Know, Grow, Show. Reflections From John 15Намуна

 DAY 3 - ARE YOU IN OR OUT? 

Verse 2 – “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit.” 

Fruit-bearing is a kingdom principle.  This is a kingdom principle set in motion right in Genesis chapter 1 where Adam is commanded to “Be fruitful and increase.” This is the first command God gave mankind. 

Fruitfulness is a part of God’s DNA and is a recurring theme with Jesus. You see it in the parable of the Talents, Minas, the fig tree, etc. Jesus said you will be known by your fruit. We will look more into this in the few days.

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit

This is an interesting statement and one that many scholars have debated about.  The Greek word for “cut off” is “airo” which means to ‘lift up’. As I think about this and a vineyard, it begins to make sense. Firstly, I do not think this passage is about separating the ‘sheep from the goats’. At the heart of this passage is Jesus' desire for us to know Him, to grow in him and show His love to one another. 

So in that context let’s look at “lift up”. Young vines are thin and weak and need support. If not they will lie on the ground, not grow to their full potential, and not bear fruit. Therefore, the vinedresser’s job is to spot these weak branches on the ground and lift them up onto the trellis that is there for their support. In doing that, the young vine also begins to get intertwined with the older branches and take support from them and that cycle going on. I think you can see where I am going with this. We will look more into this in Part 3 of this devotion.

Lifting up is a loving gracious act of the Father. He does not want us to fall away or be fruitless. He helps us in our weakness; he guides us and leads us in the way of life and in the paths of righteousness. I feel very comforted when I ponder on this.

Bible scholars say this could also refer to someone who has not truly put their faith in Jesus. They could be just pretending or going through the motions. They could attend Church every Sunday but have no living faith, no connection with Jesus, no relationship with Him. They may look like a believer, talk like one but they have no fruit. They are just a twig. The Gardner will cut this off.

These are not true believers. This is a good time to pause and examine yourself. If this is you, then I urge you, in view of God’s mercy, to come to Him, repent of wanting your own way. Confess Jesus as the only way and the Lord of your life and become that branch that has well and truly been grafted in.

It is not referring to believers losing their salvation. This is about unbelievers who think they are grafted in without producing fruit and are deceived. This is a sobering verse. We need to examine ourselves and ask ourselves whether we have been truly grafted in. The test of this is fruitfulness. What was your last area of fruitfulness? 

We are called to be a blessing to be fruitful. 

REFLECT AND ASK YOURSELF | Do you remember a time when you needed some “lifting up” when you were weak in your faith or had lost your way? Thank God, that He did not give up on you but was gentle in the way he brought you back into the community where you could get support.

Am I in the true Vine? Do I know Jesus as my personal saviour? If not, get in touch with someone who can tell you more or read a plan here on how to become a Christ-follower.

If you know that you are a part of the true vine, take a moment to thank God for the miracle and gift of salvation. Thank God for the relationship you enjoy with Him.