BIBLE 101: THE TRUE VINE

THE TRUE VINE

by Brian Schroeder brians@lordoflife.org

We don’t really know the location of Jesus and the disciples when Jesus talks about being the true vine in John 15:1-8 (see Page 5). In the sentence directly before that passage, Jesus says, “Come, let us be on our way.” But we have no transition, no explanation, no hint of where they’re going. Before that, we know exactly where they are: Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem after raising Lazarus from the dead, and he and the disciples are sharing what we know as The Last Supper. Jesus washes their feet, commands them to love each other as he has loved them, promises that he will send the Spirit to be with them when he’s gone, and says, “Rise, let us be on our way.” And then? “I am the true vine…” It’s not until Chapter 18 that we get any indication of a new location—the Kidron Valley, where Jesus is arrested. In the meantime we have three full chapters of teachings from Jesus. Where are they? Are they in transit, perhaps walking by a vineyard that inspires Jesus to create this metaphor? Or did Jesus speak too early when he said, “Let us be on our way,” and had them sit back down? I don’t know.

I do know, however, that this is how Jesus’ teachings show up in my life sometimes. In Bible 101 the unknown places. In the “I’m not exactly sure what I’m supposed to do here” places. I’m sure the disciples experienced this a lot in the coming chapters, as the gravity of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection began to sink in. It’s in places like this that Jesus assures us we are eternally connected to him like branches on a vine, and God continuously tends to us so that we can grow in faith and love. So maybe it’s okay that we don’t know exactly where Jesus gave this message. What matters is that it was vitally important for him to share it before he died, so we can know that we are always connected to him. When we see branches on a vine, or on a tree, or even leaves or flowers growing on houseplants, we can now realize that this is the way we are connected to God— restoratively, lovingly, eternally—even if we’re not sure exactly where we are.

reflection questions

• Read John 15:1-8 on the next page. Where do you imagine Jesus and the disciples were in this passage? • As vividly as you can, try to imagine the picture Jesus is painting. What strikes you as the most important point(s)?

[Jesus says,] I am the true vine, and my Father is the vineyard keeper. He removes any of my branches that don’t produce fruit, and he trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit. You are already trimmed because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch cannot produce fruit by itself, but must remain in the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything. If you don’t remain in me, you will be like a branch that is thrown out and dries up. Those branches are gathered up, thrown into a fire, and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified when you produce much fruit and in this way prove that you are my disciples.

—John 15:1-8 CEB