. 1984. New International Version.

Colorado Springs, Colorado: International Bible Society. so that scholars are debating on either John the Baptist or John the disciple2. Date: The book of John was probably written after Jesus’ resurrection but it speaks of events during Jesus’ life. Audience: The book of John was written for the Israelites and now can be read and be a guide to modern Christians as well. Jesus calling himself to be the true vine, implies that there are other vines which could be a source of a person’s spiritual being which could actually help a person to go on existing but having no peace, love joy and the like which I think are the fruits referred to in the passage.

Jesus probably used a common sight for his audience during that time, the vines3, for the people to be able to relate to what he says and able to understand him. The phrase ‘you are the branches’ would imply of our need of the vine, Jesus. As the physical branch would need to be connected to the vine in order to survive the heat of the sun and other elements that could destroy or wither it, we, being the branches also need to be connected to the vine so that we could withstand the trials and temptations here on earth.

In addition, the branch gets the nutrients it needs from the vine itself and not somewhere else, likewise, we get spiritual nourishment from Jesus. As the Father who is the vinedresser prunes us, or disciplines us, we will bear much fruit like love, patience, understanding and other values. John 15:1-11 encouraged me to look at my spiritual life and consider to always remember to follow the teachings of Jesus no matter what happens. It is indeed difficult to keep doing what is right when many are not even doing you any good.

It is a tiring task. Yet, encouraged by the verses I read, I am ready to face another day, resolved to cling to the Branch, Jesus Christ. 2. Gospel of John. October 8, 2009. http://www.abu.nb.ca/courses/ntintro/john.htm (accessed: January 20, 2011). 3. Oxford Bible Church. http://www.oxfordbiblechurch.co.uk/pages/bible-commentary (accessed: January 20, 2011).