I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. — JOHN 15:1
Are you abiding in the vine—Jesus Christ, and His words? If so, you will bear fruit for God. If you are bearing fruit, expect God’s pruning work in your life—this may be painful yet He intends it to produce more fruit, so humbly accept His loving discipline (Heb. 12:6–11).
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The main focus of this passage is the vine, Jesus Christ. He is the true vine and His Father is the vinedresser who cares for the vine. God the Father helps the branches—which abide in the vine—bear fruit by pruning them. And He removes any fruitless branches. This imagery was also used of Israel in her relationship with Yahweh; sadly, she failed to bear fruit (Psa. 80).
People are created for the glory of God and yet we fail to glorify God. Christians, though, by abiding in Christ Jesus, can glorify God (John 15:8). Christ’s work on the cross made this abiding possible. Jesus, as true vine, gives us eternal life and nourishes us so that we can bear fruit for Him. We are wholly dependent on Him for life and fruitfulness. A major fruit that Christians will bear is sacrificial love for Christ and His people (John 15:17). This is radically different than what the world holds in high esteem—like gaining riches, being successful, having self esteem.
Are you abiding in the vine—Jesus Christ, and His words? If so, you will bear fruit for God. If you are bearing fruit, expect God’s pruning work in your life—this may be painful yet He intends it to produce more fruit, so humbly accept His loving discipline (Heb. 12:6–11). Or, are you merely religious, without love for other believers in the church? If that is the case, be careful. Jesus promises that His Father, the vinedresser, will remove fruitless branches.