Jesus uses the illustration of being the vine and his followers being the branches to illustrate the dependence of the branch upon the vine as its source of life. The branches were not to be confused with the vine but to recognize that the branches grow from the vine receiving all the nutrients of life and from that source of life fruit is produced. If the branch was separated from the source of life it would become unable to produce anything at all, in fact the branch would die.

What does this mean? Why explain the purpose of the branches? The branch exists to produce fruit from the source of the vine. Not to just bear fruit but to bear much fruit. The fruit comes naturally from the ongoing dependence and union with the vine. Because the listeners lived in an agrarian culture and were vine-dressers and worked in or around vineyards they would understand this metaphor.

No man can have access to life in God apart from being found in union with Jesus. And only those who are in union with Jesus can produce fruit. It is through the life giving connection with Jesus that we experience life, abundant life. It is through life giving connection that we can live a divinely productive life that glorifies God. Jesus had said earlier, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6, NASB95)