John 15

John 15 presents Jesus as the true vine, with believers as branches who must remain connected to him to bear fruit. The Father, as gardener, prunes branches for greater fruitfulness. Jesus emphasizes abiding in his love through obedience, calling his disciples friends rather than servants. He commands them to love one another as he has loved them, even to the point of laying down their lives. However, Jesus warns that the world will hate and persecute them because they don't belong to it. He promises the Holy Spirit will come as Advocate to testify about him, and the disciples will also bear witness.