We who are saved by our Lord Jesus Christ are likened to one tree planted by God Himself in the world. We all share a part in that tree and have responsibilities to fulfill.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is compared to the trunk (stem) of the tree, and we are likened to the branches.
The trunk stretches from the roots to where the branches grow. Jesus, our Lord, is the source of our life, coming from God to bring life to us. We, the branches, extend from the trunk to the fruit.
John 15:1-2,5
“[1] 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.
[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.”
Many of us only see the branches bearing fruit, but today it is good to look deeper. Usually, a branch consists of two things: first, the leaves, and second, the fruit.
Both should be visible on the branch.
Therefore, you and I as saints must ask ourselves: Are the leaves there? And are the fruits there too?
What is fruit?
The original meaning of fruit in the tree metaphor is not about “harvesting” people for Christ as some might think, but rather about producing the fruit of your salvation — that is, the fruit of repentance.
John the Baptist clearly explained this by the power of the Spirit. Let us read:
Matthew 3:7-10
“[7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
[8] Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
[9] And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
[10] The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.'”
John saw the Pharisees, who boldly claimed to be God’s messengers and descendants of Abraham, yet their hearts were full of evil and filth, so they were like trees without fruit.
The fruit referred to here is what is known as the fruit of the Spirit, which every believer should strive to produce in their life of salvation while on this earth:
Galatians 5:22-23
“[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
[23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Anyone who diligently demonstrates their salvation through actions bears fruit for God, which nourishes the Spirit of God. This brings great joy to both God and the brethren.
What are leaves?
As mentioned, the branch consists of leaves and fruit. Leaves represent the ministry each of us is given to draw others to Christ, through the gift given inside us.
We are commanded by the Lord to go into all the world, preach the gospel, and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
When you witness to others, your “leaves” are healing the nations, thus saving them. Remember, leaves generally have no taste; they are often used for healing. This is what the Lord does through us when we testify to sinners.
Revelation 22:1-2
“[1] Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
[2] down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
You see? The leaves are meant to heal the nations — people who do not yet know God. Let us ask ourselves: Are we also healing the nations by preaching the gospel?
A Call to Action for Christians
As a Christian, grafted into the tree of life, you must not only sit and say, “I am saved, that’s enough.” No! Do something for the Lord. Tell others about Jesus, so they may be healed. Don’t underestimate yourself by saying, “I can’t do it.” Remember, the one doing the work is Christ within you — you are just a branch. Testify to others.
But it is not just about preaching. If your life contradicts Christ, that is also dangerous. Having leaves but no fruit of salvation in your heart will bring condemnation.
Mark 11:13-14
“[13] When he saw in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.
[14] Then he said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And his disciples heard him say it.”
These people thought serving God was enough without living a holy life. They only had leaves — the appearance of service — but no real fruit.
Conclusion
Let us ensure that we have leaves and also fruits, because we are the trunk within the tree of life. And God’s grace will help us.
The Lord bless you.
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