The Everyday Struggle to Stay Connected
We all know what happens when something gets disconnected. A phone without a charger dies. A lamp unplugged from the outlet goes dark. A branch broken from the tree withers and crumbles.
Jesus uses that same imagery in John 15:1–8 to explain spiritual growth. He reminds us that the life we long for, the strength, the peace, the fruit, that it only comes from staying connected to Him.
“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.
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. 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. 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.”
Breaking Down the Picture
Jesus gives us a simple but powerful illustration:
The Vine — Jesus
The true source of life. A branch cannot grow on its own—it must stay connected to the vine.
The Branches — Us
Our role is not to produce fruit in our own strength, but to remain connected. A branch cut off from the vine quickly withers.
The Gardener — The Father
God carefully tends His vineyard. He prunes what is fruitful so it can grow stronger, and removes what is dead. Pruning is never punishment—it’s care that leads to greater growth.
The Fruit — Evidence of Growth
Fruit is the visible evidence of inner life. It looks like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). Fruit is not busyness or activity—it’s the character of Christ and the impact of His Spirit working through us.
What This Means for Spiritual Growth
1. We Can’t Do It on Our Own
Jesus makes it clear: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Our strength, wisdom, and transformation all flow from Him.
2. Pruning Is Necessary
God lovingly cuts away distractions, sin, and even good things that keep us from His best. Though it may be painful, it always leads to greater growth.
3. Fruit Is the Result of Abiding
Fruit is not forced. A healthy branch doesn’t strive—it simply receives life from the vine. Growth is the natural result of staying connected.
4. Abiding Shapes Our Desires
When we remain in Christ, even our prayers align with His will. Our desires become His desires, and God is glorified through the fruit He produces in us.
Making It Relevant Today
Busyness doesn’t equal fruit. A crowded schedule doesn’t guarantee spiritual growth. True fruit is seen in character and faithfulness.
Pruning seasons may hurt. That closed door, unexpected change, or challenge may be God’s way of shaping us to depend more fully on Him.
Abiding is daily. This isn’t about a one-time decision but a continual posture—remaining in Christ through prayer, Scripture, worship, and obedience.
Reflection Questions
1. Where in life do I feel most connected to Jesus right now? Where do I feel most disconnected?
2. What “pruning” might God be doing in this season? Am I resisting it or receiving it?
3. What fruit do I see the Spirit producing in me? What areas still need His touch?