Jesus The True Vine

Next month is May, a time when we traditionally deepen our devotion to Our Blessed Lady. However, we should remember that devotion to Our Lady should be a daily feature of our spiritual lives all year round. Mary, the Mother of Christ, should be a constant presence in our spiritual lives, woven into the fabric of all our efforts to keep faith in Almighty God. We too should keep our faith deep and strong, like Mary.

To be a true disciple of Jesus is to be united with his body, soul, and spirit. Jesus said, “I am the Vine, and you are the branches. Cut off from me, you can do nothing.” In this extended metaphor, Jesus draws our attention to a fruitful vine and provides two primary applications for us to learn from – pruning the branches and abiding in the vine.

The Vine was one of the quintessential plants in Israel, representing national peace and prosperity. Israel is also seen as a Vineyard. In the Song of the Vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7), the vineyard is the “house of Israel,” yielding only the bad fruit of injustice and oppression. On the Day of the Messiah, however, this vineyard will flourish.

The Psalms, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Hosea, and Micah all use the figure of Israel as the Lord’s vineyard. Jesus himself carried on this identification of Israel as God’s vineyard in his Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-44; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19) and Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16).

When Jesus said, “I am the true vine” (in the seventh and last of Jesus’ “I AM” sayings), he announced that, as the Messiah, he now becomes the true Israel, the true locus for God’s people.

It is an amazing revelation! If Jesus is the true vine, then his Father is the vinedresser, the one who tenderly cares for the vine, cutting and pruning so that it produces the maximum amount of fruit possible. God’s “pruning” or correction/discipline is necessary so that our lives become more like Christ’s and bear the fruit of his character (15:2).

By listening to and obeying Jesus’ words, we become cleansed (15:3) and our lives will bear fruit in his character (15:4). Jesus says, “If you abide in me, and I abide in you, you will bear much fruit. Cut off from me, you can do nothing.” If we dwell in Christ and he dwells in us, it is a mutual indwelling. We are not alone! (15:5).

When we try to accomplish spiritual work in our strength, the result is small. We can do nothing that has lasting results without relying on Jesus’ strength through us. We must practice dependence on him, not independence from him (15:5a).

One of the blessings of abiding in Christ and letting his words and character infuse us is answered prayer. We will be much more likely to pray according to his will (15:7). The fruit Jesus grows in us will consist of godly character, as well as effectiveness in whatever mission he calls us to (15:8).

We have been chosen by God and appointed to produce lasting fruit for his Kingdom. For that to happen, we must remain in Him (15:16). Abiding in Christ means loving him, resulting in willing obedience to his commands (15:10).

Jesus doesn’t want us to operate as unthinking servants but as friends, willing and knowledgeable participants in growing his Kingdom (15:14-15). Do not be afraid of your worries or your past mistakes.

Trust in his evergreen, ever-fresh ingredients of everlasting life, which are the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Plus, trust in the promises of those who hope in Him. Encourage those who do good works like Barnabas to preserve living the Word of God and let the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit shine forth in you. Amen.

Happy Sunday!

Fr Joseph Osho