A Shoot From the Stump of JesseSample

Being a branch of the True Vine

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Do you remember that the people of Israel were compared to a vine planted by God? Jesus says He is “the true vine." He is the perfect fulfillment of everything that Israel ought to be.

Jesus says that people are like branches. They need to be in the vine in order to bear fruit. They can’t do this alone. If branches do not bear fruit, a gardener will prune them. These branches are gathered and burned, since they failed to do what they are intended for. As a good Gardener, God expects to see fruit in our lives, which is a reasonable expectation if we are connected to Jesus. It is thus vital for us to “abide in Jesus” and get our strength and spiritual food from Him, which will lead to good fruit in our lives.

Jesus says He is gentle and humble in heart. He is full of love. He is the Prince of Peace. If we are closely connected to Him, we will become like Him. Galatians 5:22-23 also mentions these characteristics as “fruit of the Spirit”: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This fruit should be visible in everyone’s life.

Are you joined to Jesus, the true vine?

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