John 15:1-17 ESV
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 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. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 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. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
Rev. Dr. Ed Gross
We are not called to plant churches. We are called to make disciples. Churches, we have. Disciplers, we have few. To be a disciple in the first century, there is a set of requirements. We are called to the same things as modern-day christians. We are called to teach people to obey christ.
It is not enough to hear and understand the words of Christ. We are to make it true in our lives. That is what we are to do.
True obedience comes from a heart of love. Obedience is not love. It comes from love. If we love God, then we will obey.
After obedience to God, Christ brings us into intimate friendship with Christ. The order matters. We are friends by our obedience in christ.
Do all this and we will have fruit. Rabbis would teach and then release disciples to become rabbis themselves. Rabbis then make more disciples. This is fruit. Fruit that remains attached to the vine.
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