Living In The Vine

Christ often used illustrations for us when explaining spiritual truths.

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.”

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Today, in John 15:1-11 we’re looking at the grapevine as an illustration of spiritual truth. And before we get started, I’d like for us to read through this passage together so we can all start on the same foundation.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 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, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” - John 15:1-11 (ESV)

If you’ve listened to me teach before, read any of the articles I’ve written, or have been in any of the small groups I’ve led, you know that I like to ask a lot of why and a lot of what questions when reading through Scripture.

Why did Moses do this? What made Peter say that?

Well, for today’s passage, a question entered my mind, why a vine? Why did Jesus choose a vine for this illustration? Why not some other plant? For example, trees have a main source, the trunk, with branches that connect to it for life. So why a vine? 

Well to start to answer this question, let’s look at the context in which this parable was given. The route from Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives, east of the city, would have easily given Jesus and the disciples the sight of the great temple atop Mount Zion. I bring this up because at the top was a great temple. And one of the temples notable features was the large decorative vine that was affixed above the entrance into the Holy Place. This was a place that over years and years, wealthy Jews would bring gifts. Gifts of gold. Gifts of jewels. All to this gigantic piece of art. According to Josephus, some of the clusters of grapes on this vine were the size of a man. But to be completely honest, we don’t know for certain what prompted to use a vine in his parable. Maybe it was the closeness of the disciples, maybe the vines outside of a window in the upper room. Maybe the abundance of vines and vineyards that were common in Israel at that time, maybe it was the massive vine on the temple atop Mount Zion. But regardless, we have Jesus after saying the phrase at the end of chapter fourteen when Jesus says, “Arise let us go from here,” and he begins teaching them. “I am the true vine…” 

You see, this phrase and imagery is one that would have resonated in an incredible way with the disciples. The vine was the symbol of Israel, the reason the temple was adorned with the image. Imagery that is conveyed in the Old Testament regarding the nation of Israel and vines that I think is a pretty powerful connection to this allegory. 

For example, in Old Testament poetry we see King David say:

"You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land.” - Psalm 80:8-9 (ESV)

This idea of bringing a vine out of Egypt, expresses God’s labor and care in planting His people in the Promised Land. The vine was God’s people. People from which He desired a rich harvest of fruit.

In Isaiah chapter 5, we have the nation of Israel being thought of in terms of a vine, and this only proves to reinforce the imagery that we have in John 15.