Jesus is the true vine and his followers are the branches. This metaphor shows an inseparable relationship between Jesus and his followers. God prunes us to make us more fruitful. His pruning tools are his word and discipline (Heb 12:6,11). The process may be painful, but it is for our good. We need to cut off unnecessary things in us to grow in the holiness of God. We can bear fruit only when we remain in Jesus; apart from him we can do nothing. Jesus promises that if we remain in him and his words remain in us, he will give whatever we ask in prayer. Then we prove to be Jesus’ disciples and bear much fruit, which glorifies God.

Jesus loves us the same way the Father has loved him. Remaining Jesus’ love drives us to obey him in gratitude for his life-giving love for us. Jesus was a man of pain and familiar with suffering (Isa 53:3), but his heart was joyful in the Father’s love. As we love each other (13:34), his joy will be in us. We will live with a spirit of joy though we may weep, endure pain. Jesus laid down his life for us while we were still his enemies (Ro 5:8) and calls us his friends. He shares God’s redemptive plans and invite us to participate in it. It is amazing to know that Jesus chose and appointed us in his sovereign grace to go and bear fruit, especially the fruit of love!
Application: Lord, thank you for your life-giving love for me. Help me to remain in your love and word and bear fruit that will last to the glory of God.
One Word: Remain in Jesus