Jesus gives us much insight in this one verse.  It seems that inherent in mankind is the desire to produce/give back/ contribute/ leave a lasting impression upon the world.  He directly says this cannot be done without Him.  His life is actually what makes the fruit continue.  This fruit bearing also implies inherent reproduction. Virtually every piece of fruit has seeds within it, seeds that are meant to reproduce more fruit.  The things we do, connected to Christ, then become a cycle.  We produce for God and the outcome of that produces further opportunity.  This is the work of the Holy Spirit.  Compare this process with doing good deeds that die once they are complete.