John 15:2-4, Abide in Me

15:2 “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”

Jesus goes deeper into the meaning of his illustration of the vine, adding in the branches that proceed from the vine. He tells us that the branches, which represent the people God calls into mission with him, will be judged if they do not bear fruit. The branches that are taken away are judged because of their lack of fruit. This will be the case with Israel. In one sense they have failed to serve the purpose of the mission to which God called them. Those that do bear fruit, who do heed Jesus’ call to mission, will be pruned so they can bear more fruit. Pruning represents discipline and experience through obedience over time that conform God’s people to his image in which they were created. Jesus expects that his disciples will experience pain and failure at times and will need to confess their sins. He is setting this up as normal experience.

Jesus then reassures them that their character has been fundamentally changed by his word and their time with him. Yes, they will be pruned, but when they are connected to him, like a branch to the vine, they will be nourished and sustained. Yet even more than that, they will produce fruit for him. Branches cannot bear fruit if they are cut off from the vine. The number one priority of his disciples is their full-time relationship with Jesus.

Lord God, thank you that even in the midst of tough times and seasons, we know we can always abide in you, receiving nourishment when our souls and hearts are dried out from the disappointments and hardships of life and from our own sins. Help each of us to keep this image of abiding in you in mind that we may bear fruit for your sake. Amen.