“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.“ (John 15: 1-2). These words are very important in the life of each Christian. Let us look more closely at the truth that Jesus Christ says: “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15: 5). Jesus the true vine. Let’s take a closer look and analyze what is the vine and branches meaning in the Bible?
Vine and Branches Meaning: What is connection?
The first statement indicates an inseparable connection between the branches and the main vine. If we take it literally, then it turns out that we must be one with Jesus.
With great reverence and fear, we must realize that Jesus calls us friends and has the greatest honor, allowing us to be branches on Him, as in a vine. Now we must conclude what we should be in our lives if we are branches of the vine of Christ. It is unlikely that any of us have seen an apple tree, from the trunk of which would grow branches of nettle. This is impossible because of the heterogeneity of the plants, so having a great advantage, grow on the vine – we will match our own higher genus!
Vine and Branches Meaning: Common Root
The second natural conclusion, which can be made from the words “I am the vine, and you are the branches,” is the commonality of the root. Consequently, all the juices that enter through the root to the vine must pass to the branches. If you think about how this can reflect our everyday reality, then you can judge this. In our life, there are various events, and in daily life, we often face the need for choice.
This verse from the Gospel of John shows that Jesus Christ and we should have common interests in everything: what is useful for the vine, it is also useful for the branches. After all, there is no such thing that the root feed on juices alone, and the tree crown is different. No, they have everything in common. Therefore, if you feel that your interests do not correspond to Christ, think, maybe you’re not on the vine? Maybe you already is a wild branch, and have no relation to the beautiful plant of God?
Vine and Branches Meaning: Necessary Pruning
The third and most important truth of Jesus’ words is that “… every branch that brings forth fruit cleanses so that it will bear more fruit.” In other words, if you are in the right condition and bear fruit for the kingdom of God, then necessary pruning is waiting for you. Many believe that the Lord realizes it with the help of hard and ruthless pruning down. Of course, it can not be denied that often such interference from above into our lives does not have effect as we would like.
However, in no case should you think that God is pleased when we suffer! No! The Lord wants us to be more fruitful, so He does everything that is required of the gardener. But we also know that “… He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength” (1 Cor. 10: 13). Therefore, we will rejoice when the caring gardener shows his care, we know that He will not cause us unnecessary pain or unnecessary suffering. Glory be to Him for that!
Vine and Branches Meaning: Bear Fruits
The fourth conclusion is that “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15: 5). This is an extremely important detail! Some think that they can bear fruit, being somewhere outside Christ. To this is the unambiguous assertion of our Savior: “A branch can not bear fruit of itself.” Immediately remember the words of Paul: “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? “(1 Cor 4: 7).
Any of our talents or abilities are from God and to Him. Let us devote ourselves to Him without a trace, realizing that if we have fruit in our Christian life, it is not our merit. By ourselves we could not bring anything. Being on the vine and eating from it, we bear fruit precisely because of it. Glory to Christ that He makes us able to produce fruit. And He still rewards for it as if it is our merit!
Finally, I would like to appeal to those who do not belong to the church of the Lamb. And of course to those who are only a formal Christians. Such a sentence awaits: “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” (John 15: 6). Keep in mind that the particularly terrible situation is not for those who are not on the vine at all. This situation is for those who, being in a holy place, eating juices and posing as part of a vine – do not bear fruit!
It is written, “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away” (John 15: 2). How terrible it is to live a Christian life but don’t be close to the Lord. Hearing the words “I never knew you”, many will understand the insanity of fruitless finding on the vine, but it will be too late – they will be cut off and thrown into the fire. May God save us from this fate. Amen.
Also read: Why and how to read the Bible daily? Motivational Christian Bible reading
