The pruning that is described in the Gospel refers symbolically to two things. The first is that of trial. The second is that of fatherly discipline from God. it is one that prunes out of love and builds upon what was broken and grafted off.  Those who wither away from Him are cut off permanently from the vine fueling the fire of divine judgment. Jesus is the indispensable source of life and empowerment for His disciples. He is the one whom they depend on constantly. The promise of intimacy and union with Jesus is real yet challenging because it involves our commitment amidst the hostility and persecution of the world. The hatred it has for Jesus will likewise fall on us for preaching his gospel and living as he lived. Jesus makes it clear that our relationship with him—our abiding in Him—is the key both to our fruitfulness and to our destiny. We must immerse and steep ourselves in His way, truth and life.