Scripture: John 15: 1-5

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.  Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, and ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Scripture Commentary: Be close to Jesus like a branch to a vine

Is God pruning you?  What kind of fruit are you producing?  Many people try to be good honest people who do what is right.  You live a truly good life by staying close to Jesus Christ, like a branch attached to the vine.  Jesus Christ is the vine, and God is the gardener who cares for the branches to make them fruitful.

We are the branches.  The fruitful branches are true believers who, by their living union with Jesus Christ, produce much fruit.  The unproductive branches are people who turn back from following Jesus after making a superficial commitment.  God will separate them from himself.  The unproductive followers are as good as dead because they follow themselves. God cuts them off and tosses them aside.

Jesus Christ makes a distinction between two kinds of pruning, separating and cutting back branches.  God cuts back our fruitful branches to promote growth; discipline strengthens our faith.  God cuts off others because they are worthless and they infect the rest of the vine.

Are you pruned?  Or are you being cut off?

Read the Entire Chapter:
John Chapter 15