HOST: Ron House
SPONSOR: Start2Finish
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
This passage has been often misused to justify doctrinal differences among denominational groups, but what is the true meaning of Jesus’ words in this text? Jesus says that He is the true vine. As such, He is the source of life and nourishment for all the branches that are in Him. Apart from the vine, the branches will wither and die. He alone is the life-giving force for all those who belong to Him. As the vine, He is also the One who defines the branches so that the branches are identified by their attachment to the vine. Just as a grapevine only contains branches that produce grapes, so Jesus only contains branches (Christians) who produce proper fruit. There is, in this truth, a great responsibility placed upon those of us who are branches of the vine. If we are to be in Christ, then we must produce fruit pleasing and acceptable to God, the vinedresser, lest we be pruned away. Could there be any better image to describe the importance, not only of bearing fruit, but of bearing acceptable fruit for God?
Why is it important to God that we bear fruit?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
