John 15:5-8 NIV

 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

A beautiful rendition of an invitation to fellowship with Jesus the Son, and God the Father. 

It begins with Christ Himself as the Host, and “you” (v.5. irregular plural – Greek “humeis”). The metaphor of branches is referred to His disciples. Disciples exist because of the presence of a teacher. Similarly, branches grow out from a vine (singular). Christ is depicting Himself as a living tree, hence, branches that have life will extend out of Him. 

Immediately, Jesus switched from a metaphoric imagery to a relational dependency to the source, and punctuate the inevitability of producing much fruit. The consequences of not remaining in Him is dire. In earlier verses, Jesus introduced His Father as the gardener. Detached branches will be discarded and die. Dead wood will be disposed and destroyed. That’s what gardeners do.

Here, a personal choice must be made by the personal follower, referred in v.7 as “you” with a slightly different origin (irregular dative – Greek “humin”). Jesus now spelled out the benefits of an unbroken relationship with Him. If we pursue Him, so will His word be treasured in us. This personal commitment pleases God the Father who will in turn manifest in us much fruit. Fruit that is not hidden, but in full visible bloom, symbolizing an evidence of a good tree, giving glory to God, our Living Tree.