YE ARE THE BRANCHES

(John 15:5) "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

This statement has been used to teach that the branches mentioned are the various denominational churches that exist today. That is a false conception. We must consider the context when studying the scriptures. Who is being spoken to? If you will go back to the 31st verse of chapter 13 you will find this to be the beginning of a conversation between Jesus and the eleven disciples and which continues through the 17th chapter. So, when he says, "Ye are the branches" he is addressing them.

He had told them of another Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which he would send them to guide them into all truth and bring to their remembrance all things that he had spoken to them. He would be the source of all they were to teach, the vine, and they were the branches, the messengers of the gospel. They would be charged with the responsibility of "teaching all nations." That teaching would produce much fruit or have great results. You might say, in a round about way, we who today serve Him in harmony with his will, are the fruit of their labors.

He concludes that thought by saying, "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John 15:8-11).

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