Israel had failed to produce fruit unto God. Jesus saw the results of the faithless nation and their lack of productiveness. “And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away” (Matt. 21:19).
The nation had the appearance of religion, but within they were empty and devoid of spirituality. Their feasts were formalistic and provided no life-giving sustenance for the nation. Further, far from being a nation of priests spreading God’s word to the nations they made their converts “twofold more the child of hell.”
Jesus was a productive plant
What had the Lord done differently from Israel? His roots had drawn deeply from the water of the word. Like a fruitful vine, he drew light from the scriptures. He yielded to his Father’s “pruning” upon his character development and, as a result, he brought forth abundant fruit.
In addition, Jesus had developed a group of true followers, disciples who knew they must carry on the work of the “true vine.” God had called His Son, and Jesus called his followers to carry on his work. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and set you aside…” (Greek tithemi carries this meaning cf. N.T. uses in Englishmen’s Greek Concordance).
The disciples had been “set aside” that they “should go forth and yield much fruit.” Jesus had “set aside” his life on their behalf and the disciples were to respond in kind. The same idea is found in Numbers 8:10 when speaking of the ordination or “setting aside” of the Levites. It is also found in Num. 27:18 for Moses setting aside Joshua for his task. Acts 13:47 speaks of Paul and Barnabas being “set aside” as a light to the Gentiles.
By producing fruit in abundance, the disciples glorify the Father as well as the Son. They do so by “remaining” in Jesus and he in them. These words emphasize the strong union that exists and reinforce our commitment to continue in his commands.
Servants and friends
Jesus’ sacrifice may be viewed from many angles. Paul emphasizes “You are bought with a price” (see I Cor. 6:20; 7:22-23). Peter reminds us of the purchase price: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Peter 1:18-19). From these figures of speech we are seen to be servants or slaves who have been freed from our evil master (sin) to serve our new Lord.
Another aspect of our relationship to Christ is one of a friend. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Yet friendship implies a two-way relationship and so Jesus provides the challenge that we are his friends if we do what he commands us.
Remain in my love
The key to remaining in Christ’s love is the word of God. He produced much fruit because the Father’s word remained in him. We remain in Jesus by virtue of his words remaining in us. There is no other way we can know him and his commands.
Completing his love
“Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). The Father loves the Son; the Son loves his friends; his friends complete the circle with our love. This love must be for his friends, himself and the Father.
If we love our brothers and sisters as we have been loved, willing to give whatever it takes to make that love real, then we are revealing the love of the Father and the Son. May the Lord’s joy be complete in us for “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete” (15:11).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One