I am the True Vine — Jesus

John 15:1 begins with a great truth … Jesus says “I am the true vine” … not a vine … not one of many vines but the TRUE vine.  Dr. John MacArthur says:  Through this extended metaphor of the vine and branches, Jesus set forth the basis of Christian living. Jesus used the imagery of agricultural life at the time; i.e., vines and vine crops (see also Matt. 20:1–16;  21:23–41; Mark 12:1–9; Luke 13:6–9; 20:9–16). In the OT, the vine is used commonly as a symbol for Israel, (Ps. 80:9–16; Is. 5:1–7;  27:2–6; Jer. 2:21:12:10; Ezek. 15:1–8;  17:1–21; 19:10–14; Hos. 10:1, 2). He specifically identified Himself as the “true vine” and the Father as the “vinedresser” or caretaker of the vine. The vine has two types of branches: 1) branches that bear fruit (v. 2, 8), and 2) branches that do not (v. 2, 6). The branches that bear fruit are genuine believers. Though in immediate context the focus is upon the 11 faithful disciples, the imagery also encompasses all believers down through the ages. The branches that do not bear fruit are those who profess to believe, but their lack of fruit indicates genuine salvation has never taken place and they have no life from the vine. Especially in the immediate context, Judas was in view, but the imagery extends from him to all those who make a profession of faith in Christ but do not actually possess salvation. The image of non-fruit-bearing branches being burned pictures eschatological judgment and eternal rejection (see Ezek. 15:6–8).

As you prepare for Sunday’s gathering and study of God’s word allow the Holy Spirit to begin to prepare your heart as you consider the spiritual condition of your branch.  Are you bearing much fruit for His Kingdom?  Are you find new ways and new steps of faith that are challenging you to lean more upon His strength and direction?  The Christian life is a process of allowing our direct connection to the True Vine to bring His nourishment and enlightenment into our lives.  Many we each take new steps of obedience … remember John 14:15 … If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

John Jr MacArthur, The MacArthur Study Bible, electronic ed. (Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997)