From where do you get your food? (Preparing our Hearts for Easter Series)

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I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. (John 15:1,4 ESV)

When we go shopping, we take great pains to secure the best food our physical bodies don't we? We look for the freshest vegetables and the brightest, most colorful fruits. Do we have the same discernment when it comes to our spiritual lives?

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser." The meaning of Jesus' statement recorded in John 15:1 would have been clear to His audience.

Israel was often referred to as 'the vine' in the books of prophecy and often chastised for going astray  (Isaiah 5:1, Jeremiah 2:21, Ezekiel 19:10). The Old Testament also spoke of foreign vines as well like "The vine of Egypt" or "The vine of Sodom" (Psalm 80:8, Deuteronomy 32:32)

Jesus was claiming to be THE true vine. The pure vine. The faultless vine. The Father's vine. The Jews born in Israel considered themselves to be part of the covenant community, now Jesus is claiming to be the true Israel tended by God, the covenant of which believers become a part (Galatians 6:16).

The Pulpit Commentary elaborates: "The vine" was the beautiful image of that theocratic and sacramental community, which had its center in the altar and ark of testimony and the holy place; and the fruit of the vine was conspicuous in all the symbolic relations which, through priesthood and ritual enactments, brought individual Israelites into relation with the reconciled God. 

Jesus does this for believers through His life, burial and resurrection. As a vine feeds the branches, so Christ feeds us. Juice flows through the vine into the branches nourishing them and producing fruit. Jesus is the source of all real life and strength to those that put their trust in Him and produces the fruits of holiness in our lives.

What kind of sustenance are you feeding on today? Is it the nourishment from the true vine or juice from another vine?

Blessed Saviour, may our hearts abide in your vine, attaching our affections only to you. May we grow in you and your ways, displaying your fruit wherever we go. Amen.