What leads to true health and human flourishing? In John 15, Jesus paints a vivid picture of fruitfulness, inviting us to prioritize communion with Him as the key to bearing fruit that brings glory to God. Jesus is reorienting us around Himself and as we draw from Him, we step into life as it is meant to be.
Reason #6 – Bearing fruit glorifies God v. 8a
“By this my Father is glorified…” John 15:8a
Jesus elucidates the true way to display the glory of God in our lives—by bearing fruit. The glorification of God through fruit-bearing stems from His original intention for humanity: to reflect His image and magnify Him. As we abide in Christ, He glorifies God through us by being God in us. Nothing could be more astounding than, after failing to reflect the image of God and display the glory of God, that Christ would restore God’s image in His disciples by His very power and presence in them.
Just Like Your Dad
Reflecting on my relationship with my father, I recall how people often remarked, “You are just like your dad.” Initially, I wasn’t excited about that. However, with time and the birth of my own son, my perspective shifted. I realized the profound honor in imitating a father and the dignity it bestows upon a son. Similarly, when we bear fruit, we imitate God, bringing glory to Him and dignity to ourselves.
Does this realization thrill you? Does it ignite a fervor within you? That we get to be like God our Father! This is the essence of our discipleship and the substance of our worship—it encapsulates the purpose of humanity. Formation in Christ is synonymous with the glorification of God because it puts His character on display for all to witness. God is glorified as we bear fruit through communion with Christ.
Reason #7 – Bearing fruit proves we are in Christ v. 8b
“...that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” John 15:8b
Not only does bearing fruit glorify the Father, but it also serves as an evidence of our genuine discipleship. While gifts can be mimicked, the fruit of the Spirit of Christ signifies one thing: Christ is in us. As the resurrected, ascended, and reigning Jesus Christ makes His home in our hearts, He communicates His life to us unmistakably.
Back To My Watch
Consider my watch, which I mentioned in part 1 of this series of articles. It not only connects to a power source but also downloads information. If the connection is lost, so is the download. Similarly, we can discern our union with Christ by His character manifested in us. Jesus doesn’t command us to bear fruit and then abandon us to change ourselves; rather, He commands us to bear fruit and supplies what He commands. We can have confidence that we are united to Him when we see His power and character flowing down into our lives.
Being in Christ entails both forgiveness and life transformation. Regardless of what the future holds, if we prioritize communion with Christ, He will make us more like Him. This transformation is the fruit, the manifestation of the life of Jesus in and through us. May our lives be a testimony to His transformative power, drawing others into the beauty of communion with Him. Bearing fruit encourages us and glorifies God.
Next week we will finish our exploration of John 15 and communion with Christ.
