Step Two - - Reasons for Identification with the Word - - - 15:1-27

Paragraph "Hooks" are reasons why opportunity for identification is given

1. because of a "vine/branch" connection

15:1-8	1. I am the vine you the branches (15:5)
15: 1-8 (Despite saying "let's go", Jesus continues) "I am the true vine and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that is not bearing fruit, he takes. Every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes it so that such a branch may bear more. Now you are clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Remain in me and I (will remain) in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit from itself unless it remains in (part of) the vine, so also with yourself, unless you remain in me. I am the vine. You are the branches.		The one who remains in me and I within him, this one bears much fruit. This is because, apart from me, you cannot do anything. Unless someone remains in me, he is cast outside. He is like the branch that was dried up. They gather up (such branches) and throw them into the fire and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then whatever you want to ask for, it shall happen to you. By this shall my Father be glorified, that is, by you bearing much fruit and being disciples to me."

2. to provide a fulfilling joy

15:9-11

2. My joy in you and your joy may be filled (15:16)

15:9-11 "As the Father has loved me, so also I have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love.

This is just as I have kept my Father's commandments and so remain in his love. These things I have spoken about to you so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be full."

3. because of an established friendship

15:12-15	3. Ye friends of me are (15:14)
15:12-15 "This is my commandment - that you love one another as I have loved you. Nobody has greater love than this - that someone should lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No		longer will I call you slaves because the slave does not know that the Lord does. As for you I have called you friends because everything that I heard from the Father, I have made known to you."