2). As the New Israel the Disciples Are To Love One Another (John 15:12-17).
The fruit required of the branches of the vine is now clearly expressed. As branches of the true Vine they are to love one another, just as He Who is the vine has loved them. This is something that He had already emphasised in John 13:34-35.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.