Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Psalms 95-99
     New Testament Reading: John 15

My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples (John 15:8).

Vineyards were very common in Israel and were important to the life and economy of the nation. When Jesus used this image, He was not introducing something new; it was familiar to every Jew. Throughout this analogy, Jesus is talking intimately with His disciples, not the multitudes. His words are for Believers only. He intended them for those who had already established a relationship with Him. The purpose in His teaching, therefore, is not to become a Christian, but to become a productive Christian.

Jesus identifies Himself as the true vine, the only source of spiritual life for Christians, the branches. He is the one responsible for the fruit we bear, not the work we can do ourselves. A branch by itself is weak and useless. The branch cannot produce anything on its own, it must draw life from the vine. It is our relationship with Christ that makes it possible to bear fruit.

Eleven times Jesus uses the word translated as abide, continue, or remain. To abide, continue, or remain is natural for branches and the vine, but it must be cultivated in the Christian life. It is not automatic. Abiding in Christ requires a commitment, an obedience, to worship, to studying scripture, to spending time in prayer, and to sacrificial service to God. Then Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, can work in and through us to produce fruit.

Bible scholars differ on what Jesus is referring to by the fruit we bear, but probably it refers to the character qualities of Christlikeness, not the results of our efforts. Machines can produce results, but it takes a living thing to produce fruit.

The apostle Paul wrote, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23a). Jesus had just finished speaking to the disciples about peace, and now He mentions love and joy. Love, joy, and peace are the first three fruits of the Spirit that Paul mentions.

It takes time and cultivation to produce fruit, a good crop does not come overnight. In the same way, these character qualities of Christlikeness may take time to develop. As we continue to walk with Christ, His love, joy, and peace will fill our hearts. God is glorified and we show we are truly Jesus’ disciples when His patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control become evident in our lives as well.