More thoughts from the Vine

This parable from Jesus about the vine and the branches has really been eye opening to me this week.  Here are some points that I want to share about how this parable really explains the completeness of this union between Jesus and His followers.  You will realize how close this union is when you see how each is nothing without the other and how each is wholly and only for the other.

• Without the Vine (Jesus) the branch (believer) can do nothing.  John 15:5
• Without the branches (believers) the Vine (Jesus) can also do nothing!  Incredible but true.  Think about a grapevine.  A vine can not bear fruit without branches!   A quote from the book says ” Just as His people are dependent on Him, He has made Himself dependent on them.  Without His disciples He cannot dispense His blessings to the world.” 
• All the Vine possesses belongs the the branches (John 17:22)
• All the branch possesses belongs to the Vine. 
• There is only one purpose for a branch on a grapevine and that is to bring forth fruit!

Here’s a great quote from Andrew Murray:

“Jesus is indeed to me the True Vine, bearing me, nourishing me, supplying me, using me, and filling me to the full to make me bring forth fruit abundantly.  Then I will not be afraid to say, “I am indeed a branch of Jesus, the True Vine, abiding in Him, resting on Him, waiting for Him, serving Him, and living so that through me, too, He may exhibit the riches of His grace, and give His fruit to a dying world.”