JANUARY 11, 2026 – THE TRUE VINE

READ: Jn. 15:1–8: … He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing …

Jesus tells this parable on the night before Good Friday. The last Passover meal has taken place, and Judas has departed. Then He institutes the Holy Supper for His disciples. He wants to show them how to remain united with Him, and He uses an image familiar to the Israelites.

Scripture often speaks of a vineyard or a vine. Usually this refers to Israel as God’s property, from whom He expects fruit, the fruit of faith and thankfulness. But this time the Vine is not the people of Israel; it is the Lord Jesus Himself. He says, “I am the true Vine.” Israel was an unfruitful, corrupt vine, but Jesus is the real, true, flourishing Vine who brings forth precious fruit to God the Father, the Vinedresser.

God the Father plants this Vine: He sent His own Son to earth to save His people from unfruitfulness and to deliver them! Jesus’ followers are like branches that depend on Him.

Jesus Christ is one with His people, His Church, just as the vine is joined to its branches. By faith you are planted into Christ (Rom. 6:4,5), firmly connected to Him.

The Vinedresser cares for the branches: He wants fruit from His Church. That is what God’s purpose has always been. For that reason He planted the Vine. For that reason He sent His Son: to redeem His people from sin and give them eternal life. When the Vinedresser sees that a branch bears fruit, He purges it so that more fruit may grow.

That means the Lord tests you when you are joined to Christ, so that a stronger faith may develop. Your faith is purified through troubles, sickness, and hardship.

Where there is no faith, God removes the branch in judgment. Therefore the Lord Jesus says, Abide in Me, and I in you! True faith is a mutual union of love, with one goal: abundant fruit to the glory of God.

Can you name fruits that the Lord is working in you?
Sing: Ps. 56:4