Who Is Jesus?预览

Who is Jesus? The True Vine

Throughout the Old Testament, God referred to the people of Israel as His beloved vineyard. Unfortunately, although God provided everything the Jewish nation needed to bear good fruit, for one reason or another they only produced wild grapes (see Isaiah 5:1-7). As a result, when people read about the vine, it was almost always done so under the banner of failure, and it was almost always followed by a pronouncement of God’s judgment. And yet, Jesus uses this term to refer to Himself. Jesus said, "I am the true Vine". So, what did Jesus mean?

With one statement Jesus was saying, I have come to do what you could not do. I have come so that you might produce the kind of fruitfulness that pleases God. Through My death I will bring life. Through My Spirit I will give direction. And through My presence you will become the branches that bear much fruit in the world! But here’s the secret to a fruitful life: you cannot thrive spiritually without a strong connection to the Vine.

Reflect:
How often are we like Israel, trying to produce fruit on our own, striving in our own strength to be patient, loving, or self-controlled? But, when we disconnect from the true source, we wither spiritually. Jesus reminds us that apart from Him, we can do nothing. True spiritual growth comes not from effort alone, but from abiding in Him—staying close through His Word, seeking Him in prayer, and walking in obedience. The more we abide in Him, the more we reflect His love, joy, peace, and goodness to the world around us.

Respond:
Today, take time to evaluate: are you abiding in Jesus or relying on your own strength? What one step will you take today to stay connected to the true Vine, so that He will sustain you, strengthen you, and help you produce lasting fruit for His glory?

Pray:
Lord, help me abide in You daily. Keep me connected to Your presence so I may bear fruit that glorifies You. Prune what is not of You and fill me with Your life-giving Spirit. Amen.