John 15. “I am the true vine and my Father is the vinedresser… 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.” (John 15:1,5) Jesus’ proclamation that he is the true vine is the seventh and final I AM statement recorded in John’s Gospel.

Like the other I AM statements that preceded it, this metaphor of the vine is steeped in Old Testament history and references that a Jewish audience would have recognized. The people of Israel have long been referred to as the vineyard of the Lord in the Psalms, and several prophets speak about how the Lord was frustrated with his vineyard for failing to produce fruit. Isaiah 5:1-7 is a well-known song for the vineyard of the Lord (Israel) which he cared for and nurtured and yet it failed to produce and was brought to destruction.

Historians tell us that, in the time of Jesus, the entrance to the temple in Jerusalem was decorated with a great golden vine – it had hanging grape clusters overlaid with gold that were as tall as a human being. Imagine Jesus standing in the temple courtyard announcing to his disciples that he was the true vine, the one who would produce the fruit that the nation of Israel failed to produce.

“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.” (John 15:2) Think about a vineyard, with the vines trained to grow along trellises that support the weight of grape clusters and keep them off the ground. There is some pruning and training that takes place in the spring, during the growing season, so that the healthy vines produce well. And there is some pruning that takes place after the harvest, when the dead wood is trimmed back. Pruning promotes growth in the desired direction.

The hope is that the vineyard would be fruitful. “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John15:8) What exactly is the fruit Jesus is looking for? It could be righteous living or new converts – but why limit it to just one of these? It is more likely the entire life and ministry of those who follow Jesus’ teachings and experience his presence.

What is necessary to be fruitful? “Abide in me, and I in you… Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit…” (John 15:4-5) How does Jesus abide in his disciples? Though the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Helper and Spirit of truth (John 15:26).

How do the disciples abide in Jesus? Jesus indicates clearly, “If you keep my commandments you will abide in my love… this is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:10-12). Abiding or dwelling in Jesus means obedience to his Word and loving other people. If you do this, your joy will be complete (John 15:11).

How is your joy level? Are you abiding in Jesus, taking in his word and obeying it, and embracing the guidance and support of the Holy Spirit? Do you see fruitfulness in your life – in the entirety of your life and ministry? God desires that we be fruitful followers!