Abiding in the Vine

Summary

• In this passage, Jesus used a common Jewish imagery of the grape vine to teach His disciples about their relationships with Him and the Father.
• Jesus declared, “I am the true vine, and you are the branches,” emphasising the need for His followers to remain connected to Him for both sustenance and fruitfulness.
• He described God the Father as the gardener who pruned those fruitful branches so that they could be even more fruitful.
• Abiding in Jesus is necessary and critical because it enables believers to bear fruit, for apart from Him, they can do nothing.
• Jesus called His disciples to remain in His love by obeying His commandments. One important command was to love one another just as He had loved them.
• In this passage, Jesus began to call His disciples “friends”! It was a significant change from the traditional Rabbi-Student relationship.
• There are 2 significant points in this new relationship:
• As their friend, Jesus would confide in them all that He heard from the Father.
• As their friend, Jesus would lay down His life for them as His great act of sacrificial love.

Reflect

1. How does the image of branches abiding in the vine deepen your understanding of your relationship with Jesus?

2. Are there areas in your life where you feel disconnected from Jesus? What steps can you take to remain in Him more fully? (Michael Hoff has some good tips in the video below)

Watch

Videos used with permission by Michael Hoff

Israel had often been portrayed as the vineyard in the Old Testament. According to Historian Josephus’ writing, there was a huge golden vine sculpture hanging near the entrance of the Holy Place. Jesus could have used this imagery to declare Himself as the True Vine that believers needed. The main responsibility of believers is to remain in Jesus so that they may be fruitful. Michael Hoff went on to give some practical ways for believers to remain in Christ and cultivate a deep intimacy with Him. It is good for us to practice these steps to grow in Christ.

Closing Prayer

Ask God for grace to abide in Him daily, to be more aware of His Presence in daily living. Pray for the Father to constantly prune you so that you will bear even more fruit.