I was just nineteen years old when my mum died after a very short illness. Although it has been a long time now, I still remember our conversation and the final words she spoke to me on the night before she died. They are precious words that I treasure. They have helped to strengthen and encourage me in the hard times after her passing.
It seems as if the parting words of someone are important, whether in saying goodbye to a loved one or in seeking to leave a legacy. An internet search of “famous last words” will reveal quotes from movie stars, singers, politicians, artists, kings and queens, and many others. Some are poignant, funny, sad, witty, or full of wisdom, yet they remain a testament to, or a reflection of, the person who has gone.
Setting the Scene
As we begin our study of John 15, it’s important to remember the context and setting in which Jesus spoke to the disciples. Chapters 13 to 17 of John’s Gospel are commonly known as “The Upper Room/Farewell Discourse.” Jesus shares His final teachings with His disciples on the night before He goes to the cross, which occurs during the Passover.
At this stage, they do not fully understand what is about to happen, but Jesus has told them He is going away. All that takes place and is said in that evening is meant to instruct and prepare them for life and ministry after his departure.
Jesus teaches them how, through His imminent death and resurrection, He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Passover. He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sins of all.
He models humble servanthood as He washes the disciples’ feet. He commands them to love one another. He promises to send another helper, the Holy Spirit, who will come. He prepares them for persecution. He speaks of the future home they will have with the Father.
And, woven through all of this, are seven “I AM” statements through which Jesus reveals His identity, purpose, and character. He has shared how He is the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Gate for the Sheep, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life, and the Way the Truth and the Life.
Now, we come to the final statement in John 15:1.
“I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener.”
True, Real, and Genuine
Why does this statement matter? It is helpful to put ourselves in the shoes of the disciples who originally heard Jesus describe Himself in this way. They would have known their Old Testament scriptures, and they would have immediately recalled the many times Israel was referred to as a vine. Sadly, the people of Israel, God’s chosen people, had proven to be faithless, disobedient, rebellious, and unrighteous throughout the Old Testament. Notice Jesus doesn’t just say He is the vine, but He says that He is the true vine, the One who would be what Israel was not.
A vine is the life source for a plant, flower, or fruit. It is through the vine that a plant can receive the water and nutrients it needs to thrive. Without the vine, the plants would wither and die.
We are living in a world and an age where people are not who they say they are. There is fake news. The truth has been watered down or altered to whatever suits. Because of this, it is vital that we know and stay close to the One who is true, real, and genuine. Jesus will never go back on His Word, so we can trust and stand on His promises.
Last year, we had the pleasure of going to Western France on holiday and visiting some vineyards. It was fascinating to see how the vines grew with strong roots, green leaves, healthy branches intertwined, and laden with bunches of juicy, sweet grapes. I also observed how it was a full-time job for the workers to ensure the vines were well maintained, tended, and pruned to encourage the production of good fruit and further growth. This is the memory and image I have as I come to John 15.
What a great picture and description it is for us as followers of Jesus to be part of the One who is the true vine. As we read on through John 15, we see how we are the branches.
Jesus is our life source and sustainer. In response to that truth, we are called to be wise in the priorities of our time, our commitment to his Word, and fellowship with His people. Ultimately, we are to abide, remain, dwell, and stay close to Jesus.
As Jesus is the true vine, John 15:1 tells us that God the Father is the gardener. Gardening is hard work. It is a constant occupation if you want to cultivate a beautiful variety of plants and flowers, sow and grow seeds, get rid of weeds, and prepare the soil to produce home grown fruit and vegetables. The gardener is committed to the job and knows exactly what to plant when and where.
How lovely to think of our Father God as the gardener at work in our lives, watering the seed of His Word that has been sown and convicting us by His Spirit of the weeds of sin that could so easily choke and entangle us. He then delights in the so-called flowers that bring color, fragrance, beauty, and the good fruit that is grown in our hearts and lives.
The Presence of the Gardener
As God works in us as we remain in Jesus to grow and flourish, the Father cuts branches for their own good and for more growth.
A few years ago in church, we were working through the Gospel of John on Sunday mornings. Our pastor taught these verses, and his words touched my heart in a way that I have not forgotten. Pruning can be painful and seem harsh, but the gardener is never closer to the branch than when He is pruning it.
Perhaps, dear friend, this is exactly the comfort and assurance you need to hear today as you walk through this testing time or bear this painful trial. These hard days are being used to prune and prepare you for God’s good purposes so that you will be fruitful and transformed to be more like Jesus.
As God the Father prunes, He is very near. May you know His closeness and sense His hand upon your life even in the midst of a really difficult season.
As we seek to abide in Christ, staying close to Jesus, I echo Paul’s prayer in Colossians for each of us,
“For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects – bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9-10)
Amen.
