The True Vine

I was in a seminary class today that has sent me reeling...in a very good way.
Since, I've been mulling over some things.

I am wondering how 'popular' or often-quoted interpretations of familiar Biblical passages can actually keep us blissfully distant from the true meaning of the text? Take John 15 for example. This familiar passage about the vine and the branches boils down to a simple point for most of us: abide in the vine. One could say that it is about an 'essential union' with Christ. And the punch them comes in verse 6 - if you don't abide, then it's cast out, flames, and ashes for you. As true as SOME of this sentiment is, biblically...is it really the point of Jesus' message in John 15?

A good interpreter will first step back and ask several important, nay essential, questions about any text he is reading. Who is speaking? Who is spoken to? What is the setting? Mood? What is the larger context? Are there any important terms or previous understanding that bear on the text? Etc.

Some of these are rather obvious. Jesus is speaking to the disciples.