“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 does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
-John 15:1&2 (ESV)
The excessive heat this summer did a number on the vines growing at my front door. When we got home after vacation they were wilted, turning brown and looking very forlorn. Since I have taken over part of the yardwork, it was my job to do a little pruning.
When you prune correctly, you encourage healthy growth and flowering, as well as good looks. Pruning involves the removal of certain parts of a plant to improve or sustain health and increase yield or quality. Did you know pruning is mentioned in the Bible?
*In John 15, the Greek word for “the true” indicates Jesus is the original vine from which the branches grow. He is the origin and source of a believer’s life. In the Old Testament, He appeared as a dry root out of the parched ground (Isaiah 53:2). However, that root became the vine from which branches grew. The “vinedresser” refers to our Heavenly Father who owns the land and cares for the vineyard.
“Branch” refers to a shoot which comes forth from the central vine. The branch “in Me” signifies the believers are in vital union and communion with their life source. The branch grows and produces grapes. Spiritually the “fruit” is a work of the Spirit produced in and through the believer in vital union with Jesus.
The vinedresser closely examines the fruit which the branches bear and desires more and larger grapes; therefore, He prunes it. He knows what to prune and what to leave. In this context, “prunes” means “to cleanse or purify a person.”
There are three kinds of branches:
- First, some branches produce no fruit and are cut off.
- Second, others bear some fruit and are left on the vine.
- Third, the ones which are pruned bear more fruit as the result of pruning.
Being pruned is definitely a painful experience. But instead of feeling mutilated, now I understand that pruning cleanses and purifies me. It is essential because it creates nourishment for producing more and larger fruit in my life. Therein lies a most important spiritual principle to numb my pain!
*Notes from The Complete Biblical Library, part 1, a 16-volume study series on the New Testament. Volume 5: STUDY BIBLE, JOHN. World copyright 1986 by Thoralf Gilbrant and Tor Inge Gilbrant