I am the true vine and you are the branches

What Does Jesus Mean When He Says He is the True Vine? The vine is what gives life to the branches, making them capable of producing fruit. When a branch is cut off from the vine, it loses its ability to produce fruit; the branch is unable to produce any fruit outside of the connection to the vine.

Jesus is the vine, the true source of life for us believers. We are branches connected to Him, drawing that life from Him as branches draw the necessary nutrients to survive and flourish. At first glance, we may assume that branches bear fruit, but in another sense, it's really the vine that makes it all happen.

Biblical Translations of John 15:5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

In this verse, there is a clear sense of expected growth. First mentioned is barrenness, then productivity, then abundance. In terms of our spiritual lives, this is how God expects us to progress. As part of that process, God removes and prunes the branches.