I AM the True Vine

A message by Rev. Dr. Mark S. Jordan, Pastor

John 15:1-8 (NIV) | “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² 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. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ⁵ “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. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

1. The Vine as Israel

• The vine is a recurring symbol for Israel (God’s chosen people)
• Jeremiah 2:21 (NIV) | I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?
• Jesus is the “true vine.”
  • He is the perfect Israel, fully obedient to God, succeeding where the nation fell short.
  • His followers, the branches, are grafted into Him, becoming the new people of God who can bear fruit through their connection to Him.

2. The Messianic Promise

• The Old Testament ties the vine to the Messiah and the restoration of God’s people.
• Isaiah 11:1-2 (NIV) | A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit. ² The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him — the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord…
• Jesus is the promise extending fruitfulness to His disciples — His branches — fulfilling the hope of a renewed people of God.

3. The Virtuous Vine

• The Old Testament portrays God as the one who tends the vine, ensuring its growth and health.
• Hosea 10:1-2 (NIV) | Israel was a spreading vine; he brought forth fruit for himself. As his fruit increased, he built more altars; as his land prospered, he adorned his sacred stones. ² Their heart is deceitful, and now they must bear their guilt. The Lord will demolish their altars and destroy their sacred stones.
• The Gardener’s Work
  • We must be mindful of the places where we build altars for our idols.
  • We must allow God to prune those from us for His sake.

4. The “Remaining” Branches (Remain is a play on words, those that are still attached as the ones producing fruit)

• We fulfill God’s Purpose when we “Remain”
  • Worship
  • Fellowship
  • Outreach
  • Study
• Remember, “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” (John 15:5).

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Reflection Questions

1. How does Jesus’ declaration as the “true vine” challenge me to trust in His perfect faithfulness where I might fall short? 
2. What “wild grapes” (habits, attitudes, or actions) might God be calling me to surrender so I can bear the fruit He intends through my connection to Jesus?
3. How does this image of God as a loving gardener shape my understanding of the challenges or “pruning” I’m facing right now?
4. What specific “fruit” is God calling me to bear, and how can I stay connected to Jesus to make that possible? 
5. How can I live as a fruitful branch in Jesus’ vine to contribute to God’s redemptive work?