John: Abiding!

John 15:1-17

Can a true believer walk away from their faith? Is it possible for believers to forfeit their relationship with Jesus? Can someone accept Christ, then turn away, and no longer be considered God’s child? Let’s examine our passage today to gain a better understanding of what a relationship with Jesus looks like. 

In John 15, Jesus begins with his seventh and final “I AM” statement. He declares, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1). Vines and vineyards are common analogies used throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, Israel was likened to a vine that God tended.[1]  He called on Israel to bear fruit, but they often failed because of their disobedience. So, Jesus came. He is the true vine, fulfilling everything that God intended for Israel.   

God is the vinedresser who desires for much fruit to be produced. God calls on believers to bear fruit (John 15:2a), more fruit (John 15:2b), and even more fruit (John 15:5, 8). Branches that don’t produce are removed, while those that do are carefully pruned to encourage healthy growth and a greater yield. 

The NET Bible is useful here for understanding the importance of the vine metaphor.

The imagery of the vine underscores the importance of fruitfulness in the Christian life and the truth that this results not from human achievement, but from one’s position in Christ. Jesus is not just giving some comforting advice, but portraying to the disciples the difficult path of faithful service. To some degree the figure is similar to the head-body metaphor used by Paul, with Christ as head and believers as members of the body. Both metaphors bring out the vital and necessary connection which exists between Christ and believers.[2]

Continuing with the vine analogy, Jesus gave this instruction to the disciples and us today: 

John 15:3-5
Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. 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. 

A keyword repeated in this passage is “abide.” It is the Greek term meno, and is central to John’s theology. Abide, translated as “remain” in the NIV, appears eleven times in this chapter and forty times throughout John’s Gospel. Edwin Blum explains that abiding begins at salvation, emphasizes the believer’s perseverance, and involves ongoing obedience.[3]  Here is a significant point to grasp: all of this is brought about by the work of Jesus. We abide in Jesus because he abides in us. “For apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Often, a vinedresser trims fruit-bearing branches to increase production. However, when a branch shows no fruit, it is considered dead (John 15:6). In such cases, the useless branches are collected and thrown into the fire to be burned. This symbolizes the final and eternal judgment that all nonbelievers will face.

The connection of dead branches to the vine does not indicate a believer who has turned away from the Lord or lost their salvation. Some claim to know Jesus but show no fruit, demonstrating they are not true followers of Jesus (John 15:8). Judas is an example of someone who professed to know Jesus and even followed him; however, his life did not produce any spiritual fruit. When Jesus spoke these words, Judas was on his way to betray him. 

True believers have an ongoing, meaningful relationship with Jesus. Here’s how Jesus describes it. 

John 15:7-11
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 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. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.  

A true believer shows they belong to Jesus by bearing fruit. Producing fruit doesn’t make us Christians or save us; it is the natural and intended result of the Spirit’s work in our lives, confirming that we are remaining in Jesus and staying in the Father’s love. This Spirit-produced fruit brings joy to Jesus and provides genuine satisfaction and fulfillment for every believer. 

Today’s passage concludes with three significant truths:

• Love one another (John 15:12-13, 17): Jesus presents this as a commandment. He was preparing to lay down his life for us on the cross. There is no greater love than that, and we are called to follow his example of sacrificial love.  
  
  
• Friendship with God (John 15:14-15): Jesus—the Creator God in the flesh—makes this profound statement: “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends.” Do you understand what he is saying? Jesus calling us “friends” is beyond our human understanding! Still, God loved us so much that he sent Jesus to reconcile us to himself, making this friendship possible. As the Westminster Confession states well, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” This is a relationship we are meant to enjoy! 
  
  
• Chosen (John 15:16): Many people find it hard to accept that God chooses us. I believe this stems from pride—we want to control our own lives. But Jesus clearly states this truth when he says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide...." God has chosen us to be part of his team. We should respond with gratitude, humility, love, and obedience. God has chosen us! We are his children forever, and nothing can separate us from his eternal love (Rom. 8:38-39)!

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on John 15:1-17. Is the Holy Spirit producing fruit in your life?

Talking to God: Am I genuinely abiding in Christ, or merely connected at a surface level? Does he call me his friend? 

Have Questions?
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Know Jesus more intimately.
Love Jesus more passionately.
Follow Jesus wholeheartedly.