"I Am The True Vine"

Three chapters in John's Gospel, coming one after another, are taken up entirely with words which come from the Lord Jesus Christ. The first of these-chapter 15, contains the parable of the vine tree, in which the Lord Jesus tells his Apostles that He is the vine, they are the branches, and His Father is the Husbandman. Words of truth in regard to abiding in Christ are spoken to help and guide the Apostles, and not only them but all who believe in Himself. Although He speaks about branches being taken away, there is no question here of losing eternal life. That life is hid with Christ in God, and so secure are all believers that none shall pluck them out of the hand of the Lord Jesus, or of His Father (see John 10. 27-29).

This truth of abiding in Christ is one in connexion with service and fruitbearing, a union with Christ which is conditional, and dependent upon disciples so observing His words that whatsover He has commanded shall be carried out without exception; every branch that beareth not fruit the Husbandman taketh away (see verse 2).

The vine tree, which is only useful for bearing fruit, and its wood but fit for burning, as seen in Ezekiel 15. 1-6, has a lesson for us. Just as sap from the stem is needed throughout the branches to produce fruit, so is it vitally essential for children of God to receive nourishment from the Lord Jesus in order that there may be effective service and fruitbearing. We can only bear fruit by abiding in Him, and this is emphasised in the Lord's statement, "apart from Me ye can do nothing" (see verses 4 and 5). In which way then can we abide in Him and bear fruit, more fruit, and much fruit (verses 2 and 8)? By taking in words which have come from the lips of the Lord Jesus-the sap from the True Vine, that these words may enter constantly into our hearts.

Throughout this chapter frequent references are made in various ways to the spoken words of the Lord Jesus. In the light of this, how important it is to hear His words and appropriate them. He says, "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be My disciples."

unknown | Oct 1932
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