John 15:4a, 5b
Chapter 15
4
Remain in me as I remain in you. The branch cannot bear fruit by itself, but has to remain part of the vine; so neither can you if you don’t remain in me.
5
I am the vine; you are the branches. As long as you remain in me and I in you, you bear much fruit, because apart from me, you can do nothing.
Commentaries
The True Vine
Jesus is the true vine (1), the new Israel in opposition to the Old, which did not bear the expected fruit. He also contrasts with other vines that, compared to Him, have proved neither fruitful nor effective. The owner of the vine is the Father (1). The purpose of pruning is for the vine to produce abundant fruit (2). The branch that does not bear fruit will be cut off. The Father’s gift is matched by the disciple’s collaboration, which is characterized by remaining in Jesus (4). The act of bearing fruit has a double meaning. On one hand, the disciples must do so inwardly: they must remain in Jesus through brotherly love and, consequently, be “one.” On the other hand, they must do so outwardly: the disciples must commit themselves to the mission: “so that the world may believe that you sent me” (17:21b).