The Vine and the Branches

By Jeep Collins

In this years BSF study of John we recently completed chapter 15.  The Tuesday after our Monday night study I went to my drawing pad and sketched crosses with vines bearing fruit.  As I transferred the final drawing to wax and began carving the model I contemplated what Jesus was saying and how I could make His words a reality in my life.  This chapter is full of wisdom like:


John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”


The only way we can bear fruit or do good works is through the “vine” Jesus Christ.  Never believe that the good things you do, the kindness, the love you show others will gain you heaven.  These are good but not good enough.  When we come to Christ through faith we receive His Spirit, the Holy Spirit who shows and directs our works of faith; not of our choosing but His.


Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.


This fruit is unsustainable apart from the vine. In the vine they are the traits of a true believer and tools given us to build the kingdom of God by bringing others to faith in Christ.