Big Idea: Jesus tells us he is the vine who reaches lost people by maximizing the fruitfulness of his disciples. John 15:1–5 (NLT) “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 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. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 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. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Jesus: I am the & vine who exists to bear fruit. 1 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. How Does The Vine Bear Fruit ? 1. The gardener OR . 2 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. branches. Professing believers who only with Jesus. branches. Genuine believers who in Jesus. The branches . 4 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. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Abiding = Regularly drawing near & remaining rooted in Jesus’ love. HOW THEN SHOULD I LIVE? Daily dependence. alone with God. Lifestyle obedience. together with your faith family. your resources. live an everyday mission. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS What do you better understand about Jesus as the true & better vine OR God as the gardener? Where have you seen God at work pruning you for maximum fruit? Where do you struggle (or succeed) to regularly draw near & remain rooted in Jesus’ love? Which of the four G’s (Get, Gather, Give, Go) hits you the hardest?