The Vine

The title for the Seed Basket series, uʍop-ǝpᴉsd∩ for this week is a bit different. John’s Gospel shifts to an allegorical writing style and makes a great connection to the believer’s life today.

“The love of the Father towards the Son, and of the Son towards us, and ours towards God and our neighbor, are joined together with an inseparable knot: and there is nothing more sweet and pleasant than it is. This love shows itself, a perfect example by Christ Jesus, exhibited in us and God is glorified.” ¹

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

John 15:9 (NASB)

Jesus’ words to the disciples transcend time, reaching us today. I wonder how many believers have been inspired out of lives of inertia toward richer relationships with Jesus after reflecting on this passage.

The imagery in this passage focuses on the close relationship between Jesus and believers. Specifically, His relationship with the disciples.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.”

John 1:1 (NASB)

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.

John 15:2 (NASB)

As the new believers began to walk with Jesus, they became a part of Him and His life. They shared in His ministry. They watched Him heal the sick. They witnessed how Jesus opened blind eyes and freed captives from demonic oppression. Little by little, they stumbled and bumbled their way into a place of friendship and love with the Lord. They had faith. At first it was small, but it would bud to grow full and productive.

You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

John 15:3

In this compelling allegory, Jesus paints a picture—a lovely vineyard. In the painting, He is like a beautiful grape vine, with lush branches all grafted in. Each branch is full of life, growing, healthy, and being pruned, becoming fruitful and holding fast to the vine. Each branch draws life from the vine and produces its own fruit—proof of life.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

John 15:4 & 5 (NASB)

The second image painted by this passage is the equally graphic description of those who appear to belong to the vine but who fall away because they never really believed. Like the branch on a grapevine that fails to thrive, they wither, become dry, fall away, and are eventually thrown into the fire.

If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them and cast them into the fire and they are burned.

John 15:6 (NASB)

These reject the life giving health from the Vine. Some even seem to believe but never submit to Faith in Jesus. They never produce fruit that proves the regeneration of life.

Judas.

If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.

John 15:22 (NASB)

Photo by Deniz u015eENGu00dcL on Pexels.com

Judas saw it all, too. The miracles and the expressions of Godly love and life-giving faith. But his heart was as hard as stone. The only growth in him was greed.

He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well.

John 15:23-24 (NASB)

So, that brings the decision to you and me. Just because we have accepted Christ and enjoy the freedom of living in the vineyard, should that be all there is?

If you don’t know Jesus, see the resources below for help. He promises to be found if you are looking for Him.

Are you in the faith?

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.