John 15 Part 1

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser...Abide in me, and I in you...For without me you can do nothing." (John 15:1, 4-5)

Israel was God’s chosen vine, planted with care and meant to bear fruit for His glory (Psalm 80:8-9). Despite His provision, Israel often produced wild grapes instead of good fruit (Isaiah 5:1-7), reflecting their failure to fulfill their calling. Yet from this nation came Jesus, the true vine and the first fruit of a new harvest (1 Corinthians 15:20). Through Him, we are offered a life-giving relationship that enables us to bear fruit when we abide in Him (John 15:4-5).

Even when we feel like failed vines—struggling with sin and falling short—Jesus brings forth good fruit from our lives. It’s not our perfection but our connection to the true vine that allows us to flourish. God’s pruning, though painful at times (John 15:2), shapes us into branches that bear abundant, lasting fruit. As we stay connected to Christ, He transforms our weakness into a testimony of His grace and glory.