Our scripture this morning is John 15:1-4.
I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
In Exodus 3:14 God tells Moses “I Am Who I Am.” This leads to the seven “I Am” statements Jesus makes in the Gospel of John, showing His connection to God. The people would have recognized this scripture and Jesus uses the vineyard as a symbol for God’s faithful people.
Pruning cuts off what is dead and encourages growth. We are fruitful when Jesus’ love and teachings are shown in our lives. We know we can’t do this alone. Only through connection to Jesus can we live as God intends, sharing His love with world.
Jesus tells us “You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” This is His promise that we will not be alone, which He shared in John 14:16-17 and again in Acts 1:8. We can be fruitful only when we are faithful, and as He teaches us “you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.”
Gracious God, You sent Your only son to love and save and free us. Help us to be the faithful, fruitful people You intend, sharing the Good News with the world. Amen.
