Wednesday, April 29, 2020 Submitted by Donna
Lindquist
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 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.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 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.
Jesus, The True Vine
Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples and compares their relationship to the branches of a tree or vine. In these verses, he demonstrates the love of God as the gardener. He also affirms that as his true disciples, they must abide or endure in Him to become mature and produce fruit.
Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples and compares their relationship to the branches of a tree or vine. In these verses, he demonstrates the love of God as the gardener. He also affirms that as his true disciples, they must abide or endure in Him to become mature and produce fruit.
So, let’s think about plants for a
moment. What do they need to survive?
1) good soil 2) light 3) water.
1) good soil 2) light 3) water.
We all know that plants will die without these
things. So, think about what is
necessary for plants. First, good
cultivated soil is either purchased or provided. Then any weeds are removed, and rich soil is
added. The planted seeds or small plants
are monitored for a time and any stems or leaves that become discolored or no
longer look appealing are discarded. Adequate
light, and water are added while eagerly waiting for the plant to grow.
What else does the plant need to
flourish? Even if it gets all it needs
to survive, it also requires the care of the gardener. We have all seen plants that are not
maintained and left to die. They can’t
support themselves but require specialized care of a knowledgeable person. They
can absorb water and lean into the light, but somehow know their very survival,
care and purpose depends on the heart of the gardener. The gardener’s desire is
for the plant to flourish, thrive and produce blossoms or fruit.
So now think about being a plant or vine in
God’s garden. Jesus wants his true disciples to crave Him-- like plants crave
water, soil and light! Our true desire
must be to abide in Him and be eager to soak up all the richness of His
presence. Because God knows our deepest
needs and can provide beyond what we can imagine or think. So, when we truly abide in Christ, we
reflect His presence in our priorities, habits, hobbies, and relationships, and
Christ flows in every aspect of our lives -- We produce fruit!
God wants us to have life abundantly. But it
can take time to cultivate a healthy foundation, so just begin by leaning into
the Light of the World (Jesus) and drinking richly from the refreshing Living
water (salvation). God cares for you and
is waiting to grow your knowledge and faith in Him. His heart if for you to be a beautiful
blossom and be successful in all your work and relationships.
Remember that sometimes God may need to weed
out some areas of your life or cut away some dead or unsightly leaves. This is not meant to be a punishment, but a
method of discipline for you to grow and mature in Christ. It can bring pain, sorrow, and even loss but
ultimately will make you stronger to weather any storm.
