On their way, he told them the parable of the vine and the branches and exhorted them to bring forth fruit and to remain…
On their way, he told them the parable of the vine and the branches and exhorted them to bring forth fruit and to remain in the love of God toward them. They should have mutual love one toward another and to endure patiently the hatred of the world which also hated Christ himself. They should not be offended by persecution. Again he comforted them for the sorrow they had about his approaching death, by the promise of sending them the Comforter. He would be the Spirit of Truth and witness against the world and help them. He warned them that in a little while, they would not see him. They did not understand what he meant. He explained it to them and said that their predicted sorrow would be turned into joy just as a woman rejoices who gives birth to a son. He predicted his return to them and told them of the love of the Father toward them and by his willingness to hear their petitions that they would make in his name. He said that he came from the Father into the world and he would again leave the world to return to the Father. His disciples said they now understood what he meant and believed that he came from God. Jesus replied that the time was now come when they all would be scattered and Christ would be left alone. At last he concluded with a most divine prayer to the Father for the mutual benefit of his own and the Father's glory, for the apostles and the whole company of believers. (JHN 15:1-17:26)