“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” (John 15:5).

Branches bear fruit because they are connected to the vine. The life they enjoy is due to the life of the vine that flows into them. That is how it is with Jesus and us. His life flowing through us is the source of our fruitfulness.

I used to read this verse as meaning, “apart from me you can’t do much.” That isn’t what it says. Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” It is sobering to realize that my efforts, based solely on my abilities, do not produce the result God wants. It is encouraging to note that when I’m connected to Jesus success is inevitable. Branches disconnected from the vine can’t produce grapes. Lives disconnected from Jesus can’t produce fruit.

Thankfully, we aren’t disconnected. We are eternally connected to Him. That means that we can’t help but be fruitful. Fruit-bearing is natural. Apple trees produce apples. Grape vines produce grapes. They don’t strain and struggle to produce their fruit. It’s a natural process. When we have the nature of Jesus that comes with our new birth we will see the fruit of that new nature grow. Religion says, “Work hard and you may produce fruit.” Jesus says, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” His life in us is the source of the righteous harvest each of us desires.