Abiding in Christ leads to several powerful outcomes. By staying connected to the vine, we bear much fruit (John 15:5), experience great joy (John 15:11), and grow deeper in the Word and prayer, as referenced in John 15:7. Two additional results of abiding in Jesus are found in John 15:8: the glory of God and our witness to the world.

Paul understood the importance of living for the glory of God when he wrote, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). As branches of the vine, we exist not for our own glory but for the glory of our Creator. When we abide in Jesus and bear fruit, we bring glory to God the Father, who is the chief gardener and vinedresser. Jesus reinforces this idea in His Sermon on the Mount, proclaiming, “…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16a).

Reflect on this question: Is there anyone in your life who is glorifying the Father because of the fruit in your life? If not, make it a goal for this year. “Lord, use me so that I can deflect glory back to you!”

Additionally, John 15:8 reveals that our abiding and fruit-bearing serve as evidence of our discipleship. Jesus states that we prove to be His disciples when our fruit is most evident. Just as apples on a tree signify that it is an apple tree, the life of Christ flowing through us shows that we are His disciples. Charles H. Spurgeon captures this principle well: “The Bible is not the light of the world; it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible; the world reads Christians! ‘You are the light of the world.'” – Charles Spurgeon