John 15:1-8 (c)

       The branch in the vineyard existed for one reason: to bear fruit.  Since this glorifies God, and since God is working so as to produce more fruit, the question is, how can we be the most productive?   How can we increase in good works (the fruit of ministry)?  Jesus answers in a series of truths.

            Jesus begins with a word of encouragement:  you are already clean (v3).  He is referring to His words earlier in the evening when He washed the disciples feet (13:10).  Fruit –bearing is possible only for those who have been cleansed.  They have a relationship with Christ and He reminds them of this.  They are in Me (v2).  The question is one of a continual and deeper relationship with Him.

            Jesus then gives a word of exhortation:  abide in me and I in you (v4-5).  This is the key to their fruit-bearing.  As a branch cannot produce unless it remains in the vine, so they cannot produce unless they remain in Him.  Without Him they (and we) can do nothing!

            Jesus is building on the wonderful relationship He promised His disciples earlier (14:20).  In that context we marveled at the joy of such intimacy.  Here it is seen as the only means by which we can live lives that glorify God.

            The term abide is important.  It means to have a steadfast, at home kind of relationship with Christ.  According to Kenneth Wuest it is…

            permanence of position, occupying a place as one’s dwelling place, holding and maintaining unbroken communion and fellowship with another…He makes his spiritual home in Christ.  There is nothing between himself and his Savior, no sin unjudged and not put away.  He depends upon Him for spiritual life and vigor as the brand is dependent on the vine.

            The great preacher G. Campbell Morgan called it sustained conscious communion with Him; the constant occupation of the heart with Him.  A bountiful harvest depends on the faithfulness of our relationship with Christ.

            Third, Jesus gives a word of warning: if anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch v6).  These solemn words are based in the work of the Vinedresser (v1-2).  This is what He does:  He gets rid of non-fruitful branches.  We must beware of shaming our Creator.  Branches that bear no fruit have no reason to continue drawing from the vine.

            Finally Jesus gives a word of promise:  ask what you desire and it shall be done for you (v7-8).  Again Jesus refers to an earlier promise (14:13-14) in a similar context (14:12).  The greater works relate to bearing fruit.  It makes sense to remind them of the promise and the potential of glorifying God by it.

            Notice the condition of the promise:  if you abide in Me and my word abides in you.  This is in keeping with all He has said.  In 14:15 Jesus said, If you love Me keep My commands.  Thus we see how the promise of answered prayer is not to meet our selfish desires.  It is granted to those seeking to glorify God by bearing fruit.  It is granted to those who have His words at home in their hearts.