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Author: Stephen Weller
578 words, 3 minutes read time

Fruit and Take Away

Scripture: John 15:1-3

In the previous lesson our focus was mainly on the branch that is to produce fruit. In this lesson we will consider what that fruit might be and also the meaning of “take away” in reference to the branch that does not bear fruit.

_{Jn 15:1} [Jesus said,] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

It is generally understood that “fruit” is an image of the good results that stem from the life of a believer in the process of producing a benefit to the lives of others and in advancing the work of God in the world. There is another view that relates to the metaphor of seed falling on good soil and producing a good harvest. (Matthew 13:8). Fruit in that sense is seen as growth or change in character. In Galatians 5:22 – 23 (ESV), we are told that the fruit of the Spirit is love and its characteristics are “joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Here fruit is seen as these characteristics of love that are evident and increasing in the life of a believer.

“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away” has come to mean two different things. The Greek word from which “take away” comes can also be translated “lift up.” If one chooses the translation to lift up then God is seen lifting up the fruitless branch from the ground so that it will be in a position to bear fruit. In this view all branches are Christians. I would argue against this view based on John 15:6 ESV: “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” This verse strongly suggest that these fruitless branches are not true believers.

^{Jn 15:3} “Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.”

The pruning that takes place to bear more fruit is seen as a painful but necessary removal of some interest and activities to allow time and energy to do those things that produce more fruit. The Greek word from which “prune” comes can also be taken to mean “to clean.” Pruning cleans out dead and unfruitful branches just as the word of God has a cleansing effect in our lives by removing that which is hindering our walk with the Lord.

Conclusion

Here in John we as believers are seen as fruitful branches that abide in or are connected to Christ. Paul describes the body of Christ as one body with many members and he as its head (1 Corinthians 12). The members of the body are the branches of the vine. Two different pictures of our relationship to Jesus Christ. With the vine and branches it is the Spirit that flows through them producing fruit on the branches. In the body the Spirit is its nervous system that connects the head (Christ) to the members (believers). His function in the body of many believers would be similar to the nervous system of the human body. How this will function in the next life is beyond our current comprehension.