John 15:1–5 ‘If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.’ (v5b)
Vines were, of course, very common within Israel, and it is possible that Jesus chose this metaphor because the disciples were passing by a vine as they were leaving the upper room (see 14:31).
Jesus calls Himself ‘the true vine’, contrasted with the people of God in the Old Testament who were seen as ‘a vine’ (see Isa. 5:1–7). Sadly, God did not find in His people the fruit that He sought, hence Jesus being the ‘true one’.
Jesus tells His disciples that they are to be branches within this vine. The metaphor of being branches within Christ and growing in Christ is clear.
Just as a grape will naturally grow from a healthy vine, so Jesus’ followers can know fruit from their secure connection. Indeed, Jesus makes it clear that there is no alternative if we are to bear fruit that pleases the Father: ‘apart from me you can do nothing’.
The fruit is not defined, and most suggest that it includes all the outcomes that flow from our prayers. If you are a Christian, you can expect to see fruit.
Your prayers are heard by God. They are in His ‘pending tray’ as you read this. They may result in ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘wait’. He is pleased to bless you and see His ways known in and through you, and for you to know joy in seeing your prayers answered.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Thank You, Lord, that I can partner with You to see good things happen in Your name. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Write down your prayers and review them each week to see what God does.
Scripture To Consider:
Ps. 1; Isa. 5:1–7; Gal. 5:22–26; 2 Pet. 1:5–11
