October, 2002

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

The Upper Room Discourse (John 13:1—16:33) is probably the most extensive teaching on discipleship. In the section regarding the Vine and the Branches, Jesus conveyed three vital relationships for the disciples to cultivate. They needed to rightly relate to Him (15:1-10), to each other (15:11-17), and to the world (15:18—16:4). Though they might not have captured all the in-depth instructions at that time, yet the Holy Spirit continued to teach them during Jesus’ absence (16:5-16).

In the monthly scripture, we have come to the last of the seven great “I AM” statements. This statement is particularly Jewish in flavor. In the Old Testament, Israel is known as God’s choice vine, which was to receive lavished care and attention so that it could bear fruits to bless other nations, but the vine (Israel) became rotten and produced bad fruits.

Therefore, when Jesus proclaimed “I am the true vine,” He was making the contrast between the “rotten vine” and the “true vine.” He would fulfill what God had intended for Israel to do—bless the nations. It is helpful to know something about vine growing in order to understand the significance of this proclamation. The vine (trunk) doesn’t bear fruit. The branches do, but the branches can’t bear fruit unless they are truly connected with the vine; and they must receive enough sunlight and be removed from the ground before they can bear good fruits. The only way for disciples to bear fruit is to remain in Jesus (15:4). “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” If the branches are connected with the vine, the Father will enhance the fruit bearing process.

The word “cut off” in the next verse has been debated by biblical scholars. In Greek, this word also means “to lift up.” One view saw that God will remove the branches that don’t bear fruit, while the other view saw that God will change the position of the branches so that it could bear fruit. The former emphasizes on God’s divine punishment, while the latter emphasizes on God’s patience. Regardless of which position you take, there is no confusion about the seriousness our Father looks at fruit bearing as part of discipleship. To bear much fruit is to glorify the Father (15:8). What fruit was on Jesus’ mind? The fruit of Love—love one another and love the people in the world (15:9-17). As disciples of Jesus, we need to learn to love as Jesus loves.

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