The True Vine - John 15:1-17

A quick review before we start diving in John 15. In the book of John, Jesus makes seven “I Am” sayings. Recall them? They are good to know. Here are the first six:

“I am the bread of life” = Jesus nourishes the longings of our soul; our deep spiritual hunger
“I am the light of the world” = Jesus overcomes the darkness of the world
“I am the door of the sheep” = Jesus is the only way by which one can become part of God’s people
“I am the good shepherd” = Jesus cares about us, his sheep, so much that he laid down his life for us
“I am the resurrection and the life” = Eternal life with God can only be found through Jesus
“I am the way, the truth, and the life” = Jesus is the only Way, the ultimate Truth, and giver the eternal Life

At the very beginning of John we are introduced to Jesus’ seventh “I am” saying: “I am the true vine.” What does this mean? And what does it mean when Jesus tells us to abide in him? Before we turn to John 15, ask the Holy Spirit now to reveal God’s word and speak to you. Then read John 15:1-17.

In verse 1 Jesus describes himself as the true vine. As the vine supplies nutrients and support for the branches, Jesus is the source of life, strength, and nourishment for us. Once removed from Jesus, we will perish spiritually, like how a branch dies if cut off from the vine. Instead, we are called to abide in Jesus. To abide means to dwell in, find rest in. To abide in Christ means to continue in a daily, personal relationship with Jesus. Note that Jesus does not only call us to know him, but to abide in him. To know Jesus can be a one-time encounter, but to abide in him is a constant, ongoing process. To quote Pastor Jon, “we don’t know Jesus from afar, like a famous person, but we know Jesus as an intimate friend.” Think of your closest friend on earth. You don’t just know him/her once for all, but you are in the process of knowing that person—learning more about him/her—as you spend time together & develop your relationship. How much more we want to be in the process of knowing Jesus!

Our abiding in Christ is so important that God the Father is actively involved in the process. As the vinedresser, God cuts off unfruitful branches and prunes those that are fruitful so that they can be even more fruitful! Fruitfulness is the result of our abiding in Christ. When we find our all in all in Christ Himself, three wonderful things (fruitfulness) happen:
1. God is glorified (v.8)
2. We experience Christ’s love and our joy is full (v. 9-11)
3. Other people experience God’s love through us and vice versa (v.17)

Note that points 1-3 above cover all of our relationships (vertically with God & horizontally with people)! Just like that, when we abide in Christ, everything falls in order. Many of us are caught up with the “Christian” stuff we have to say & do, rather than being caught up with the person of Christ. But performance does not lead to fruitfulness, rather false pride. Jesus clearly tells us that if we do not remain in him we can achieve nothing of eternal value (v. 5). Examine your heart-does it find satisfaction in Christ alone?

When you seek to dwell in Christ through scripture, prayer, and community, you will be consumed with the things that are important to him. And the more you know of Christ, the more you will love him and those around you.