Connect Matthew 13:37 with John 15:5 on bearing fruit in Christ. Setting the Stage Matthew 13:37 — “He replied, ‘The One who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.’” John 15:5 — “I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” Christ the Sower (Matthew 13:37) • Jesus identifies Himself as “the Son of Man,” actively sowing “good seed” into the world. • The seed is His Word (Luke 8:11) and those who receive it (Matthew 13:38). • Intent: establish a harvest that reflects His own righteousness (Isaiah 61:11). Christ the Vine (John 15:5) • Jesus pictures Himself as the life-giving vine; believers are the dependent branches. • Fruit comes only through abiding (remaining, continuing) in living union with Him. • Without that connection, productivity grinds to a halt—“apart from Me you can do nothing.” Connecting the Images • Same Person, two roles: Sower planting life; Vine sustaining life. • In Matthew, He initiates growth; in John, He nourishes ongoing growth. • The good seed (people transformed by the gospel) must stay grafted into the Vine to mature and bear fruit. • Result: a harvest that proves the Sower’s skill and the Vine’s vigor (John 15:8). What “Fruit” Looks Like • Christlike character (Galatians 5:22-23). • Good works prepared in advance (Ephesians 2:10). • Effective witness that multiplies new believers (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 1:13). • Praise to God that flows from righteous lives (Philippians 1:11; Hebrews 13:15). How to Remain in the Vine • Daily intake of Scripture—the living seed keeps germinating (Psalm 1:2-3; Colossians 3:16). • Prayerful dependence—drawing sap from the Vine (Philippians 4:6-7). • Obedient action—fruit grows as we do what He says (John 15:10; James 1:22). • Fellowship with other branches—encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Confession and cleansing—pruning that increases yield (John 15:2; 1 John 1:9). Supporting Snapshots • Colossians 1:10 — “bearing fruit in every good work.” • Psalm 92:13-14 — planted in the Lord’s house, still bearing fruit in old age. • Jeremiah 17:7-8 — roots by the stream, leaves always green. Takeaway for Today The Son of Man plants us as good seed; the True Vine keeps us alive and productive. Stay embedded in His Word, reliant on His Spirit, and engaged in His mission—then fruit will come naturally, abundantly, and unmistakably for His glory. |
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