Portraits of a Savior

When we know who He is, we learn who we are.

John 15:1–8 (NIV)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 

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.

The True Vine 

1. Jesus Is Our Lifeline 

Colossians 2:6–7 (NIV)

 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

✔️When we’re connected to Jesus, we’re connected to everything we need.

2. Jesus Nourishes What He Connects To

-Vines feed the branches. 

-Vines stabilize branches in storms. 

-Vines connect branches to everything they need to thrive.

✔️He is not just the source of life—but the sustainer in every season.

3. Jesus Grows Us for the Father’s Glory

✔️Fruit isn’t proof of our performance—it’s evidence of His presence.

Acts 4:13 (NIV)

 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Philippians 1:11 (NIV)

 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

The Branches

We Are Carriers of His Life 

John 15:5

“I am the vine; you are the branches.

✔️We are not performers—we are participants.

✔️We are not producers—we are reflectors.

2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)

 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

2. We Are Cultivated for More 

John 15:2 (NIV)

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

“God doesn’t prune what He’s done with. He prunes what He believes in."

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” – Psalm 103:8

3. We Are Called to Stay, Not Strive 

John 15:4, 7 (NIV)

4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

✔️Fruit doesn’t come from effort—it comes from connection.