Cut a branch off from the vine and it dies, because it no longer has the ability to grow or be nourished.
This is a simple but powerful reflection of Christian living that tends to be forgotten.
Many people are good, honest people, who do what is right towards others. But Jesus says in this passage that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to Him – like a branch attached to the vine.
Remaining in Him, sees fruit in our lives such as, prayer (15:7), joy (15:11), and love (15:12). Thinking about other scriptures from Galatians 5:22-24 and 2 Peter 1:5-8, they too describe additional fruit but it is always to do with our character.
When I think of “bearing fruit,” the natural tendency for me, is to think of souls won for Jesus. Yet today, this reminded me that God is more concerned with our individual journeys and relationship with Him than the outworking of our ministries.
We shouldn’t be so busy to forget this beautiful truth – that Jesus came to save the one, so our relationship with Him is the most important vine of all.
Categories: John
