15”I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Thoughts: Again this 'abiding' issue. Now it is given a new spin as it is compared to grapes growing on the branches that are connected to the vine. To abide in Christ is to be the branches that bear fruit. I always find it fun that the image is connected to grapes that would have then been made into wine. In our culture where we see much destruction due to alcohol abuse we sometimes forget the joyful and celebratory nature of the fruit of the vine! Thus our call to bear fruit is not a burden, but a celebration in that which we have found in Christ.
Questions: What are the good fruits that God is expecting of you?
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