Jesus said, “You are the branches”

 “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 NIV)

Apart from Him you can do nothing

A branch, by definition, is a secondary stem or limb growing from the trunk or main stem of a tree or shrub. It’s a bough, limb, arm or offshoot from the main trunk or vine it is attached to. A branch cannot exist on its own, but must receive nourishment from the main trunk or vine that it grows from. Jesus, described Himself as the true vine (the main vine or trunk) that branches are attached to, and He described his followers as the branches that are attached to Him. He said we will produce much fruit by remaining attached to Him, the true vine. He said apart from Him, we can do nothing!

The Father prunes away branches that do not produce fruit

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” (John 15:1-2 NLT)

You are pruned by His message

“You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.” (John 15:3 NLT)

To remain fruitful, remain in Jesus

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4 NLT)