Abiding

Here, in the midwest, it is the end of crop growing season. Crops have been harvested and the fields been prepared for winter. To be honest, we see mostly the end of plant life these days.

We don’t have many vines and grapes growing in the area, although there are some. Jesus had a lot to say about vines and branches in John 15. He instructed that the branch depends upon the vine for nourishment and growth. The whole purpose of this symbiotic relationship is to produce fruit.

Jesus tells this parable to teach us about our relationship with him. First, if we are not branches connected to the vine, we are dead and cannot bear fruit. Secondly, we may be branches attached to the vine and bearing fruit, but Jesus will discipline or test us so that we will bear more fruit. Thirdly, to bear much fruit we must be abiding in the vine. This occurs when we are trusting and fully dependent on the vine, Jesus, then we can be sure that the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience and kindness are growing in us. Furthermore we will be doing good for others, drawing them to Jesus.

John 15:5 says, “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.” Abide in Jesus, so that you can bear much fruit in and through your life.