The True Vine

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
John 15:1-2
      As Jesus was preparing for His impending execution on the cross, He took some time to intentionally teach His disciples critical things about the nature of what it means to have a genuine relationship with Him. And as He did in other conversations, He used analogies and illustrations to help His followers understand what He meant.

     In this passage, Jesus referred to Himself as "the true vine." Vineyards were common in the area where these words were being spoken, so Christ's disciples could mentally envision the example Jesus was using. Jesus also described God the Father as "the vinedresser" or the one who would intentionally care for the branches in order to enable them to bear plentiful and good fruit.

     Jesus was using this analogy to help His disciples understand the importance of having a fruitful relationship with Him. That concept should catch our attention as well when we read these words.

     Jesus said that unfruitful branches would be taken away. I think Judas is a good example of what Jesus was speaking about. Judas appeared to be a devoted follower of Christ, yet it eventually became clear that his heart was quite distant and hostile toward Jesus. In time, Judas was taken away. He was removed because he wasn't bearing spiritual fruit.

     But Jesus also teaches that the Father will prune fruitful branches in order to make them even more fruitful. At first glance, I'm sure that statement sounds fine and logical, but have you ever experienced the Lord's work to prune your life? When He does so, the end result is wonderful, but frequently the process produces short term pain or discomfort.

     In His pruning, He may remove certain people from your life. He may completely alter your career. He may place you in a location that's unfamiliar. He may take away some things that you've developed an unhealthy reliance on. But why does He do so? He does so because He's invested in your growth. He wants you to have an abundantly fruitful relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.

     This passage isn't the only place in Scripture that speaks of the Lord's work to nurture and prune His people. Another good example is given to us in the book of Isaiah...
“Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard:
My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill.  
He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines;
he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it;
and he looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes.” 
Isaiah 5:1-2
      In Isaiah 5, we're told of someone who clears a fertile hill of stones. We're also told that he planted choice vines on that hill, built a watchtower to guard it, and hewed out a wine vat in it with the expectation that this carefully cultivated vineyard would yield delicious grapes. But the vineyard yielded wild and sour fruit instead. Its produce was essentially useless and disappointing considering how much had been invested in it.

     Jesus seems to be alluding to this passage from Isaiah when He speaks of Himself as the true vine. Isaiah's passage was prophetically speaking of the Lord's work to cultivate the people of Israel and Judah. He established them, blessed them, protected them, and provided for them, but unfortunately, they rejected Him, ignored His word, and coveted the false assurances that come with idolatry.

     Ironically, the same issue is often present among those who call themselves Christians right now. Jesus has invested in our fruitfulness in every way possible. When He ascended to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell us. He gave us His word. He empowers and protects us, yet we also struggle in the same ways the people of Israel and Judah did, and I'll give you proof that what I'm saying is true.
“Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”    John 15:3-4
      When we talk about abiding in Christ, we're talking about remaining connected to Him. To abide in Christ involves living in a close relationship with Him instead of walking away from Him. A branch won't grow if it isn't connected to the vine. Likewise, we won't grow if we aren't living in a healthy relationship with Christ.

     So what does our union with Christ entail? What does a healthy relationship with Him look like? I think there are several characteristics worth noting of a person who abides in Christ.

• Jesus remains on the forefront of their mind. He isn't an afterthought.
• Their faith in Christ continues to grow and mature as they learn to trust Him more.
• They practice habits and make decisions that are the fruit of His influence, and their love for Him.
• They joyfully invest in their ongoing growth through prayer, fellowship, service, and the reading of Scripture.
• They exhibit the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5
      If we abide in Him, the true vine, we will bear much fruit, quality fruit, meaningful fruit, lasting fruit. But apart from Him, we can do nothing at all, and certainly nothing of lasting value.

     As Jesus spoke of Himself by saying, "I am the true vine," He was trying to help us understand the value of being connected to Him by faith. A deep and growing relationship with Him will result in peace in all circumstances, hope in trials, strength in adversity, and joy that cannot be taken from you.

    The full portion of scripture which contains this passage is our Gospel reading for this coming Sunday, it reads,
“Jesus said to his disciples, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
     Where are you seeking sustenance, and where do you expect to find peace? Jesus tells us that for all who believe, the answer can only be Jesus Christ, the true vine.

Faithfully in Christ,
Fr. Bill+