Always wait for the "chat" emoji on the page before browsing and tapping on the text. Tap on the hyperlink text for references.
In the Old Testament times, prophets referred to the Israelites as the Olive Tree figuratively. (Zech. 4:11, Jer. 11:16, Isa. 17:6) Though it was said that the Israelites are the chosen people, they did not fare well in God's eyes they are a complete disappointment. To them was given the divine law thru Moses, but what did they do with it? In Rom. 11:13-15 of the New Testament, Paul gave us the total picture of the type of Olive tree, Israel was. Paul, in his writings, pointed out (Rom. 2:21-24) the reason why Israel is the olive tree branch that was cut off, (Rom. 2:25) whereupon the church was ingrafted in its place as wild olive shoots. (Rom. 2:26-29)
How did that happen, you might ask, well here is the crux of the matter. If you have been reading the gospel books, you will notice that Jesus often featured himself as the "I am" in his sermons: I am the bread of life, I am the way, the truth, and the life, I am the vine. Such phrases were not taken well by his peers because God the Father is known to them as the Great I am of the Jews, (Exodus 3:14) The reason they rejected Jesus; led to their being replaced by [gentile] believers of Jesus Christ, however, with an underlying condition that they should continue in the faith, otherwise they would suffer the same fate as the original branches. (Rom. 11:17-21)
That being said, brings us now to the parable of the vine and the branches. wherefrom we are taught how that could work out well with us. Talking to His disciples before his death -starting from John 13 to 16 -Jesus gave a parable that referred to them (body of Christ) as vine branches, Jesus is the vine itself, and the father the gardener. (see John 15)
Let's get to brass tacks and find the ways and means that the parable is trying to teach, as follows:
“I am the vine, you are the branches: He that stays in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:5-6)Accordingly, the parable shows our relationship as per the association of the vine to its branches. Practically, any branch set apart from the vine will lose the supply of life and will certainly wither and die.
But that is not all that the parable says, it also tells us of a branch that is fruit-bearing and the other that is non-bearing.
“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. (John 15:1-2)In growing crop methods, the trimming of branches brings in much fruit. In like manner, by analogy, the only way for a Christian to remain in the vine is thru an established strong relationship with God. And for this to be proper, it should withstand testing, the trimming of the branch if you will, not that they may be lost, but that they may attain the strength, or health, required to be fruitful on the vine. (James 1:2-4) This knowledge that the said parable imparts is a vital cog in encountering the trials, hardships, and or temptations, for it is how spiritual maturity is attained. It is shown by one's attitude, showcasing the measure of his/her relationship with Him; Job complained and argued his case against God, while others just fall away (cast 0ff).
Figuratively, for a Christian to bear much fruit, therefore, one has to be persevering. Relatively, he/she shall have to hurdle trials to have a stronger and better relationship with Him; (1 Pet. 1:7) being positive, so to speak, results in bearing much fruit. Hence we should expect that in this life, we will have seemingly unending tests to produce the fruit of our faith until the full measure is met.
In facing the trials, however, to bear the fruit thereof, Jesus explains that we shall do so only by remaining in His love. Now here is the part in the passage, where he tells us how we will remain (Greek-click it) in his love.
“… Now remain in my love. I have obeyed my Father’s commands, and I remain in his love. In the same way, {{{if you obey my commands}}}, you will remain in my love. (John 15:9-10)Hence, Jesus is telling us plainly that if there is anything that can cast us off from His love, (Rom. 8:35) it is this… disobedience. Now In conjunction with our suffering that we may withstand whatever difficulty, therefore, is to have the same joy as He had in obedience to His father. (Rom. 8:28) Thus, in the same way, our joy will be the fullest possible joy in the midst of whatever suffering in facing the trial. (John 15:9-11) The whole of John 15 was ended with these words.
“… I gave you this work: to go and produce fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in my name. This is my command: Love each other.” (John 15:16-17)
For further reading, choose God Looks at the Heart among the posts on display below. (Tap... See All)
Comments