John 13 - 15

Fruit

A Christian must have a relationship with God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and that relationship must bring forth fruit.  In today's reading Jesus speaks, in all three chapters, primarily about how once He goes away, He will send back the Holy Spirit - The Comforter - The Advocate - The Teacher to dwell in the believer.  This will establish an everlasting relationship between God and man and will allow God to work through men and women.

In chapter 15, Jesus talks about He being the vine and we, the believers, being the branches (v.1).  He discusses a progression of fruit bearing that is wonderful. As branches we must bear fruit or we are cut off (v. 2).  As believers we will bear fruit and will be purged to bring forth more fruit. (v. 2).  The fruit is borne and produced by the branch only if it remains in the vine (v. 4).   If we remain in Him, we will bring forth much fruit (v. 6 and 8).  This brings great joy to the Father (v. 8).  Because we bear the fruit of God it is a lasting fruit, a fruit that remains (v. 16).

Thus we see the progression of no fruit - fruit - more fruit - much fruit - fruit that remains.  What is this fruit of the Holy Spirit?  It is the Love (agapo) of God for God and our fellow man.  It is allowing the Holy Spirit to direct our lives.  It is an intimate relationship with God.  It allows the believer to be a Friend of God.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.