By Brother Guy Ames
Jesus gathered his disciples at their Passover meal and his “last supper” before his crucifixion. Perhaps as he lifted one of the cups of wine he began talking about vineyards, grapes and growth when he told them, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15: 1-4).
The Old Testament prophets referred to Israel as God’s unfruitful vineyard because of their lack of faithfulness to God. Now Jesus changes the picture, not Israel, but Jesus is the TRUE vine; he is the one who gives life to his followers. Being the “chosen people” does not guarantee spiritual life, but only the surrendered life can offer the abundant life.
We are those vine branches of which Jesus speaks. Staying freshly alive in Jesus will produce evidence of a fruitful Christian life. The New Testament refers to fruitfulness in two ways: (1) the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5; and (2) Jesus’ reference to “bearing fruit” reminds us that we are the ones called to help call others to follow him (“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Jn 15.8)
What is the source of your spiritual strength? Are you still remembering your conversion years ago or living on the memory of spiritual parents? Traveling in another country we learned that the cab driver was a Christian. We asked, “When did you become a Christian?” wanting to know about his spiritual life.
“My grandfather converted to Christ 78 years ago,” was his reply. He could only talk about his spiritual ancestor and had no current testimony. Jesus asks the same question: “how are you growing; what fruit are you producing in your life, how is it with your soul?”
In Christ, the Holy Spirit keeps us fresh, energized, and fruitful. John Wesley reminded early Methodists that maintaining a rich life in Christ requires maintaining healthy spiritual disciplines to keep our eyes on Christ. Disciplines such as daily prayer and Scripture reading, weekly worship, Holy Communion, and regular spiritual accountability meetings with trusted Christian friends helps us to remain close to Jesus. These practices help us keep our inward eyes fixed on Jesus, who is our only Source of life.
This week marks the end of Lent as we walk through Holy Week and prepare for Easter. Easter Sunday millions will gather for worship yet for many this will be the only time of worship since last year. Jesus calls to us: “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.”
Did you miss serious Lenten devotion and practice? Don’t wait for Advent or Lent to begin again, instead take up an Easter to Pentecost spiritual practice. Beginning the Monday after Easter spend those forty days between Easter and Pentecost in daily prayer and Scripture reading. Let God till the spiritual soil of our lives, prune the deadwood from our hearts, and set us again to a fruit-filled life in Jesus. May Resurrection Sunday launch us into a season of fruitfulness that others may come to know that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God our Father.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I confess that I have not loved you with my whole heart and have not sought to live a life abiding in your Spirit. Forgive me and lead me into a fresh season of new life and growth in you. Lord, speak again to me as in my younger years that my life may be alive in you and that others may come to know you through my witness. Make me bold to share with others that Jesus is the true vine, the true life and in you we can have abundant life, now and in eternity. For your sake. Amen.
