Jesus the True Vine
Jesus names himself the true vine and his Father as the gardener who tends the vine.
“1I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard.
The Father removes fruitless branches and prunes fruitful ones for greater yield.
2He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful.
The disciples are already clean because of the word Jesus has spoken to them.
3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
Jesus calls them to remain in him, since branches bear fruit only while they stay in the vine.
4Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.
Jesus identifies himself as the vine and the disciples as branches who can do nothing apart from him.
5I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
Those who do not remain in Jesus wither, are gathered, and are burned.
6If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.
If his words remain in them, their prayers will be answered according to their desire.
7If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Much fruit gives glory to the Father and proves the disciples to be Jesus’ followers.
8This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.