In John 15:5, what does the vine-and-branches image teach about a disciple’s ability to bear fruit?

### Why this is right John 15:5 identifies Jesus as the vine and disciples as branches. It says that the person who lives in Christ and Christ in that person bears much fruit, while apart from Christ the disciple can do nothing. ### The concept **Abiding** means continuing to live or remain in relationship with Christ. The vine image explains dependence: a branch’s fruitfulness comes from its connection to the vine, not from independent power. The passage does not treat fruit as an achievement detached from relationship. John 15:7 adds that Christ’s words remain in the disciple who abides in Him. ### The other options - **B. Branches bear fruit independently of the vine.** This reverses the image and contradicts Jesus’ statement. - **C. Fruitfulness is guaranteed by social status.** The passage grounds fruitfulness in abiding, not status. - **D. A branch can produce abundant fruit after separation from the vine.** The verse says that apart from Christ the disciple can do nothing. ### Terms - **Abiding**: Continuing to live and remain in relationship with Christ. - **Fruitfulness**: The productive life associated in the passage with remaining in Christ. ### Remember In John 15, connection to the vine comes before the branch’s fruit.