The Vine and the Branches
Jesus names the relationship between himself and his people in a single image.
John 15:5NIV
John 15:5. "I am the vine; you are the branches." Whoever remains in Jesus and Jesus in them will bear much fruit. Apart from him, they can do nothing.
It is a farmer's picture, and the disciples would have seen vineyards on every hillside. A branch does not produce grapes by effort. It produces them by staying connected to the stock that feeds it. Cut it off and it can be as vigorous as it likes, and nothing will grow. The life is in the vine.
Jesus is not saying that people apart from him accomplish nothing at all. He is saying that they bear no fruit, and fruit in this passage is the life that the Father is looking for, the love and obedience and joy that mark his people. That does not come from trying harder. It comes from remaining. On a Tuesday in high summer, with gardens heavy and vines full, this verse asks a plain question. Are you connected, or are you working hard on your own?
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