Jesus said, “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,” John 15:1-2 (NASB)
The owner of the vineyard tells me she removes the branches that are dead. That she added a new branch (root) which is already entwined with the older vine.
Jesus continues, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”
When growing grapes, the entire plant is considered the grape vine. It is this portion from which all other branches, leaves, and fruit, must grow. Rosalie went on to explain for the fruit to reach its maximum potential, it must receive plenty of sunlight. This means that even some of the beautiful leaves and young shoots must be pruned away. This makes room for the sun to shine through. She said she didn’t like to do that part but, if she didn’t, then there wouldn’t be tasty grapes to eat.
Jesus used the examples of vines, branches, and fruit to help us see ─ our lives are a lot like a grapevine. The dead wood (sin) must be removed and destroyed. Unnecessary parts of our busy days need to be carefully pruned to allow the Light of the Son to shine through. When Jesus, the Son, shines in our lives then fruit will grow.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB)
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