Takeaways

This passage is often misunderstood.  It’s important to know that the audience was the 11 disciples (after Judas left), and Jesus was sharing some final words with them before his crucifixion.  He uses the example of how a vinedresser treats his plants to help them produce the most fruit.

God has chosen His branches, and when they are not bearing fruit, he lifts them up to become more closely attached to the vine again, which helps them bear fruit.  This is often misinterpreted into an image of being completely cut off and thrown into the burn pile (as if we would lose our salvation.) But Jesus wouldn’t be telling his disciples this because He had already promised that no one could cast them out of God’s hands (John 10:28-30). As we abide, He prunes and casts aside the unfruitful, useless parts, lovingly drawing us to reconnection so we can bear more fruit.  

1.  Abiding is how fruitfulness is experienced.  Abiding means staying put, settling down, and leaning into our relationship with God. A natural result is fruit such as love, patience, joy, and peace.  

2. Abiding is being certain of the Father’s love.  Our affection for Him increases when we live in the assurance of how much the Father loves us. This leads us to WANT to grow in our walk with Him.  When you experience deep love, you want to spend time with those you love and who love you.  You want to do things that bring them joy and honor.  

3. Abiding consists of asking.  God wants us to ask Him questions, seek His wisdom and guidance, and get to know Him better.  Ask away!  Asking is an expression of dependence on Him.

Abiding is not about performing but about settling into our relationship with God and welcoming Him to prune us so that we can bear much fruit. Fruitfulness is a sign of a deepening relationship—one where we can experience much love, joy, and peace even if our external circumstances are challenging, troubling, or heavy.

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Reflection Prompters

1. Spend a few minutes appreciating how much God loves you. How does knowing this make a difference in your life?

2. When is the last time you asked the Father if He wanted you to do something, before you did it?  Is it time to make this “ask” a more frequent part of your daily life?

3. We often think we have to perform to remain in God’s favor.  What do you take from this message that can help you release the stress of performing?

4. A good vinedresser prunes branches that are not bearing fruit and are taking strength away from healthy branches. In what areas of life are you experiencing God’s pruning?  Where are you seeing fruit?

5. Take some time to reflect on this passage and ask God to reveal further personal applications He wants you to understand.