He is The Vine

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

The first time I heard this verse I was in my late teens, in college actually. Being raised in the church may be a bit of an overstatement, especially since our family really only attended during major holidays and the typical “checklist” events – VBS and summer camps to name a few. Yet, that exposure gave me just enough of a foundation to sway me away from getting into too much trouble during those self-discovery years.

I remember sitting in a small church hearing the pastor explain what this verse meant and thinking to myself, am I a true follower of Christ? At the time I didn’t think so. The loneliness I experienced in those years brought me to a place of longing to know who I was and who God really was.

Thankfully we have a manual (Bible) that gives us all the information we need and equips us by sharing ways in which we are called to live. John 15 is just one of the many lovely examples found throughout Scripture that gives us an insight into Who God is and who He says we are as His sons and daughters.

Jesus being the greatest storyteller uses this illustration of a vine and branches to demonstrate our relationship with Him and the Father. While He is addressing His disciples in this passage, it easily pertains to us as believers. He refers to Himself as the vine, the sustainer of life. While referring to God as the gardener. The Master Gardener. (John 15:1) Then Jesus implies that we are the branches, and God cuts off branches that do not produce fruit, while pruning others to produce more fruit.

It may sound harsh to cut off branches and prune others. But as one that dapples in gardening, I can tell you that some branches do in fact need to be completely cut off in order to help the plant survive, while others show signs of possible growth and just need a trim to help the plant thrive. So, in essence, pruning shows God’s love for us. He sees our potential as He shapes and molds us to reflect more of Christ.

Digging further into this verse we see that Jesus reminds His disciples to abide (remain) in Him. Without our connection to Jesus, we essentially are nothing. But, our personal connection to Jesus allows us to live this life abundantly. It continues in John 15:9 saying, as the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. Jesus commands the disciples (and us) to love one another (v. 12) and then actually calls us a friend. We are Jesus’ friend!

This is Who God is. God is our Father. God cares deeply for our well-being. God is just. God gives us gifts to use in order to share with others His incredible love for us. And, most importantly, God wants us to cling to the vine – His Son, Jesus.

Sadly, the world rejects Jesus. The world has always rejected Jesus.

John 15 is the last account of Jesus teaching His disciples, as this was the moment leading up to His death. As He dined with the 12 men, a meal known as “The Last Supper,” He wanted to make sure they understood the importance of how much He loved them, but also how hostile this world will be for His name’s sake. Offering the Holy Spirit to interceded in times of need, Jesus reminded them that He chose us, appointed them and called them to be bearers of fruit and produce and harvest by loving one another.

He calls us to do the same.

We are designed to connect intimately with Jesus. And though that connection we are reminded that…We are chosen. We are loved. We are a His friend. Among so many other beautiful things our Father God will speak to your heart through prayer and His Word.

The world is loud and likes to declare who you are, but refute it. Don’t listen. Rather, hold ever so tightly to the vine.