TNTC John

‘fruit’ refers to the entire life and ministry of those who follow Jesus’ teaching and experience his presence in their lives through the Spirit.

Today it is the combination of the disciples’ remaining in fellowship with Jesus by obeying his word and Jesus’ remaining in his disciples through the coming of the Spirit which produces ‘fruit’ that pleases the Father.

While physically present with his disciples, Jesus remained in fellowship with them by committing himself to be with them and for them. When he returned to the Father, he did not leave them alone (see 14:15–18).

Second, what does it mean for Jesus to ‘remain’ in the disciples? Again, we should think in terms of continuing fellowship

If ‘remaining’ in Jesus were a matter of organic union (whatever that means), it would be a given, not something dependent upon obedience. However, if ‘remaining’ in Jesus is a metaphor for continuing in fellowship with and loyalty to him, then obedience to his commands is clearly important.

He used it on this occasion to indicate that, as the true vine, he produced what the nation Israel failed to produce: fruit for which the gardener (the Father) was looking.