Forever Fruitful In ChristSample

 A New Paradigm for Life

The word “Christian” means different things to different people… if we get our information from the biblical material, there is no doubt that the Christian life is a dancing, leaping, daring life. — Eugene Peterson

Grapes and grapevines were important back in Jesus’ day—very important. They were a vital source of nourishment and nutrients. Symbolically, grapes and grapevines also represented provision, abundance, and life itself.

One day Jesus and His disciples were walking past the temple, a magnificent structure decorated with grapes and vines. As they gazed up at the incredible building, Jesus made an amazing claim:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” (John 15:1)

Anyone overhearing this claim would have been shocked by Jesus’ apparent arrogance. Who does this guy think He is?! Thankfully, Jesus didn’t leave people hanging in confusion. Like a school teacher to His students, Jesus carefully explained it as a picture of our identity as believers: 

· Jesus is the vine

· The Father is the gardener

· We are the branches

Could this picture help us live the fruitful life described in Scripture? Is it possible that Jesus is showing us a fresh, empowering, new paradigm for life as we learn to live out our identity in Him? 

“I am the true vine.”

At least one thing is perfectly clear from these five words: Jesus is claiming to be someone essential, irreplaceable, and life-giving. He uses the grapevine as a powerful metaphor to describe who He is… “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

Are you experiencing Christ that way today? 

Holy Spirit, I want to see Jesus for who He is—the true Vine. Let this truth make its way to my heart, that I might feel its full emotional, spiritual, and personal impact. Let my life be a clear reflection of who I am in Jesus, and who Jesus is in me. Amen!