March 20
JOHN 15
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 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. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 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. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. – John 15:1-11
JOHN 15 PRUNE WHAT DOESN’T BEAR FRUIT
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, follow his word
If you do, you will decode lies coming from the world
If you stay faithful in doing what Scripture says
You will bear fruits in your life in abundance
When you recognize parts of you that isn’t productive
You may have strayed away from our heavenly Father.
In this account, Jesus likens his relationship to his disciples to a vine and its branches. The vine is Jesus and the branches are his followers. When the branches are not cut off from the vine, they will produce fruits. So, Jesus advises them to make sure that they are constantly in relationship with him so that they will bear fruits. When the Father, who is the gardener or vinedresser, sees that they are not producing fruits, he will prune them. To prune in gardening means to cut off or remove parts of the branch for better shape or more fruitful growth.
REFLECTION
• How has God pruned you when you are fruitless or unproductive?
