John 15: Getting to the Source of Our Frustration

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes (cleans) so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean (pruned) because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me (deep, intimate, life-giving connection), and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing (all or nothing contrast). If anyone does not remain in me, he lis like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

(But, how?)

If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

(which commands?)

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.