John 15 reminds me of major decision points. Sometimes in life, we make a conscious decision to change. It might be severing a relationship, relocating, or starting an exercise program, but that decision can reshape everything that follows. Today’s chapter is about producing healthy growth. Jesus used the common grapevine as an analogy to prepare the disciples for the days ahead. “I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener”. Before every growing season, the vine is cut back, “He cuts off every branch… that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes”. Proper pruning promotes abundant growth, “it will be even more fruitful”. Nutrients flow from the trunk, through the cane vine, out to the branches. Jesus explained that “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine”. Simple, right? But He adds, “Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me”. Some have a problem with this statement; they tell me they are doing fine on their own, yet I see no joy. Jesus repeats the message for the cocky Christian, “I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from Me you can do nothing”. On our own, we are like the fruitless wild shoots that are very busy, but produce no grapes. There is also a strong warning to those that fall away from the faith, “If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers”. Friend, have you been withering? He offers an option, “Remain in Me and My words remain in you”. He offers new words of healing and hope. Why are you clinging to old words of hurt?
The dark days following the crucifixion were full of fear and doubt. Jesus gave the disciples a promise for the waiting season; it is “My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples”. Every flower represents new potential. He adds, “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you”. During the most difficult time of their lives, He told them, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you”. I believe this means we are to share His teaching, extend His mercy, and offer His forgiveness to one another. Jesus then explained the resurrection in terms that would only make sense later, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”. Do you know anyone that would offer their life to save yours?
The chapter ends with final promises to followers of Christ. “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last”. This is a humbling perspective given to believers. We were chosen while we were dormant sticks; selected not because of our greatness, but because He is able produce something new. He repeats, “This is My command: Love each other”. The world loves in order to get something, but His love is sacrificial. Jesus taught, “You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you”. Those that seek popularity often sacrifice integrity. Those that do not conform to corruption are attacked, “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also”. Jesus explains some will find peace and, others will be enraged “because of My name”. The world must remove standards of right and wrong, otherwise, “they have no excuse for their sin”. The mob mentality says, if everyone else is doing it, it can’t be wrong. Christ speaks to the individual. “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth… He will testify about Me”. God’s Holy Spirit is freely given to all who ask. God gives each of us freewill to choose between peace with God, and peace with the world. My friend, have you come to a decision point in life? The chapter closes with, “And you also must testify”. The dormant season is ending; we have been prepared for new, healthy, productive growth. It is time to bear bountiful fruit!