(Jesus said) “…I AM the True Vine…” John 15:1
The image of a vine was interwoven into the culture of Jesus’ day. Vineyards were a sign of God’s blessings and appeared on Jewish coinage and even were carved into the great doors of the Temple. The connection to wine and feasting and celebration were inseparable and used as a metaphor for the goodness of God upon His people.
When Jesus calls Himself the “Vine” He does so in connection to all of us whom He calls the “branches.” It is an appropriate theme as it reminds us of the intimate connection He creates to us through faith. We have been grafted into the Vine and our faith is always referred to as being “in Christ,” “with Christ,” “through Christ,” as we have been connected to all He accomplished in His perfect Life, Death and Resurrection.
Nevertheless, we are a divided people, often at odds with God’s will and desiring to separate ourselves and follow our own wants and inclinations. When we do so, we sin, and are disconnected from the life the True Vine provides. But our gracious God will not allow this. He continues to connect to us and impart His life-giving Spirit. He even prunes away the dead branches of our bad habits, self-centeredness and pet sins, so that we can grow and flourish and produce the good works of faith He has planned for us.
Through Word and Sacrament and the gift of wine and bread in Holy Communion, our gracious God continues to nourish and nurture us unto true life. Enjoy this life today and always by the goodness of the True Vine.
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy!
Pastor Kilian