Names of Jesus: Part Ten

Jesus — The Vine

John 15:1-11 — “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither canyou unless you remain in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

Devotion — How do we live the Christian life? How can we stay faithful, true, and strong in our faith? Jesus uses the example of a vine and its branches to explain how we grow and flourish in our Christian lifes. The branches, being connected to the main vine, receive nourishment to grow and be productive. In doing so, they are able to produce fruit that is good and desirable. But have you noticed branches that become damaged, whithered, and die. That branch is no longer useful to the vine and must be pruned for new growth to occur. The Christian life is like the vine and branch. If we abide in Jesus, growing in His Word, His love, and His commandments, we mature and become strong. We become productive for the cause of Christ. We bear fruit that is a testimony to His glory. However, if the branch’s connection to the vine is weakened or broken, it will no longer produce anything of value. As we have to prune vegetation to keep it from growing out of control, to remove the deadwood so that new growth can occur and be productive, so Jesus does with us. His love, mercy, and grace for His children will not leave us to die on the vine without intervention. Jesus desires only the best for us, that we may find joy and fulfillment in Him. This is the fruitfulness we should desire the world to see.

Prayer — Let us be thankful that the Lord does not leave us to flounder in this world with no hope. He desires a relationship with us, to live in us and we in Him. Jesus desires to teach us, grow us, strengthen us and make us into His likeness. Give thanks and seek His presence daily so that you can bear much fruit.