John 15: 1-11  As the disciples and Jesus leave the upper room, perhaps walking through a vineyard, Jesus  continues to speak to them the Words that they will need to believe and cling to when He is betrayed and crucified.  Words that bring clarity and comfort.  " I am the true vine and My Father is the vinedresser."  Jesus tells them. " ... you are the branches.."

A vine is meant to produce fruit on its branches.  The Vinedresser's work is to keep the branches pruned and producing.  He does this by removing any branches that are barren and by pruning back any branches that have born fruit, so that they will produce more.  It is the will of the Vinedresser that the branches of the Vine produce fruit!  

Jesus tells us how:
The branches - us - must abide in the Vine - Jesus.   Apart from Him we can " do nothing". Abiding means to stay, endure, and be present in relationship.  "Abide in Me."  Jesus tells us. ( v4) " If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you."  (v7)
"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." ( v11)

Abiding in Jesus is a permanent, 24/7, relationship.  A branch can't take a day off!  The second it is detached from the vine, it is dead.
Abiding in Jesus is directly related to having His Words in us.  We need to hide God's Word in our hearts, have them etched on our hearts, have them in our minds and on our hearts, constantly.  If we neglect His Word, we are not abiding and will not bear fruit.
Abiding in Jesus brings an amazing promise - we can ask for whatever we wish and it will be done for us.
Abiding in Jesus is necessary to keep His commandments. We cannot do it on our own.
Abiding in Jesus is abiding in His love.  This love reflects the same love between Jesus and His Father.

Father in heaven, how lovely is Your Name!  You are the Vinedresser.  You have made us and You are growing us so that we will be fruitful branches. We are in Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who is the true Vine.  Your Kingdom, majestic with glorious splendor, is an everlasting Kingdom, full of Light and Truth and Goodness.  Fruitfulness abounds!  The fruits of love, peace, kindness, patience, goodness, endurance, self-control.  Lord, help us to constantly abide in You.  May we never neglect Your Word or our relationship with You.  We love You and desire to do Your will, on earth as it is in heaven.
This is what we ask, Jesus, that the Father be glorified by this, that we" bear much fruit", proving to be Your disciples.  Amen.