The Vine

…the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. – Col 1:27 

John 15 is one of the pivotal chapters in the fourth Gospel. It’s the only chapter in the Gospels that’s composed entirely of Jesus’ words alone. And though it’s one of the chapters that introduces us to the Person of the Holy Spirit (“the Comforter”), and though it contains some of the most memorable verses in scripture (“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”); its core message is the introduction of Christ as the “True Vine”.

Several Old Testament passages already refer to the nation of Israel as a vine (Ps 80:8-16, Is 5:1-7, Jer 2:21, Ez 15:1-8; 17:5–10, 19:10–14, Hos 10:1, etc.) which may have necessitated Jesus referring to Himself as the “TRUE Vine”. The original Vines weren’t faithful, but this One was faithful to the Father in everything.

John chapter 15 is meant to be a chapter of Hope and Comfort. Jesus is saying “My Father has always and cultured vines; but none proved reliable. I, on the other hand, am faithful and True.

“And you don’t have to worry about being a “True” Vine like me, you are the Branches of this True Vine.”

What a beautiful and wonderful thought. To be inseparably intertwined into Christ. Ponder on the implications and application of this powerful reality today.

AMEN.

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

GREG ELKAN