Jesus said in John 15: 5, “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 wanted to illustrate the desired depth of our relationship with him. He chose the vine to illustrate his point as it was widely known to every household just as the truth is known to every conscience. It was thus easy to identify with and simple to assimilate. Why is Jesus the vine tree?
He is the true vine
Only the vine tree produces true vine. In like manner, Hebrews 4: 15 says… we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Only Jesus can enable righteousness as he is holy. Jesus said in Luke 6: 39, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? We are intrinsically part of him for a reason. John 15: 5 says… apart from me you can do nothing. Since he enables all things, 1Thessalonians 5: 18 says, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
He supports us to stand
As the vine tree, Jesus supports us to stand. Romans 14: 4 says… To their own master, servants stand or fall… for the Lord is able to make them stand. Because Jesus is our support, 1Corinthians 16: 13 says, be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1Corinthians 15: 58 says… let nothing move you… because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. John 15: 4 says, 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.
He nourishes us with food
At the vine tree, he is the root that absorbs water and nutrients from the soil to support the leaves to nourish the tree. In effect Jesus compliments us to reach our divine goals by refreshing our souls with spiritual food. Acts 3: 19 says, repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Only Jesus is the water that nourishes the soul. He said in John 4: 14, whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. No other but Jesus can draw from the living water because he is the living water from which the vine is nourished.
He supports us to bear fruit
As the vine tree, Jesus supports us as his branches to bear fruit. Matthew 3: 8; Luke 3: 8 says produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Paul lists it as the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5: 22-23, love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It is described as the fruit of the light in Ephesians 5: 9, goodness, righteousness and truth. In Colossians 1: 10 it is every good work, growing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power according to God’s glorious might for great endurance and patience; and giving joyful thanks to the Father.
Fate of a fruitless branch
A fruitless branch has no value to the tree nor its dependents and metaphorically the kingdom of God. John 15: 2 says, he(God) 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. The precious nutrients and water must not go to waste. Although Jesus has made provision for everyone to bear fruit, we by sin fail to do so. Matthew 7: 16; Luke 6: 44 says by their fruit you will recognize them… likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit; and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
We are created in God’s image and must bear good fruit. Matthew 12: 33; Luke 6: 43 says, make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. Bearing bad fruit or no fruit betrays Jesus whose vine tree by all standards should support good fruit. Some of us assume ourselves as the vine tree. Others also ascribe the tree to Satan because of their success. However, Matthew 3: 10; Luke 3: 9 says, the axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
What branches are we?
Are we of any value to the kingdom of God by God’s assessment? We will and continue to be useful if we commit to prayer. Luke 18: 1 says, then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 21: 36 says be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. Ephesians 6: 18 says… always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
We must exercise faith to bear fruit. 2 Thessalonians 2: 15 says, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. Jesus said in John 14: 1, you believe in God; believe also in me. We need also to be patient with the Lord. James 5:8 says, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. We wobble, or faint because we lack the patience to wait and endure. We must ask for God’s grace to bear fruit as worthy branches. Ephesians 2: 8 says, for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (See Ephesians 2: 5)
Are we worthy branches of Christ Jesus?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, make us worthy branches of you to bear good fruits. Prune us where we fall short and keep us nourished by your Spirit in righteousness. We pray in your blessed Holy name, Amen!!
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