In John 15:4 Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
This excerpt from the Gospel of John speaks about the importance of the vine. It can also serve as a contrast between two familiar plants: briars and roses. Although briars belong to the rosebush family, the distinguishing difference between the two is that briars do not produce flowers (fruit) while roses are capable of blossoming into one of nature’s finest flowers.
How does one grow a briar? Obviously, it does not take a green thumb to accomplish this. Anyone can grow them, just about anywhere. They pop up all over the place, and you do not even have to plant them. They are basically overgrown weeds. They serve no purpose, and we find that we just cannot wait to cut down these annoying weeds and get rid of them.
The briar is like an unfruitful believer. He is not abiding in the vine, and therefore cannot possibly bear fruit as noted in John 15:4. He relies on himself rather than the strength and contentment found through Jesus Christ.
Matthew 13:22 explains it like this: “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” Because of his rebellion, his focus is limited, and he experiences insufficient direction throughout his life. Because he is not abiding in the vine nor bearing good fruit, Matthew 7:19 tells us that “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” John 15:6 illustrates that idea further: “If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.”
How exactly do roses compare to briars? In addition to the apparent physical differences, growing roses is quite literally the opposite of growing those obstinate, prickly briars. Growing roses involves much more care, attention, and patience than briars. And unlike briars, roses need rich soil and the right blend of sunlight and water to thrive and grow. When they reach final maturity, roses are clipped and made into bouquets for all to admire their beauty and enjoy their fragrance.
The rose is like a fruitful believer. He is abiding in the vine and bringing forth much fruit. Jesus tells us in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
The fruitful believer accomplishes this by absorbing the right amount of sunlight, water, and rich soil. His ever-present faith and perseverance cause him to continually grow and blossom. His delightful fragrance makes him pleasant to be around. Because he is bearing fruit, he is pruned to bring forth even more fruit (John 15:2). He does not rely upon his own resources, but waits patiently upon the Lord, or as Isaiah 40:31 so aptly reminds us, “they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.”
The warning to those who are not abiding in the vine is clear: “If it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned” (Hebrews 6:8).
However, to those believers who continually abide in the life-giving vine of Jesus Christ, Proverbs 11:30 provides us with this promise, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.”
When we abide in the vine the Lord assures us in John 15:7 that we can “ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.” Ultimately, we bring glory to God as Jesus himself tells us “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8).
Jackie Brown is a board-certified biblical counselor and the author of “Never the Same: Encounters with Jesus.” She and her husband Jim lead small groups at Crossroads Community Church (PCA) in Fishers, Indiana, where they are members.