John 15:1-4 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 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. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will 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. NIV

In this passage Jesus is talking to His disciples the night before His crucifixion. In this section of that talk He emphasizes the importance of His followers bearing fruit. What does He mean by fruit? Is it like the “fruit of the Spirit” in the book of Galatians? Is it the good works mentioned in the Book of Colossians? May be it is the fruit of good standing mentioned in Philippians. May be it is all of these things.

If we look at the figure of speech Jesus is using perhaps that will help. It seems to me that fruit is the outcome or result of the vine and the branches collaboration together. Reflection on this passage, especially verse 8 (John 15:8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. NIV), seems to indicate to me that the fruit Jesus might be talking about is anything that brings glory to God. This could be works, or character, or attitudes, or words or any combination of the above. As we join together with the Lord in bringing Him glory those results might be the fruit Jesus is calling us to bear.

Lord, may the fruit that is produced through my walk with you be acceptable and pleasing to you.

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