The First Lesson of The Vine

In the Old Testament, grapes symbolized Israel's fruitfulness in doing God's work on the earth. The psalmist refers to the God's people taking ownership of the Promised Land in Psalm 80:8 when he writes, "You have brought a vine out of Egypt; You have cast out the nations, and planted it."

Once again in the Old Testament we find a reference to a vineyard in Isaiah 5:1-7. The lesson of the "Song of the Vineyard" shows that God's chosen nation was to bear fruit, but the fruit was bad. Verse 2, "He expected it to bring forth good grapes, but it brought forth wild grapes."

As we consult our current passage in John 15:1, we read, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser." Jesus had stopped on His way to the Garden, and turned to His eleven disciples who had been following in His footsteps. He had begun His final teaching with these words. They may have been surprised at the subject-matter, but it would be vital for each of them to listen intently, and to record it in their minds because they would most definitely need to remember what their Master had to say.

Jesus quickly outlined for them the structure of authority in terms that they understood fully. He identified His relationship to the Father, and confirmed His own authenticity. Jesus is the true vine; He is the genuine life-sustainer; He is the real Source of nourishment. However, the Father is the vinedresser, the farmer; the One Who owns the shears!

Jesus, the wise Pastor/Teacher, used something spiritually and culturally familiar as an object lesson in His final sermon. It was imperative that His students understood, and at this point in the lives of His disciples, only time would tell if they had grasped the meaning.

Heavenly Father, help us as we endeavor to lay hold of the teaching of The Vine. Open our spiritual eyes and touch our hearts that we might respond to You. Thank You for taking the time to patiently explain Your ways. In Your Name, Amen.