Tags
Bearing fruit, Branches, Connection, Fruit, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Plugged in, Technology, Tree, True Vine
Technology has become a prevalent part of how we live in our day-to-day lives. There is a concerted emphasis on utilizing the internet for research, entertainment, and social networking. Our lives have become centered around the very use of technology to the point where it is now a way of life. However, there is one thing that technology must encompass in order for it to exist and function, and that is a connection.
All technological devices that require any sort of electricity requires a connection. Even with wireless technology, at some point there must be a connection that either replenishes the energy supply or maintains the electrical current so that the connection is consistent. Without the connection, then the device in question will no longer function. Our lives are also examples of what it looks like when we do not have the divine connection that only Jesus Christ can give us.
In John 15, Jesus is teaching His Disciples about the various principles as it relates to how they should live and how the world will respond to their decision to follow Christ. However, for the purposes of this post, the focus will be on verses 1-8. In these key verses, Jesus uses the illustration of a vine and its branches. In verses 1-4 Jesus says in the NIV,
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
Jesus is saying that he is the “True Vine” or the one that provides life to the branches. There are two things that should be noted in the illustration of the branches and the vine:
1. A connection with Jesus Christ produces life – The key phrase to focus on here is “remain in me.” Jesus said in verse 4, that no one can bear fruit unless they remain in the true vine. Jesus Christ is the True Vine, which means he provides the connection for all of us to be productive and to have life. Just as a plug into an electrical socket produces an electrical connection to a device, our lives produce life when we are connected to Jesus Christ. We cannot have life abundantly within ourselves or without Christ. So many are seeking other connections in our world system, seeking a fulfilled life. However, it is impossible to have true fulfillment outside of Jesus Christ. The sin filled world that we live in offers various methods to produce a version of “life.” Unfortunately, many take what is given as truth and believe that they can have life in the way that is promoted by the world. Jesus made it very clear that without a connection to Him (the True vine) fruit or life cannot be produced. Verse 5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Apart from Christ, we can do nothing because He is the power source.
2. A life without a connection to Jesus Christ produces a spiritual death – If you were to turn on a television that was unplugged or it did not have a power source, you would find that the television would remain in the off position. That is because the television’s power source is not connected. Without a connection or power source, the television becomes worthless, which means it is a candidate to be thrown away. However, when a connection occurs, the television has power to operate which means that it is functioning in its capacity and purpose. Jesus says in verse 6, “If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” The concept that Christ mentions here involves a person’s life that is not connected to God through Jesus Christ. In the earlier verse, Jesus says that God who is the gardener, prunes or cuts every branch that does not bear fruit. Anyone who is not connected to God through Christ, will face the consequence of a life that is destined for destruction. The pathway in this life is either life or death in the spiritual sense. There are many who have chosen to live their lives disconnected from Christ, and as a result they suffer short and long-term consequences.
The promise that Jesus gives to us is that if we remain or abide in Him, then we will bear much fruit. Verses 7-8 says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Our lives are meant to bear much fruit, and we can be the beneficiaries of God’s blessings. However, this can only come if we are connected to God through Jesus Christ.
God is the ultimate power source, but in order to have a life that is fulfilled you must be plugged in through Jesus. All around us, a world is steadily in decay and decline. Morality and even godly values are no longer held to the highest standard. Now, a lifestyle of your own choosing and living to please yourself is what has become acceptable. However, those who live a life in disconnection from Jesus only find themselves in a state of confusion.
Various sins which are now considered to be acceptable, only lead to the fruit of pain and chaos. However, Jesus offers life which is built upon stability and peace. Just as a device shows its ability to function properly when it is connected, our lives function properly when we are connected to Christ. If you have already accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior, then you already know the benefits and the power that comes from being connected to Jesus.
However, if you have not, I encourage you to connect yourself to the True Vine. A life without Christ is one that lacks meaning, order, and joy. A life with Christ is one that produces much fruit, and at the end of your days on Earth you will have eternal security for your soul. Choose life by choosing the connection that gives life, and that is Jesus Christ.