Focal Passage: John 15:1-8
I don’t have a green thumb. I have never been able to keep a live plant living. No matter how hard I try, I can never master the timing or quantity of water or sunlight needed to sustain growth. So, when Jesus talks about growing and bearing fruit in John 15, I am drawn to His illustration. Unlike me, God the Father is the perfect gardener. He knows how to produce fruit in the lives of His children.
God expects spiritual fruit from us. The scriptures clearly teach us that followers of Jesus will have proof of His Spirit exhibited by the good works they do. Though works don’t save us, they are evidence of a changed life. Because God is holy, He expects us to produce fruit that is consistent with holiness. His will is that His children who are already producing fruit would produce even more.
However, He doesn’t expect us to produce it in our own strength. Our relationship with Jesus is what produces fruit in our lives. Apart from Christ, we are unable to produce the kind of fruit that God requires. In fact, we are able to do nothing apart from Him. This is why Jesus instructs us to remain in Him. He promises that when we remain in Him and His word, we will produce not just fruit, but much fruit!
When we allow God to do fruit-producing work, He receives glory. The fruit in our lives demonstrates the goodness and character of God to those around us, causing them to look to Him. Our commitment to abiding in Christ is the most critical one we can make. We find our purpose when we submit ourselves to God’s purposes for us. The fruit that He bears in our lives matters not just in this life, but also for eternity.