John 15:1-11 | What's happening (and who's involved)?

The image Jesus draws in this passage is a clear one. He is still in conversation with His disciples, which is an important thing given some of what Jesus is saying here. Many people believe that Scripture has to apply to all people at all times. That simply is not true, and this passage will demonstrate that.

Jesus introduces Himself as the true vine, and His Father as the vine dresser. He then, introduces another component to the vine - the branches. These branches are split into two categories, those that are fruitful and those that are not. These are the proclaimed believers. Each member of the vine motif here has a roll to play.

The true vine is to supply the necessary nutrients to the branches so that the branches may be fruitful. The branches that abide in the vine receive the nutrients, and, as a result, bear fruit. The vine dresser takes care of and cultivates the branches on the vine so that they would be even more fruitful.

Already the lesson takes a lot of the pressure off of ourselves that we like to put on, but let's continue.

Jesus addresses some simple realities with this. The branch cannot produce fruit without the true vine. If a branch is not abiding in the vine, it is cast out and withered. Alternatively, the branch that is abiding in the vine will bear fruit. It is a promise.

But why is Jesus just giving them these spiritual gardening tips? Well I find it to be contextually interesting that as Jesus is getting ready to depart He is encouraging them to continue to abide in Him. It shows some of what the connection through the Holy Spirit accomplishes. Additionally, Jesus desires for His people to be fruitful. But there is still another reason, and it is one that truly blows me away.

11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
-John 15:11

Jesus speaks these things to give His joy to His disciples and for the fullness of their joy. It is the joy of the disciple to produce the fruit of Christ. It is the joy of the disciple to walk in obedience to the Lord's commands. And it is the joy of the Lord to pour His joy into us.

What observations are you making today?