Two monuments to the same ruler stand in one Polish town, and each of them tells the story of that king in a completely different way. From this observation the sermon moves to the people who made a difference in our lives, and to the question of whether we make one in the lives of others. The guide here is Jesus and his image of the vine in John 15, along with three conditions of abiding in Christ: community, love and the commandment. Listen and see what really makes it possible to bear fruit in the lives of those around you.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Isaiah 5 and Psalm 80 the vineyard stands for Israel, and its fruit is faithfulness to the covenant. What might the first listeners have heard in Jesus' words "I am the true vine" in John 15:1-8?
- Jesus speaks of cutting off fruitless branches and pruning the fruitful ones, and says the disciples are already clean because of His word. How do you understand this pruning in your own life?
- The sermon says that remaining in Christ means remaining in community, because each of us is one of many branches. How does your community help you grow, and what about it can be hard for you?
- Toyohiko Kagawa said it was the cross of Christ that drove his sacrifice for the poor in the slums of Kobe. What does "remaining at the foot of the cross" mean for you day to day?
- The fruit Jesus looks for is love expressed in practical action. Who has made a difference in your spiritual life, and whose life would you like to make a difference in?
- In a time of political division, the sermon reminds us that everyone, including those with opposing views, is a person Jesus died for. How can you show love to such a person this week?
