John 15:1-3 ESV

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.

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“Ako ang tunay na puno ng ubas, at ang aking Ama ang tagapag-alaga. 2 Ang bawat sanga sa akin na hindi nagbubunga ay inaalis niya; at ang bawat sanga na nagbubunga ay nililinis niya upang lalong magbunga. 3 Kayo'y malilinis na sa pamamagitan ng salita na aking sinabi sa inyo.

I AM THE TRUE VINE

This is the seventh “I am” Jesus’ stated in the gospel of John. Metaphors for vine and vineyards are common in the Bible for a reason. In this teaching, Jesus capitalized the people’s familiarity with the process of growing and tending grape vines. This was true to the Jewish disciples, who should have recognized these references to vines from the Old Testament. For instance, Jeremiah compared the nation of Israel to a vine that was planted but then turned wild [see Jer 2:21, Ezekiel 15, Isaiah 5:1–7]

Christ, as the vine, is the source of life to the branches attached to Him. However, it is possible for a person to claim the name of Christ, and to associate with believers, and yet not have a life-giving connection to the "true vine" which is Jesus. Like a branch "in the vine" which produces no fruit, these are people who have attached themselves to the church, but are not connected to the Source of life. The One with ultimate knowledge and authority—God as the "vinedresser"—will eventually remove those false branches and discard them.

On the other hand, those branches that are bearing fruit are pruned to bear more. Pruning is a lot different than being ‘cut off’. This is done only to the true branches for more fruit bearing, which glorify the Father[v.8]. That, His true branches are clean has reference to the point He made after washing the feet of the disciples (John 13:10–11). Those who have saving faith in Christ are "clean," as are the eleven men to whom Jesus directly speaks. They correspond to the ‘clean’ branches that will eventually become abundantly productive. Those which are not are impostors like Judas, without saving faith, and correspond to the branches destined to be discarded and destroyed (John 6:71; Mark 14:21).

Today, let us be sure that we are true branches of the true vine. Let us be warned that at the end, the false will be cut off while the true, who are bearing much fruit will receive the praise from God.

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John 14:28-31 ESV

28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

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28 Narinig ninyong sinabi ko sa inyo, ‘Ako ay aalis, at babalik ako sa inyo. Kung ako'y inyong minamahal, kayo'y magagalak sapagkat ako'y pupunta sa Ama; sapagkat ang Ama ay higit na dakila kaysa akin.’ 29 At ngayon ay sinabi ko sa inyo bago pa mangyari, upang kung ito'y mangyari, kayo ay maniwala. 30 Hindi na ako magsasalita pa ng marami sa inyo, sapagkat dumarating ang pinuno ng sanlibutan. Siya'y walang kapangyarihan sa akin. 31 Subalit ginagawa ko ang ayon sa iniutos sa akin ng Ama, upang malaman ng sanlibutan na minamahal ko ang Ama. Tumindig tayo at umalis na tayo rito.

In fact, He encouraged them to be joyful. Why? He is going to the Father who is greater than Him. Their joy isn’t for the circumstances but in the truth that the Father is greater than Him. Didn’t Jesus assure them earlier, “

THAT I LOVE THE FATHER

Jesus’ impending arrest and crucifixion would surely affect the disciples. He assured them that His going away was only temporary for He is going to see Him again. He has been repeating this for emphasis until here. Why? The disciples had the propensity to forget when hardships come.

Amazingly, Jesus’ was about to die but what kept Him in high spirits was His love for the Father[v.31]. The Trinity is an eternal love relationship. The ruler of this world [Satan] is coming. Satan has no control over Jesus, but He will submit to His fate voluntarily (John 10:18; 19:11) In short, Satan has no claims on Him. He could only do what he is allowed to. Jesus was not a victim but a victor, obedient to His Father He loves. As the psalmist writes, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you.”[Psa 76:10a]]

Amazingly, Jesus’ was about to die but what kept Him in high spirits was His love to the Father[v.31]. The Trinity is an eternal love relationship. The ruler of this world [Satan] is coming. Satan has no control over Jesus, but He will submit to His fate voluntarily (John 10:18; 19:11) In short, Satan has no claims on Him. He could only do what he is allowed to. Jesus was not a victim but a victor, obedient to His Father He loves. As the psalmist writes, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you.”[Psa 76:10a]

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John 14:27 ESV

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

27 Kapayapaan ang iniiwan ko sa inyo, ang aking kapayapaan ay ibinibigay ko sa inyo. Hindi gaya ng ibinibigay ng sanlibutan ang ibinibigay ko sa inyo. Huwag mabagabag ang inyong puso, o matakot man.

THE PEACE OF CHRIST

Uncertainties do cause fears, don’t they? For example, the ongoing global pandemic and war in Ukraine on top to some domestic unrest are our impending threats today. We’re dishonest if we say we’re not affected at some degrees.

Several times in this dialog, Jesus had pointed out to them that He is preparing the disciples to "hold fast" for a difficult time is ahead of them. This warning has present and future allusions. That is, His impending arrest and execution (Mark 8:31; John 12:34; 16:32) And also, the following persecution Christians will face someday because of their faith in Him.

Jesus, saw their need to be peaceful amidst the storms coming. Thus, here, again, Christ encouraged His followers to keep their "hearts" from fear and trouble. This repeats the statement Jesus used to start this discourse in John 14:1.

Thankfully, Jesus promised to give us His peace. It’s neither from an institution nor in any material resources . It’s His gift to us. This peace that Christ offers is not like that of the world. The best we can expect from the natural world is temporary peace and more unfairness and even death (Rom 8:20; James 4:14; Psa 73:3). It’s sad but true that this world can’t pacify our troubled soul.(2 Cor 7:10). Christ's "peace" here refers to a hope and reassurance that goes beyond what a fallen world can offer (Phil 4:7). It is permanent, guaranteed, and eternal (Heb 6:18–19).

Notedly, Jesus has distinguished between being troubled in one's "spirit,"[being in pain and unhappiness] as opposed to being troubled in one's "heart," [being fearful and in despair]. Jesus was said to have a troubled spirit, at times. He was troubled and wept (John 11:33-35; 13:21). What He calls for here is not for Christians to loss heart. Rather, it's to recognize the reality of sufferings while at the same time trusting in God to make good on His promises. [John 16:33] In other words, it’s peace in the midst of hardships, not its absence.

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John 14:25-26 ESV

25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

25 Ang mga bagay na ito'y sinabi ko sa inyo, samantalang ako'y nananatiling kasama pa ninyo. 26 Subalit ang Mang-aaliw, ang Espiritu Santo na susuguin ng Ama sa aking pangalan, siya ang magtuturo sa inyo ng lahat ng mga bagay, at magpapaalala sa inyo ng lahat ng aking sinabi sa inyo.

THE SPIRIT, OUR TEACHER

It's important to note there was no way for the disciples to fully grasp everything Jesus was teaching until after those things had been accomplished. That is why their questions and doubts were understandable. Unlike us today, they did not have the full New Testament yet. Some are still to unfold during their time. Thus, hindsight is always the best sight.

Thus, Jesus saw the needed teachings of the Spirit. He said, “He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” What a promise.

This statement is often misunderstood. Context wise, Jesus was speaking of the teachings He delivered while on earth. Is there a guarantee of expertise in all earthly topics? No, not at all. It’s not the indication that the Spirit will "teach you all things," in any sense, a promise that the Holy Spirit will deliver new revelations, or ongoing revelations, or personal revelations.

The consistent Spirit's role is to reinforce that which Christ has already taught. The teachings through the Holy Spirit illucidates the truths of His Word. Remember, the Word is the sword of the Spirit. [Eph 6:17] He is to glorify the Son.[John 16:14] In other words, He subordinates the Son by illuminating the truth to Jesus’ followers.

John 14:21-24 ESV

21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

21 Siyang mayroon ng aking mga utos at tinutupad ang mga iyon ay siyang nagmamahal sa akin, at ang nagmamahal sa akin ay mamahalin ng aking Ama, at siya'y mamahalin ko, at ihahayag ko ang aking sarili sa kanya.” 22 Si Judas (hindi ang Iscariote) ay nagsabi sa kanya, “Panginoon, paano mong ihahayag ang iyong sarili sa amin, at hindi sa sanlibutan?” 23 Sumagot si Jesus sa kanya, “Kung ang isang tao ay nagmamahal sa akin, ay kanyang tutuparin ang aking salita, at siya'y mamahalin ng aking Ama, at kami'y lalapit sa kanya, at kami'y gagawa ng tahanang kasama siya. 24 Ang hindi nagmamahal sa akin ay hindi tumutupad ng aking mga salita, at ang salitang inyong narinig ay hindi akin, kundi sa Amang nagsugo sa akin.

IS CHRIST AT HOME IN YOUR HEART?

A person's obedience to Christ's teaching is the evidence that he indeed have faith in Him [v.15]. And, how could a person obey Christ without the Spirit? [v.16,17] Good deeds can not produce life or salvation. In contrary, we must have the life from the Spirit in order to do good works. As Paul said, “he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”[Titus 3:5] The grace of salvation brings about obedience. [Rom 1:5] Otherwise, our faith would be in question. [see Jas 2:18]

Moreover, a person’s obedience proves his love to Jesus too. We recognize, however, that some are driven by fear and duty alone. But when this love is present, Jesus has promised that He and the Father would love him and ‘manifest’ to him. God is real to them who believe and love God, is it not? But, the world won’t see Him anymore. Simply said, Jesus would be unreal to them. This was what confused Judas Thaddeus that only themselves could see Jesus and the world won’t.

In fact, Jesus even said He and the Father will be at ‘home in him’. This is the same word used in John 14:2, referring to "dwelling places" or "rooms." The truth is that the Holy Spirit is "living inside" someone who is in Christ. This reiterates the idea of the Trinity: that God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are equally God and identical in nature.

Later, Paul prayed to the Christians at Ephesus, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love.” [Eph 3:17] Definitely, Christ is already theirs. What the apostle desires is for their hearts be habitable for Christ [Spirit] to dwell. Otherwise, the absence of faith, love and obedience would grieve Him.

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John 14:18-20 ESV

18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you

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18 Hindi ko kayo iiwang nag-iisa, ako'y darating sa inyo. 19 Kaunti pang panahon at hindi na ako makikita ng sanlibutan, ngunit makikita ninyo ako; sapagkat ako'y nabubuhay ay mabubuhay rin kayo. 20 Sa araw na iyon ay malalaman ninyong ako'y nasa aking Ama, at kayo'y nasa akin, at ako'y nasa inyo.

BECAUSE I LIVE, YOU ALSO WILL LIVE

Jesus was leaving but He assured them that they won’t be orphans. In the ancient world, being an orphan was even more tragic than in our times today. They were surely homeless and penniless, so that they were dependent entirely on the charity of strangers. This was not the end of their relationship with Him. They won’t be abandoned or left without any help. The help comes from the Helper, the promised Holy Spirit.

Jesus has explicitly claimed that His task be over and He will be gone from the world. However, it would spark a movement in the lives of the disciples. They will live because Jesus lives. [1 Cor 15:21] The best is yet to come although their predicament was gloomy at that time.

In Christ, we have passed from death to life (John 5:24; 1 John 3:14). Why? It’s because of the death and resurrection of Jesus (Rom 5:21; 6:8; John 14:6). This particular promise from Christ is the ultimate answer to our struggles in this world (Rom 8:18, 28). Christians have the guarantee of redemption and restoration at the end of our earthly lives (Heb 11:14–16).

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John 14:15-17 ESV

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

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15 “Kung ako'y inyong minamahal ay tutuparin ninyo ang aking mga utos. 16 At hihingin ko sa Ama, at kayo'y bibigyan niya ng isa pang Mang-aaliw, upang makasama ninyo siya magpakailanman. 17 Ito ang Espiritu ng katotohanan na hindi kayang tanggapin ng sanlibutan; sapagkat siya'y hindi nito nakikita o nakikilala man. Siya'y nakikilala ninyo, sapagkat siya'y nananatiling kasama ninyo at siya ay mapapasa inyo.

THE HELPER

Previously, Jesus pointedly taught that those who follow Him are obligated to show love for others (John 13:12–15, 34). That is the primary sign of faith to the outside world, is it not? (John 13:35). However here, He indicates that obedience to His commands is the primary sign of our love for Him. Neither a person can claim to know Christ and hate other Christians (1 John 4:20), nor he could claim to know Christ while disregarding His teachings (1 John 2:4).

Jesus commands is backed up with a promised Helper. When He asked it carries a more personal and mutual sense of asking. This implies that Jesus shares a relationship with God which transcends mere humanity. It also reinforces the idea that prayer is anchored in the Godhead, not intended to blindly grant us man’s wishes.

The Holy Spirit is our ‘Helper’. This can also be translated as a "comforter.” This is the same term, John will use later to describe Jesus as our ‘advocate’ in 1 John 2:1. This connection has meaning—Jesus will later point out that He is leaving behind His earthly ministry specifically so the Holy Spirit can act (John 16:7). The Holy Spirit, in a sense, does from the inside what Christ would do from the outside, namely: teach, convict, remind, and guide. In the following verse, Jesus will clarify that this Helper is the Holy Spirit, who is available only to those who believe Jesus (John 14:17).

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John 14:12-14 ESV

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

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12 Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, ang sumasampalataya sa akin ay gagawin din ang mga gawang aking ginagawa, at lalong dakilang mga gawa kaysa rito ang gagawin niya, sapagkat ako'y pupunta sa Ama. 13 At anumang hingin ninyo sa aking pangalan ay aking gagawin, upang ang Ama ay maluwalhati sa Anak. 14 Kung kayo'y humingi ng anuman sa pangalan ko ay gagawin ko.

GREATER WORKS THAN THESE WILL HE DO

Jesus did not just encourage them but empowered them. He promised, “Whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do.” Do believers, like the disciples, will be endowed with the power to raise the dead or alter matter? Not really.

Then what did Jesus mean?

The key is in the phrase “in Christ.” This implies that their asking should be something consistent with the will and nature of Christ. And it follows that it is consistent to the the will and nature of God as well.(v.10).

Let’s take note that Jesus neither say, "I will give you anything you ask for" nor does He say, "as long as you include the magic words 'in Jesus' name,' I will grant your request." John writes in his epistle, that is, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”[1 John 5:14,15]

Notedly, the purpose for this promise, which is to ‘glorify God.’ Any request which dishonors Him, or defy His will, is not expected to be granted. Those who truly love God do obey God, don’t they (v.15). It is reasonable to think that those who love God will seek to ask according to His will, not in defiance of it.

All these would happen “because He would go to the Father.” In other words, His going away would work for the best of them. Quite paradoxical, is it not? Most probably, this has reference to the coming of the Spirit, who is our power to fulfill the will of God.

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John 14:8-11 ESV

8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

8 Sinabi sa kanya ni Felipe, “Panginoon, ipakita mo sa amin ang Ama, at kami ay masisiyahan na.” 9 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, “Mahabang panahon nang ako'y kasama ninyo, at hindi mo ako nakikilala, Felipe? Ang nakakita sa akin ay nakakita sa Ama. Paano mong nasabi, ‘Ipakita mo sa amin ang Ama?’ 10 Hindi ka ba sumasampalataya na ako'y nasa Ama, at ang Ama ay nasa akin? Ang mga salitang aking sinasabi sa inyo'y hindi ko sinasabi mula sa aking sarili, kundi ang Ama na nananatili sa akin ang gumagawa ng kanyang mga gawa. 11 Sumampalataya kayo sa akin na ako'y nasa Ama at ang Ama ay nasa akin. Subalit kung hindi ay sumampalataya kayo sa akin dahil sa mga gawa.

LORD, SHOW US THE FATHER

No matter how Jesus had assured them, the disciples were still troubled when Jesus spoke of leaving away. Thus, Thomas and Philip’s questions were understandable. Here, Philip switched the issue from "knowing" God, to "seeing" God. Did he hope for something either like Moses in Ex 33:18-23 or Isa 6:1-7? Perhaps, he was looking for a miraculous sign!

Jesus’ reply was direct, that is, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (v.9). Simply said, there is no need. To see Christ is to see God for they are One (John 14:7, 10–11) In his previous claims, there is no ambiguity that He claimed as divine. “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”[John 8:58] He is the revelation of God to mankind.

Jesus made a gentle scolding, something needed for His inner circle (Mat 16:9; Mark 8:21). The reason why He listed reasons why His claim was true. Firstly, His acts perfectly according to the will of God. It was an obvious point, which was why Jesus again poses a rhetorical question. As with His actions, Jesus' speech or words also further supports that what He says is true (Mark 1:22). Nothing Jesus says or does contradicts the idea that He is God (John 8:46; Heb 4:15), and His actions confirm that He is acting according to the Father's will (John 9:4)

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John 14:3-7 ESV

4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

4 Nalalaman ninyo ang daan patungo sa lugar na aking pupuntahan.” 5 Sinabi sa kanya ni Tomas, “Panginoon, hindi namin alam kung saan ka pupunta. Paano namin malalaman ang daan?” 6 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, “Ako ang daan, at ang katotohanan, at ang buhay. Sinuman ay hindi makakarating sa Ama kundi sa pamamagitan ko. 7 Kung ako'y kilala ninyo ay makikilala rin ninyo ang aking Ama. Mula ngayon siya'y inyong nakikilala at siya'y inyong nakita.”

HOW CAN WE KNOW THE WAY?

After Jesus declared that He was going away, Thomas asked a question which makes a point, at least from an earthly point of view. Normally, we do determine first an end goal and then work accordingly towards it, don’t we? How can someone know "the way" when they don't know where they're going? Since these men are not sure of where Jesus plans to go, they aren't sure they will be able to get there.

Hence, Jesus made a point that it is not somewhere any person can "go," in the sense of making the journey according to their own efforts (Rom 3:20; 11:6). No amount of good deeds or effort will get them there. Is salvation accomplished by good works? Definitely not! Paul said later, “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).

Rather, "the way" to be reconciled to God the Father is not a process; it's in a person [2 Cor 4:6]. Thus , He emphasized, by saying, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” [v.6] Without much details, Jesus had taken charge that they shouldn’t worry about His going away for they know Him.[ v.1-3] Why? Knowing Him is knowing the Father. Paul had explained that our knowledge of God is all by God’s initiative. He writes, “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”[2 Cor 4:6]

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