Introduction

Welcome church! Today we’re wrapping up our 4-week series, In His Words. Each week we’ve taken a look at one of Jesus’ I AM statements from the gospel of John where Jesus reveals Himself…His true nature, to us. The truth is, as we begin to understand who Jesus is, we can further understand how He is working in us and throughout the world. So far we’ve heard Him say, “I AM the bread of life, I AM the light of the world,” and “I AM the gate (door).”

Each of these statements is powerful in its own right, and all of them together begins to paint a picture for us of an amazing, all-powerful, kind and generous savior. It’s because of this that Jesus can with confidence say in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Now, I’ve never heard anyone say that they hoped to do NOTHING with their lives. So, what is Jesus saying here? How do you stay connected to Him and what is the fruit that Jesus is speaking about? These are a few of the questions I hope to answer today as we take a look at John 15:5 together.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Main Teaching

It may help to read the a few of the verses leading up to John 15:5 as we get started today; Read John 15:1-5

The Power of Jesus, as depicted in John 15:1-5, is manifested in His divine nature. He is the vine, the source of life and sustenance for the branches. He gains His power by being connected to His Father, God. This metaphor beautifully encapsulates the relationship between Jesus and His followers. Just as a branch cannot survive, let alone bear fruit, without the vine, so too we cannot thrive spiritually without a deep, abiding connection to Jesus.

This powerful connection is not just about sustaining life, but also about enabling growth and fruitfulness. The fruit that Jesus speaks of in this verse is not merely a reference to good deeds or moral behavior. It is a metaphor for the character traits that the Holy Spirit cultivates in us when we remain connected to Jesus - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not qualities that we can manufacture on our own. They are the fruit of Jesus' power working in and through us.

The power of Jesus is also transformative. It changes us from the inside out. When we abide in Jesus, we are not merely improved versions of our old selves. We are new creations, reborn and renewed by His power. (2 Cor. 5:17) This transformation is not a one-time event, but a lifelong process. As we continue to abide in Jesus, His power continually works in us, molding us more and more into His likeness.

And…It is through His power that we are saved from sin and death. Jesus, the vine, was cut off and died so that we, the branches, might live. His resurrection power conquered death, not just for Himself, but for all who believe in Him. This is the ultimate demonstration of His power - the power to save and give eternal life.

As we learned last week, He is the gate, the door through which we enter into eternal life ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium