June 2, 2025
The True Vine
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
Read John 15:1-17.
Some believers are like the banyan tree. They grow and multiply, serving as conduits of all the blessings they receive. They pass on the infinite riches of Christ instead of hoarding them. Jesus used such a metaphor as well: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener” (John 15:1). He explained, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (v. 5). Jesus was indicating to His disciples that they should grow, mature, and bear fruit.
In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel is referred to as a vine or vineyard several times—a vine of God’s own planting (see Psalm 80:8 and Isaiah 5:7). When Jesus called Himself the true vine, He was juxtaposing Himself with Israel. While the people of Israel sinned and failed to produce fruit, Jesus obeyed. While Israel was inward-focused, He was focused on the will of God to bring His light to the nations. That’s what it means that He is the true vine. He is the ideal, trustworthy vine, which means that all who come to Him are the branches. The branches that remain in the vine—in Jesus—produce much fruit. But those who try to live apart from Him, they produce nothing.
God the Father is the gardener. He cuts off the unfruitful branches (see John 15:2, 6). The Bible tells us that at the end of history, God will separate the wheat from the tares, the sheep from the goats, the true Christians from those who never really believed (see Matthew 13:24-30, 25:31-46). This task belongs to the gardener alone. Only He is perfectly wise and knows how to justly care for the branches. As He does, He prunes even the fruitful branches so that they grow even more fruit. This is something few of us want to hear. Clearing and purifying and removing the things in our lives that hinder our faithfulness can be painful and uncomfortable, but it is essential. Jesus is warning His disciples not to make the same mistake Israel did by cherishing disobedience, but instead to remain in Him.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for promising to grow me and bear fruit in my life as I stay rooted in and connected to You. May Your Spirit lead me and empower me to draw ever nearer to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener” (John 15:1).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series The Exclusivity of Jesus: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
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