Read John 15:1-8
In this wonderful illustration of partnering with God, the
“characters” are clearly defined. Jesus
is the True/signature Vine; the Father is the Vinedresser responsible for the
care, condition and maximum productivity of that divine Vine; and we are the
branches, the living extension of the core vine on which the characteristic
fruit are produced.
The vinedresser’s livelihood and reputation are defined by the
condition and productivity of his vineyard.
This requires extensive effort on his part. In the parable recorded in Mark 12:1, Jesus
summarizes the initial work of the vinedresser.
After securing a prime piece of property, rocks are removed and used to
form terraces to control erosion and drainage, as well as construct walls to
keep out foxes and other fruit-snatchers.
If the vineyard was large, watchtowers were erected to oversee it as a
whole. A signature vine would be centrally planted and carefully tended. As branches of that vine grew, they were
given his utmost attention. It is this
work that Jesus refers to in John 15:2.
The key objective of any vineyard is maximum production of the
highest possible quality fruit.
Branches that are not bearing fruit are given special attention. Unfortunately, in regards to the
vinedresser’s handling of these fruitless vines, our translations sound pretty
cut and dry - literally (i.e. NASB “take
away” NIV “cuts off”). Actually, the
word used, airo, speaks of intense
effort. It means, “to raise up, elevate, lift up, to raise from the ground,
take up.”(New Testament Greek Lexicon)
The vinedresser does everything possible to give that branch the best
opportunity to be fully productive. He digs the branch out of the dirt, cleans
it off and stakes it up into the sunlight. Parasites are removed. Weaknesses
addressed. Producing branches are also given his expert attention, especially
in regards to old growth. It needs to be
pruned away so that vital nutrients go to new growth. Over time, old growth
thickens and becomes brittle. Storms can easily break the hardening branch or
cause cracks that make the branch vulnerable to diseases and infestation. Pruning
keeps the branch flexible and adaptable to changing conditions.
Bearing fruit requires that the very life of the original vine
flow unhindered through the branches. It is a matter of each branch being
firmly connected to the well-rooted signature vine. This is stated in John 15:4. Here the illustration takes a necessary
turn. Unlike the plant, as branches of
the True Vine, we have a say-so in whether or not we stay intimately connected.
Where there is willingness, there is fruitfulness. Where there is
willfulness, fruit dies on the vine or simply does not grow. For the well-being of the entire Divine
vineyard, continual resistance to the Vinedresser’s efforts may necessitate
this rebellious branch be physically removed. Grace upon grace, even then the
dried up branches are redeemed as they are burned to prevent producing branches
from freezing, as well as keep infesting moths at bay.
A vineyard is all about producing fruit that honors
the owner of the vineyard and meets the needs of a consuming public. Just as the vinedresser was known by the
quality and quantity of fruit, so is our God. (John 15:8) By His incredible grace, He
involves us in the process. As we work in partnership with God, we have an
impact on both abundance and caliber of fruit produced for His glory and the
grace others so desperately need.
Making It Personal
What are the attributes of the True Vine that are manifested in the fruit
He desires to produce in you according to Galatians 5:22-23 and Ephesians 5:9?
Fruit is not for the branch’s sake, but the vinedresser’s glory,
propagation of the vine and the benefit of the consumer.
- What does it mean to you that the Fruit of Light and of His Spirit
are for these very same purposes: glorifying God, expanding Christ in this
world and graciously ministering to others?
- How does this differ from desiring these attributes for your own
sake (for example: that you might have peace or joy in a challenging
situation)?
What are some of the specific efforts the Father has gone to ario you when fruit is not evident in
your life?
Previous growth and fruitfulness warrant a sense of praise-filled
pride and joy.
- How can it also reduce your present productivity of His
characteristic fruit and/or make you vulnerable to spiritual brittleness?
- What means has the Father used to prune you back for greater
productivity?
In partnership with God, what are some specific actions you need to put
into action in order to be fruitier?
