28 February 2021 - Jesus the True Vine

John 15:1 (NLT) “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.”

In this passage the gardener represents the Father and cultivates his plants, the True Vine who represents Jesus and the fruit’s vital life source, and the branches who represent the Children of God and who determine the result of fruit. Jesus was using this analogy to help us understand the importance of having a fruitful relationship with Him.

John 15:4-6 (NKJV) “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.”

It’s important to note that the purpose of the branches is to bear fruit. The original Greek term (“Meinate”), which means to “abide,” is also used in other areas of the New Testament where it also means to “remain,” “dwell,” “continue,” “endure,” or “await.” Only those who dwell in Christ, can fulfil their purpose by bearing fruit.

Jesus teaches that the Father will prune fruitful branches in order to make them even more fruitful.

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.

Isaiah 5:1-2 (NKJV) “Now let me sing to my Well-beloved. A song of my Beloved regarding His vineyard: My Well-beloved has a vineyard. On a very fruitful hill. 2 He dug it up and cleared out its stones, and planted it with the choicest vine. He built a tower in its midst, and also made a winepress in it; So He expected it to bring forth good grapes, But it brought forth wild grapes.”

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 and ignored His word.

So, what is the focus of this passage?

Bear fruit: Bearing fruit is what it is designed to do. It means to live in such a way that I am always found to be in Him, to walk hand in hand with Him, to live according to His Word.

John 15:7 (NKJV) If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

Bearing fruit is a result of obedience to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.