Main points:
(1) What does bearing much fruit refer to v.5? The phrase, “The one who remains in me—and I in him—bears much fruit” was repeated in v.7, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you.” Therefore, bearing much fruit refers to being able to ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. (NET) [v.7] The first phrase relates to the genuineness of their relationship with Jesus. The second phrase relates to their obedience. When both of these qualifications are met, the disciples would in fact be asking in Jesus’ name and therefore according to his will.
(2) How can a person remain in Jesus is to obey His commandment of love one another to the point of dying for each other v.10-13.
(3) What is fruit? [v.5] (NET) ...for John, to have life at all is to bear fruit, while one who does not bear fruit shows that he does not have the life [v.16] (NET) The introduction of the idea of “going” at this point suggests that the fruit is something more than just character qualities in the disciples’ own lives, but rather involves fruit in the lives of others, i.e., Christian converts. There is a mission involved (cf. John 4:36). The idea that their fruit is permanent, however, relates back to vv. 7–8, as does the reference to asking the Father in Jesus’ name. It appears that as the imagery of the vine and the branches develops, the “fruit” which the branches produce shifts in emphasis from qualities in the disciples’ own lives in John 15:2, 4, 5 to the idea of a mission which affects the lives of others in John 15:16. The point of transition would be the reference to fruit in 15:8.
Reflection: Being able to have our prayer answer was a measurement of whether we bear much fruit. Twice in this passage John mentioned our prayer being answered. V7 and 16. In v.7, if we remain in Jesus and His words remain in us then we will pray according to Jesus’ will and it will be done for us. In v.16, when we go and bear fruit then whatever we ask the Father in Jesus’ name He will give us. Do we remain in Jesus and have His words in us? Do we go and bear fruit? Have our prayers been answered?
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