Easter Season · Year B
Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 2, 2027
Overview & Insights
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” (John 15:5)
Just as it is possible to imagine a stage of the tradition when the only farewell discourse was 13:31–35, so it is possible to imagine a stage when the discourse extended to 14:31 but no further. There is a smooth transition from that verse’s summons to “leave” to the statement in 18:1 that Jesus “left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley.” At the end of chapter 14, the reader expects the group to leave and the discourse to end. Instead, the discourse continues, as Jesus seems to make a new beginning.
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Commentary
Commentary on John 15:9-17 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary on abiding in love, the joy made complete, and being called friends.
John 15:9-17 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed reading of sacrificial love as fruit borne by pruned branches.
John 15 - The Departing Jesus Teaches Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik verse by verse on the command to love as Christ has loved.
John 15:9 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on remaining in Christ's love and keeping his commandments.
John 15 Commentary Precept Austin
Greek notes and cross references on friendship with Jesus and chosen to bear fruit.
The Love That Jesus Commands Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Bishop Barron preaches the new commandment to love one another as Christ has loved.
Sixth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B - Sunday Connection Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic reflection and family activities on the call to generous, self-giving love.
Background & Word Study
Book of John Overview BibleProject
Animated overview that frames the farewell discourse within John's whole Gospel.
John 15:9 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text of agape and philos (friend) with parsing and Strong's numbers.
John Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the Gospel's authorship, structure, and themes.
The Church Fathers
Worship & Prayers
Questions preachers ask
What does Jesus mean by the vine and branches?
Jesus is the true vine and his disciples the branches; apart from him they can do nothing, but those who abide in him and in his word bear much fruit, to the Father's glory.
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