A study of John 15:1-6 reveals that God removes and prunes branches, bearing fruit requires abiding in Christ, and apart from Christ we can do nothing.

A study of John 15:1-6 reveals that God removes and prunes branches.

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (ESV, John 15:2)

Jesus uses the practice of pruning branches in caring for a vineyard to make a spiritual analogy. But the idea goes back even further in scripture. Isaiah 5:1-7, Jeremiah 2:21, Micah 7:1, and Hosea 9:10 all refer to Israel as the vine or vineyard of God that is intended to bear fruit. And the spiritual lesson Jesus is teaching still makes sense today.

We cut back fruit bearing trees to promote health and increase its fruit crop. Dead branches are removed. As are less healthy limbs that consume nutrients but produce little or no fruit. Even healthy branches are pruned so that nutrients are more efficiently distributed and the branches produce more and better fruit.

In V.1, Jesus is the vine and the Father is the gardener. The disciples are implied as branches although not specifically named. But the message is clear. Branches, and therefore disciples, are expected to bear fruit. And the father cuts off branches that don’t bear fruit. This suggests people who outwardly appear as disciples, but have never made a genuine commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. At the final judgment, those who are not genuine followers of Jesus will be separated from true followers.

Why is pruning necessary?

However, even disciples as healthy branches are pruned. Why? So we produce more fruit. The Greek word translated “to prune” is kathairō, which means to clean or purify. Since we still sin, we need ongoing purification to promote holiness and righteousness. And God uses circumstances to spiritually discipline us to promote spiritual growth. We’re moved toward conviction and confession of sin, regular spiritual practices, and visible godly character.

For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness and self-control (ESV, Galatians 5:22-23)

Here’s how the writer of Hebrews describes it.

My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. (ESV, Hebrews 12:5-6)

A study of John 15:1-6 reveals that fruit bearing requires abiding in Christ.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. (ESV, John 15:4)

The Greek word for “abide” is meno, which means to stay in a place, to stand against opposition, to hold out, stand fast, remain, and endure. It conveys an ongoing, vital, and dependent communion. And may include standing fast against opposing forces. In other words, abiding in Christ does not always mean sunny days and warm fuzzies. But enduring faithfully in both good and bad times.

What does abiding in Christ look like?

Jesus says we’re to abide in him as he abides in us. But it doesn’t work the same. Jesus abides in his disciples through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Among other things, the Spirit convicts us of sin, purifies us toward holiness, illuminates and teaches us truth, and provides comfort.

But how do we as disciples abide in Christ?

• In a personal relationship: It starts when we confess and repent of our sin and ask Jesus for forgiveness.
• In worship: That glorifies and magnifies an Almighty God.
• In his word: Reading and studying the Bible to grasp its truth and apply it to our lives.
• In prayer: Presenting our needs to him, but also interceding for others, and seeking God’s will.
• In obedience: As we understand and obediently live out God’s word we produce fruit that glorifies God.
• In community: As we walk with other believers in support, encouragement, and accountability.

A study of John 15:1-6 reveals that apart from Christ we can do nothing.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (ESV, John 15:5)

Discipleship has been metaphorically implied up to this point. But now, in V.5, Jesus personalizes it. He is the vine and the disciples are the branches. Furthermore, in V.5 Jesus essentially repeats what he says in V.4, but with different wording that takes a negative tone. In V.4, Jesus tells the disciples they can’t bear fruit by themselves, but only if they abide in him. And in V.5 he rephrases the sentence to say that disciples who abide in him will bear much fruit, but without him, they can do nothing. Both verses say the same thing in different ways. Fruit or no fruit depends on whether disciples do or don’t remain in Jesus.

Discipleship and disciple-making are God’s methods for building spiritual maturity and the kingdom of God. They don’t happen by attending church and making charitable donations. Or by following rules and checking off a list of good works. But an ongoing, vibrant relationship with Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul further supports this in Philippians.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (ESV, Philippians 1:6)

So that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (ESV, Philippians 1:10-11)

There is both a goal and an end game in abiding in Christ. The goal is to imitate Jesus who sought to obey and glorify the father. And while Jesus was sinless and we are not, we should still strive to follow his example of obedience in a life of fruitful righteousness. And when we meet Jesus the end game is heaven. Eternity with him and all the other disciples who preceded us.

It is also important to note that discipleship is not done in isolation, but in community. As disciples, we find encouragement, support, and accountability as we walk in faith with other disciples who follow Jesus Christ.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is a Christian author & blogger who publishes fiction and non-fiction books, humorous Christian drama, and a thought-provoking blog from a Christian worldview.

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