Are You Plugged In?

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5 (NLT)

Have you ever stood in front of a coffee maker or toaster waiting and waiting only to realize that the machine wasn’t plugged in? With technological advancements cords are being a thing of the past, but even a cordless machine needs a power source – the battery still needs to be charged. While we aren’t a coffee maker or toaster that makes coffee or toast we still produce things. The Bible uses many different metaphors, but one that is commonly used is fruit. Humans produce fruit, not apples or oranges, but things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This fruit is produced not out of strong discipline or sheer willpower, but it is produced by being connected to Jesus – by remaining (abiding) in Jesus. It is through Jesus that we have life and fruit is naturally produced through that relationship.

Questions to think about

Pruning is important for fruit trees. Proper pruning will keep the tree healthy and it means the next year’s fruit will be of better quality. The Bible uses the metaphor of God’s children being grape vines and God as the gardener prunes us. What does it mean for God to prune us? What might that look like?

Do you enjoy being pruned?

It’s not pleasant to be pruned so how can we keep an attitude of thanksgiving and joy during those times?

What does Jesus mean when he says that we will bear fruit? What kind of fruit does a Christian bear?

Why is it vital to keep our relationship with Jesus healthy if we want to have healthy fruit? What does a healthy relationship look like?

What does it mean to remain/abide in Jesus?

What will happen to those who don’t trust in Jesus?

While this passage contains a warning to what happens to those who are outside of Jesus it is also a passage of great hope and confidence to those in Christ. How does this passage give you hope/peace/confidence?

Related Scripture passages to meditate on this week

Hebrews 12:3-11

Matthew 25:31-46

Isaiah 5:1-7

Luke 13:6-9

Matthew 3:1-12

Galatians 5:16-26