Read John 15:1-8
“I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener… I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” vs. 1,5
After the disciples and Jesus depart from the upper room where they had shared the bread and wine, He continues on the theme of union with Him. Perhaps they walked past or through a vineyard. Perhaps He pauses and they stop with Him. With a sweep of His hand and a glance across the garden He announces, “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener.”
When Jesus envisions the lives of His disciples. He envisions fruitfulness. But He knows us. He knows we celebrate success. Like a fine glass of wine far removed from the vineyard and held up in the banquet hall of the powerful, rich and famous, we are apt to forget about the garden and the one who tended the vines. In fact we might have no idea about who the gardener is and know even less about the vine from which the fruit came.
The culture and care nurtured by the Father in His vineyard is formed by the necessity that His children abide, remain, stay connected to the source of life and goodness: Jesus Christ His Son. We can trust the Father who is shaping us to bear fruit, glorious fruit. We can trust the Son, who is the source of all that is required for life and godliness. Daily movement into His communion and His Word over time will shape our desires and our desires will shape our prayers — and the Father will answer for it is to His glory to do so.
Unless we remain in Christ Jesus there will be no wine poured at our tables.
Heavenly Father, you have grafted me into Jesus the True Vine. I shall abide in Him and His words shall abide in me. Bring the mysterious power of your Spirit to generate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. All this evidence of life! May all who partake in life with me benefit from your work in me and in your Church. For your glory — and in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.