CHRIST IS THE VINE AND WE ARE THE BRANCHES

PROCLAMATION

“Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.  I am the vine; ye are the branches;  He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without Me ye can do nothing.”  John 15:4-5 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle John and were written 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, God, The Father, as the gardener, and His disciples as the branches of the vine which occasionally need to be pruned. (John 15:1-2)  He tells them that as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own, so they cannot bear fruit unless they are connected to Him. (John 15:4-6)  Jesus also talks to them about effectual prayer and getting whatever they ask for, as long as they remain in Him.  He wants them to be productive and bear fruit for the glory of God, The Father. (John 15:7-8)  Jesus says that if they love Him they will keep His commandments as He has kept the commandments of God, The Father. (John 15:9-11)  Then He gives them a new commandment, that they should love one another as He has loved them.  Jesus says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:12-14)  He tells them that they did not choose Him, but He chose them.  Jesus also tells them that the world will hate them because it hates Him (John 15:16-19) and then He goes on to explain why this is the case. (John 15:20-27) 

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 producing the fruit of The Holy Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)  In either case, our bearing of fruit is the result of our salvation.  If we stay connected to Christ, then we will bear fruit.  The fruit that we bear will glorify God and show that we are disciples of Christ. (John 15:8)  If we are not connected to Christ, we will not bear fruit.  If you are not connected to Him, get connected.  If you are connected to Him, stay connected.  For without Him we can do nothing. (John 15:5)  It is only through Christ that we live, move, and have our very being. (Acts 17:28)