Jesus likened Himself to the vine-stem, and the disciples to being branches. A vineyard that produces no grapes is worthless and branches which do not fruit well are useless to the farmer. If there is a strong connection between the branches and the vine, the harvest will be great. If not, the branches have demonstrated that they are not fit for purpose and should be removed.
Jesus kept saying, “Remain in me!” John used ‘remain’ 11 times in this chapter and 40 times in this Gospel. Why is it so important to remain close to Jesus? Well, starting is relatively easy, but keeping going through hardship and suffering is another thing. Many of the disciples would die early and violently, as would a significant number in the early church. They needed this command. Jesus was not starting a new religion for people to try to imitate; He promised to put His own nature into those who believe in Him. That started in Christ when they were born again, and received the Holy Spirit. Having started, they must stay connected to Him. Otherwise they would never be able to produce spiritual fruit.
Spiritually, some Christians think that they are independent adults and have a right to go their own way. Not so! We are always children of God and need to stay close to Him, not being forced by some discipline but drawn by a deep inner desire. In order to demonstrate the love of Jesus we must receive it daily. And the only people who can share the peace of Jesus are those who let His peace rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15). We cannot introduce people to Jesus if we are far away from Him. The fruit God is seeking for us is both a multiplication of believers, and transformed characters. These glorify God, also becoming attractive spiritual magnets which encourage others to seek Him as well. Is that how you want to be? It is certainly the Lord’s purpose for you! So, if you are close to Him, do not allow yourself to drift away; and if your love for Him has grown weak, ask him for a refreshed desire to be very close to Him again - then let Him do His work in you and through you. It will glorify God, bless others and bring you much joy.
Fruit, Much Fruit Or No Fruit
John 15:5-8
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (NIV)
Prayer
Dear Lord God. I know that there is only one place of peace; and that is close to Jesus. Please forgive me for my foolish wanderings; give me a clean heart and a right spirit, and restore to me the joy of my salvation. Refresh my love for Jesus and give me a new desire to be closer to Him than to anything or anybody else, so that His life might flow through me and produce fruit which will bring glory to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Bible Book
© Dr Paul Adams
