John 15:1-11
Jesus shares insight into relationship with himself through the metaphor of the vine and the branches. In the analogy, Jesus is the vine, the Father is the gardener, and we are the branches connected to the vine. God’s purpose for us is to bear much fruit. How do we bear fruit? And what is fruit?
While the passage doesn’t specify what the fruit is, Jesus says twice that by abiding in him we will bear much fruit (v5,8), and that bearing fruit is why he chose us (v16). Fruit bearing must be related to God accomplishing his kingdom puposes through us – doing good works for his glory. Fruit probably varies from person to person, depending on the spiritual gifts and how God is at work in us.
How do we bear fruit? Abiding in Christ and Christ abiding in us (v4,5,7—8). Also, the Father prunes us (disciplines us – Hebrews 12:5-11) to cause us to be more fruitful. Abiding – Jesus says that his words abide in us, so abiding involves a regular intake and retention of his word.
Being led more by Jesus: Pursue a daily relationship of walking with Jesus through his Word, through prayer, and obedience to his commands (v10). The result will be a life of bearing fruit for God’s glory and his joy in our lives (v11).
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