Articles
A Branch
Jesus told His disciples, “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5a). He then used that analogy to emphasize three points.
A Branch Needs Attachment
“Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me” (v. 4).
Just as a branch gets its nourishment, its life, from the vine, our spiritual life comes from Christ. Apart from Him we are dead. God makes us alive through faith (Ephesians 2:4-9), specifically when we are buried with Christ in baptism (Colossians 2:12-13). We must then continue walking by faith. Christianity does not consist simply of church membership or attendance, though it includes those things. Christianity is Christ in us, shown in every aspect of our lives: “abide in Me and I in you.” “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20).
“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned” (v. 6).
A Branch Needs Fruitfulness
Ornamental plants may have their place, but not in a vineyard. There, branches need to bear fruit! In Jesus’ illustration the Father is the vinedresser (v. 1). “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (v. 8).
The Bible identifies a variety of fruit we may bear. In Galatians 5:22-23 it is building character to be like God. In Matthew 3:8 it is put-ting away sin. In Philippians 4:17 it is supporting gospel preaching. In 1 Corinthians 16:15 it is converting the lost. In Romans 1:13 it is building up brethren. In Hebrews 13:15 it is prayers and songs of praise. Such fruit not only glorifies God, it brings us joy as well (v. 11).
A Branch Needs Pruning
“Every branch in Me that does bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit” (v. 2). Pruning shapes plants, cuts away unproductive or infected areas, and promotes growth and fruitfulness. We need all of that!
Much of God’s pruning is done through His word: “You are already clean [lit., pruned] because of the word which I have spoken to you” (v. 3). His word is indeed a precision cutting tool (Hebrews 4:12). He may prune through other means as well. Whatever the means, and despite any momentary pain, it is for our good and to His glory. Are you abiding in Christ?
