Jesus was speaking to His disciples who would soon be the leaders of the church. Using the imagery of a vine, He taught the disciples that they had to be closely related to Him. They often saw vines, which were an essential part of Israel’s economy, and they would have remembered that the nation had been described as a useless vine (Hosea 10:1-2). Now Jesus likened Himself to a new vine-stem which was rooted in the ground.

When people are close to us we may take them for granted. We may abuse the relationship in some way without realising how our own selfish demands destroy mutual love and respect. Jesus told His disciples that it was love which drove His relationship with the Father, and with them. That love was not a sentimental emotion often portrayed in films, but a deep heart passion to please the other person. That was why Jesus came to earth - to do the Father’s will (John 14:31).

Jesus had chosen the disciples and not the other way around. They were under His Royal Appointment. They had not arrived in the Upper Room to share the Last Supper because they thought it was a good idea, but because they had responded obediently to Christ’s call on their lives. Having already dismissed the traitor, Judas Iscariot, to do his evil work, the Lord then focussed on those who would be the apostolic leaders of the Church. “Go and bear fruit – fruit that will last”.
 

The sufferings of Jesus are not just a nice symbol of love and sacrifice; they are also a part of the life of everyone who follows Jesus, in some way or another. If Jesus suffered hatred from the world, why should we be exempt? Those who loved the teaching of Jesus, would also love the teaching of the apostles; but those whose selfish natures are insulted by the command of Christ to repent and follow Him, will resent those who preach to them.