CHRIST IS THE VINE AND WE ARE THE BRANCHES

Proclamation:

“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)

Explanation:

These words were spoken by Jesus, The Christ, and recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the words which Jesus used to describe His relationship to His disciples and to His heavenly Father.  He describes Himself as the vine, His Father as the gardener, and His disciples as the branches of the vine which occasionally need to be pruned. (John 15:1-2)  Jesus also talks to them about effectual prayer, getting whatever they ask for if they remain in Him. (John 15:7)  He wants them to be productive and bear fruit for the glory of God, The Father. (John 15:8)  Later on, Jesus tells them that the world will hate them because it hates Him (John 15:18-19) and then He goes on to explain why this is the case. 

Application:

There is some debate among the Bible scholars as to the meaning of the word “fruit” as it is used here.  Some think that it refers to soul-winning.  Others think that it refers to the fruit of The Holy Spirit which is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)  Bearing fruit is the result of our salvation.  If we stay connected to Christ, then we will bear fruit, and the fruit that we bear will glorify God and show that we are disciples of Christ. (John 15:8)  If you are not connected to Him, get connected.  If you are connected, stay connected, for without Him we can do nothing.