A TRUE DISCIPLE BEARS MUCH FRUIT

“I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in
Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit.
However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union
with Me] you can do nothing. When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.”
John 15:5, 8
Amplified Bible

Does your life bear the mark of a true disciple of Jesus Christ? Being a true disciple of the One that was, is, and is to come, means to be in a progressive relationship with Him. The more time spent in His presence, the more godly fruit will be produced in the life of the follower. Daily progression and growth in Him should be the determined purpose of the disciple. Jesus said, ‘You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you’ (John 15:16). The fruit of a true disciple comes from the true source, Jesus Christ. Since Jesus is the source, the fruit that comes forth will remain and it will bring glory to God.
Jesus is the only well that never runs dry. He is a dayspring of living water that flows eternally. Being connected to Him produces everlasting fruit so that whatever we ask in His Name, the Father will give unto us. The life of a true disciple bears witness of Christ Jesus and what is pleasing and acceptable to Him. The disciple is known by the fruit produced in his life (Matthew 7:20). If the fruit is spoiled or, even if no fruit is coming forth then the source is not Jesus. As we saw in John 15:16, a true disciple should bear much fruit and keep on producing fruit that is lasting and enduring. You might ask the question, what kind of fruit should a true disciple bear? Ephesians 5:8-10 says, “For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light]. For the fruit (the effect, the product) of the Light or the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life. And try to learn [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him].” The Light of Jesus in us produces only what’s good, right and true. Being connected to Him produces the fruit of righteousness, good works and holiness. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point for your own study and inspection of the product that’s being produced in your own life.
We’ve all heard it said and perhaps have said ourselves, “I want to be just like Jesus.” I would submit to those that have a desire to be like Jesus, to just do what He says. Fall in love with His word. Ps 119:162 says, “I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth a great spoil.”
Take joy in His word, live a life disciplined by it and it will bring forth abundant fruit in your life that is acceptable to Him. When much fruit is born, God is glorified and we show and prove ourselves to be true followers of Christ. ---Trisha Barnes