Complete English translation
In previous studies, we have understood what Jesus meant when He said that we must be branches connected to Him, and what it means to be connected to Him. Now, let's see what it means to produce fruit that persists and how we can produce such fruit.
"It is not you who choose Me, but I who choose you. And I have appointed you, that you may go and bear fruit and your fruit will remain (abide/remain), so that what you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you" – John 15:16
There are 3 important points here:
1. God chooses us.
2. God asks us to produce fruit.
3. God gives us whatever we ask for.
When we look at this verse, there is an analogy that can help us understand the situation better. Imagine you are working, then called by your boss. He said that there is an important task that you have to complete, and he will provide all the resources you need. Sounds cold and transactional, right? Is this a picture of God? No. He is a caring Father and wants us to succeed. That is why we see in John 14:16-17 that Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit as a Helper. God does not simply judge our performance, but sends a Helper—someone who is very strong, capable, and knows Him intimately—so that this Helper can guide us to complete the tasks given in a way that pleases God.
Reflection Question:
We have learned what God means that we become His branches, which is that we become:
1. Door/Way for others to know God through our testimony and life.
2. Learn from Christ (Word) and Teach the wisdom of God's Word to others.
3. Hands/Work do God's work, serve others, and show our faith through Action.
4. Relationship, forming a community rooted in love and fellowship.
5. Sign/Seal, reflects His character and truth in our lives.
So for each point above, what kind of fruit does God want us to produce?
Remember, this fruit comes from us living in Jesus, do you still remember what it means to live in Jesus?
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"If you ask Me for something in My name, I will do it." – John 14:13-14
“Ask whatever you want, and you will receive it” – John 15:7
"Everything you ask the Father, He will give you in My name." – John 16:23
Interesting, isn't it? Repeatedly Jesus said, ask in his name, and you will receive. There are two important things that we need to discuss:
1. What kind of request is pleasing to God.
2. What does it mean to ask in the name of Jesus?
Do you remember Solomon? God gave him the opportunity to ask for anything, and because his request was pleasing in God's eyes, he was blessed abundantly and even more than what he asked for. Solomon asked for wisdom, not for himself, but to lead God's people wisely. This shows that focusing on God's will, not self-interest, produces abundant blessings.
In addition, asking in the name of Jesus is not just saying His name like a talisman. The name of Jesus represents His personality and authority. Like when carrying out duties in the name of the president, the one in power is not the name itself, but the authority behind the name. Similarly, asking in the name of Jesus means in harmony with His will and authority.
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We have learned a lot about the meaning of being a branch of Jesus, what fruit Jesus wants us to produce, the importance of staying in Jesus, and the help and authority that Jesus gives us so that we can carry out our duties. However, there is a statement that seems to contradict the Father's character:
"I am the true vine and My Father is its master. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He cuts off" – John 15:1-2
This verse is often used to scare believers to work or bear fruit for God. However, let's pay attention:
1. This branch is in Jesus, which means people who love God.
2. The branches in Jesus are chosen by the Father, not by the will/choice of that person.
3. God gives salvation not because of our performance but because of His Grace.
4. Contrary to John 6:37, "I will not cast them away," and Psalm 145:14, "The LORD sustains the fallen."
5. Jesus taught that we bear fruit through Him and the Holy Spirit not by our own strength.
So what is the answer? The translation of "cut" is not appropriate.
The Greek word is airo (αἴρω), where the main translation is "lifts up" or lifted, this can be seen in the footnote of the Bible translation of the New King James Version (NKJV).
The Father is a businessman (plant nurse) who will lift (care for) the branches that do not bear fruit so that they can get enough sunlight so that they can finally bear good fruit like other branches, and this is the heart of Jesus: "He will not cut off the broken broken tree, and the faded wick of the flame will not be extinguished; He will faithfully declare justice." – Isaiah 42:3