Day 2: A Tree is Known By It's Fruit

Matthew 12:33-37, John 15

Gathered around a table for His final supper with His closest friends, Jesus delivers His seventh and last “I am” declaration. All of which are significant, but it is by no mistake that the final identity and purpose statement Jesus utters amongst His inner circle point to His role as “the true vine”, the source of fruitful life. From the seven-day creation narrative in Genesis to the seven churches, seals, trumpets, spirits, and bowls in Revelation, this number signifies completeness from beginning to end. And if the number seven points to the notion of unity and completeness, then we should likely linger in the truth of Jesus’ identity being complete through His sustaining power over us, His chosen people. 

John 15 is home to the allegory that many of us are decently familiar with, and for good reason, as abiding is essential to transformation. But how often do we miss that the truth of John 15 is made possible by the work done in the resurrection? How often do we miss that we are known by our fruit, that abiding in Christ is not only essential for our souls, but for others to come to know Him through our uncommon nature as new creations? (Matthew 12:33). 

In verse 5, Jesus says, “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.” Without the Spirit of the one true living, eternal God inside of us, we can do nothing in this life of lasting value. We depend on Him for life, for blessing, for pruning, for nurturing, for all things. Abiding in Him is not an option if you desire a life of meaning, of purpose. 

John Piper says that “abiding is believing, trusting, savoring, resting, receiving.”; To abide in Christ is to trust, believe, and receive the words of Jesus, dwelling in His love (John 15:9)  and filled by joy (John 15:11)  as you live believing He is who He proved to be through His crucifixion and later resurrection. 

So when you face pruning as a result of your abiding in Jesus, know that it is God’s kindness that you experience trials, just as Jesus did in His life. It is the Father’s immense love for us that He sent His Son to bridge the gap we made between Him and us amidst our rebellion. Take heart, Resonate,  for  “We are being cared for both internally by Christ’s life coursing into us by the Spirit and externally by the providences of a loving Father who knows how to discipline his children to make them very, very holy.” (John Piper).