I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV
Every farmer looks forward to harvesting the crop they have planted. No one plants a fruit bearing tree and does not expect fruit. The reason the tree is planted is to get fruit.
Many of us were taught in school about how plants or trees grows. We know about the different parts of a tree and what is needed for the tree to grow and bear fruit. If you are into gardening, you know there are times when you have to cut off the dead leaves and even cut away dry branches, so the tree can flourish even more.
Jesus said, I am the vine, we are the branches. As believers we must be and I say must be connected to the vine, Christ Jesus. The only way we can bear fruit, much fruit, and fruit that will remain is when we abide in Christ and Christ in us. You see, it’s not enough to say, I am saved, but we must be in Christ and Christ must be in us. The evidence of us abiding in Christ and Christ in us, is bearing fruit. When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15:8 NLT
We must receive what is needed from the vine in order to bear fruit. Like a tree, the nutrients from the soil, the water, the sun, the air (oxygen) are all needed and must be transported to every area of the tree. When this happens, the branches become strong and bear’s fruit. Just like the tree, we receive nutrients from the vine, we receive the life-giving water of the Holy Spirit and the word of God as our food, so we can bear much fruit.
Jesus said, apart from me, you can do nothing. If we are not abiding in or connected to Christ the vine, we cannot bear fruit and more so, fruit that will remain. We may try on our own to bear fruit, but our efforts will be in vain. We must abide in Christ, because it’s through Him we will be able to bear fruit. It’s the power, the working of the Holy Spirit in us that will help us to bear fruit and fruit that will remain.
Are you bearing fruit? If not, do a self-check and see if you are connected to the vine. If you are bearing fruit, stay connected and bear much fruit. Always remember, without the vine who is Christ, you can do nothing!
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