John 15:2 Every branch in Me that bears no fruit, He takes away. And every branch that bears fruit, He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
In John 15 Jesus declares that He is the true vine, and we are the branches. He uses this illustration throughout the chapter. It revolves around the idea that we as believers are rooted in Christ. Apart from Him, we can do nothing for His glory. Let us look at several teachings from John 15 that uses the imagery of a grapevine.
fruit of the true vine
Jesus says that just like a branch that holds the grapes stems from the singular vine, so are all who have their trust in Him. Through the Holy Spirit, we bear fruit. Our salvation becomes evident in our changed hearts and actions. The opposite is true for those who claim to know Christ but still live for worldly desires and sin habitually without repentance. They may never have been attached to the vine in the first place and are therefore removed.
Pruning
Jesus tells us that the branches that do bear fruit are pruned to grow and bear more fruit. This is true for our Christian walk as well. Adversity and challenges can only strengthen our faith if we truly trust and depend on God. We must not fear opposition.
Loving one another
Jesus tells the disciples that they are now His friend, because He was about to be crucified and killed for the sin of the world. This is what He says:
John 15:12-14 ~ This is My commandment: that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
To love someone with the love of Christ seems impossible. But this is exactly why we are told to always abide in Him. To draw truth and guidance from Him, to obey and know Him. He will enable us with His love to love others. This is at the foundation of what it means to be a Christian.
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