Jesus the True Vine

Sermon preached by Pastor C. John Steer

Autumn Ridge Church, Rochester, MN

July 19 & 20, 2008

 

 

Scripture:          John 15:1-17

No. 18:            John’s Gospel

 

 

Today we are going to look at one of the best loved passages in the gospel. So please turn to John chapter 15 in your Bible and the message outline.  What makes this chapter even more interesting is that it has been a source of both confusion and controversy in the church.

So we are going to try and get to the bottom of it and discover what God is saying to us.

 

It begins with Jesus announcing, “I am the true vine.” (v 1) 

This is the final “I am” of John’s gospel.

There have been seven in total – the number of perfection.

Here Jesus is making another divine claim about himself. 

We hear the echo of God’s self definition in Exodus when he told Moses, “I am who I am.” (Exodus 3:14)

 

Jesus is the true vine. He then tells us that his Father is the gardener and we are the branches of the vine. 

So what on earth does this mean? 

Let’s engage the passage by asking three questions.

 

1.                 IS THIS A MYSTICAL OR MISSIOLOGICAL MESSAGE?

Traditionally these words of Jesus have been seen as one of the great mystical passages of the Bible.

It is often preached at Deeper Life Conferences.

We hear Jesus saying, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” (v 4)

Mystics love that verse. It is full of spiritual mystery.

But if we are honest it doesn’t do much for those of us of a more practical bent. We have a tendency to skip over it until we can find something more down to earth.

 

But that is a mistake, for this is a practical passage.

It is all to do with the mission of the church.

I have been convinced by the writings of Leslie Newbigin and Bruce Milne that here Jesus is giving his apostles their final instructions on how to do his work in the world.

That is of interest to every Christian whether we are mystical in temperament or not.

 

The key is putting the passage in its context. 

Remember where this teaching is taking place.

Jesus is in the Upper Room in Jerusalem with his disciples.

He has just washed their feet and taught them about servanthood.

 

He has introduced them to the practice of the Lord’s Supper.

He is about to leave for Gethsemane where he will be arrested and then tried.  The next day he will be crucified.

Before that happens he wants to tell them how to build his church once he has gone.

 

Notice the last verse of the proceeding chapter where Jesus tells his disciples “Come now; let us leave.” (14:31) 

What tone of voice do you hear Jesus using?

Is it soft and resigned?

I don’t think so.

Jesus is more like an army sergeant sending his troops on patrol saying, “Let’s rock and roll.”

C. H. Dodd says this phrase implies, “Let us go to meet the advancing the enemy.”

 

That makes sense because in the previous verse Jesus has explained, “The prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me.” (John 14:30)

Jesus is going to confront Satan. He is confident of the outcome. John 15 therefore becomes his marching orders to his army.

This isn’t about mysticism it is about mission.

 

2.        WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VINE?

First we can say that in Israel a grape vine was a common sight.

It was like corn in Minnesota. Vines were everywhere.

We know that Jesus loved to use everyday things to illustrate spiritual truths.

 

However, there is more to the vine than familiarity.

In the Old Testament Israel is described by the prophets as the vine of God.  Isaiah had said, “The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the house of Israel.” (Isaiah 5:7)

God said through Jeremiah, “I have planted you like a choice vine.” (Jeremiah 2:21)

Ezekiel tells Israel, “Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard.” (Ezekiel 19:10) 

Hosea observed, “Israel was a spreading vine.”

(Hosea 10:1)

 

As a result of this the vine became the symbol of the nation of Israel like the eagle is the symbol of America.

The emblem on the coin of the Maccabees was the vine.

One of the glories of Solomon’s temple was the great golden vine in front of the holy place.

 

It is quite possible that Jesus has Psalm 80 in mind when he speaks of being the vine. For that Psalm blends talk of Israel as, “The vine out of Egypt.” (Psalm 80:8) with “The son of man you raised up for yourself.” (Psalm 80:17)  

But “The vine is burned with fire” (Psalm 80:16).

 

Israel has failed in her calling to be a light for the Gentiles and to bring God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. 

Israel’s unfaithfulness as God’s vine reaches it peak at this point as she rejects and crucifies God’s Messiah.

 

But God’s purpose will not collapse.

It is grasped afresh at this moment by Jesus.

In contrast to the false vine which has destroyed itself by disobedience, Jesus is the true vine.

He is the obedient son through whose sacrifice the purpose of Israel will find fulfillment and the nations will be blessed. 

Jesus has come to renew the mission of Israel.

The barren branches of Israel’s vine will become fruitful for those who unite with the Messiah.

 

Do you see now how this relates to the mission of the church? Rather than turning aside from this passage with the excuse, “I am not a very mystical person,” we should feel the rising excitement of a call to arms from our commander and chief.

God is on the move. He wants us to join his mission and fill our lives with purpose and significance as we follow the living Christ.

 

 

So now let’s ask HOW CAN WE BE EFFECTIVE FOR GOD?

Here I want to acknowledge my indebtedness to Dr. Bruce Milne. He taught me theology when I was a seminary student and has been a good friend ever since.

He has also written an excellent commentary on John’s gospel for InterVarsity Press that is a summary of his lifetime study of this gospel.

 

Bruce shows how Jesus lays down four principles of spiritual effectiveness. 

The first is pruning by the Father.

 “My Father . . . 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.” (v 2)

 

The disciples all understood vines and so appreciated this illustration but those of us who live in a northern climate may need further explanation. 

Vines grow very quickly and constant pruning is essential. 

 

A young vine was not allowed to bear fruit for the first three years. 

Each year it was drastically cut back so that it might develop and conserve its energy.

When it is mature it is pruned every December and January.

 

It bears two kinds of branches, one fruit bearing and one non-fruit bearing. The non- fruit bearing branches are removed so that they don’t drain away the strength of the plant.

 

And so our heavenly Father prunes us in order that we may be fruitful for him.  Pruning is usually painful so it is good to remember as we are going through hurtful experiences that God our heavenly gardener can use them to make us more effective in the work of his kingdom.

 

I have often observed that Christians who have endured the pain of divorce or unemployment or illness are deepened in their faith and stronger in their service. From those who suffer the most there often comes the greatest fruitfulness.

 

This painful pruning can bring us closer to God.

N.T. Wright observes, “The vine-dresser is never closer to the vine, taking more thought over its long term health and productivity than when he has the knife in his hand.”

 

There is also the idea here that the Father’s pruning makes us clean. The Greek words for prune and clean are very similar and so Jesus adds, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” (v 3)

 

Now this whole area of pruning has created great controversy.

The reason is one of the statements Jesus makes.

He says, “If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, and thrown into the fire and burned.” (v 6)

 

Theologians have wondered if this means that we can lose our salvation. I think that is pushing the parable too far.

However, it is good to remember that a few minutes earlier Jesus has announced that he would be betrayed. 

 

 

John told us, “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him” (John 13:27) and adds, “As soon as Judas has taken the bread he went out, and it was night.” (John 13:30) 

 

Judas had appeared to be a branch of the vine but he was exposed as a dead branch, and therefore thrown away.

This should cause us to carefully heed the words of Peter, “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.” (2 Peter 1:10)

 

A second way we can be effective for God is by partnership with Jesus. 

“Remain in me, and I will 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. 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.” (v 4-5)

 

Here is the solemn reminder that we will be ineffective without a partnership with Jesus.

Our service will be barren and our lives unfruitful. 

 

But how do we remain in Christ?

Aren’t we back to some mystical experience which is beyond many of us? 

Not at all, for Jesus explains how to remain in him when he says, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love.” (v 10) 

There is a moral dimension to our effectiveness for God which is obedience to Jesus.

In case we think that obeying God’s commands involves wearing hair shirts and a life of misery, Jesus adds, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy might be complete.” (v 11) 

 

Obeying God’s commands bring joy.

A Christian is a person of happiness.

A gloomy Christian is a contradiction in terms and nothing has done more harm to Christianity than its connection with black clothes and long faces.

 

Lesslie Newbigin makes the helpful point that the connection of fruitfulness and joy is appropriate for the Psalmist tells us that the fruit of the vine results in joy.

“Wine gladdens the heart of man.” (Psalm 104:15)

 

The third way we can be effective in fulfilling God’s mission for his church is praying in Jesus’ name. 

 

This truth is brought out twice. Jesus says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” (v 7)

“The Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (v 16)

 

Here we are reminded that prayer is essential to the effectiveness of the church.

If we want our missionaries to be effective we must pray for them.   If we want our children and young people to come to Christ we must pray for them.

 

If we want God to use the Compassion Evangelical Hospital in Guinea we must pray for it.

If we want men and women in prison to have their lives transformed we must pray for the ministry of Rochester Network.

 

Now these verses have also been a cause for confusion and controversy. Some have suggested that as long as we pray in Jesus’ name we can have anything we want.

As if the name of Jesus has a magical power.

But that is to misunderstand what it means to ask in Jesus’ name.

 

To ask in his name means to ask according to his will.

It is to pray for his desires for his world to be fulfilled.

This promise of Jesus is not an invitation to us to be selfish but to be servants.

 

It is when we remain in Christ that we are in harmony with God’s purposes.

The yearning of our hearts corresponds to the yearning of his. We pray according to his will and therefore our prayers are answered.

Remember it is God’s program we are advancing, not our own.

 

A fourth way that we are effective for God in pursuing his mission is love for other believers.

Hear the passion in Jesus’ words as he turns to his beloved apostles and says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (v 9)

It is interesting that Jesus does not tell us at this stage to love the world but rather to love other disciples.

There are several reasons for this. 

First it is often hardest to love the people we know best.

I can easily love some unknown person in Africa.

It is more of a challenge to love the person sitting next to me in church.

 

Second there is a recognition that the greatest drawing card that the church has is love. 

The Pagans said of the first believers, “See how these Christians love each other.”

 

We have to admit to our shame that often Christians have not loved one another. We have fought and bickered and the unbelieving world looks on and says, “why would I want to be part of that?’

 

Notice that this love is not an option.

Jesus adds, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (v 12) 

Love is a command. In case we miss it Jesus repeats it again,

“This is my command: Love each other.” (v 17)

 

That helps us to understand the nature of love.

You can’t command someone to have a certain feeling but you can command them to do a certain action. The love Jesus speaks of is deeds whereby we lift up and help one another.

 

Jesus makes this clear when he explains,

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (v 13)

Jesus has the cross in view. In the cross of Christ we supremely see his love for us and that is how we are to love one another. Sacrificially, willing to die if necessary.

This sort of love conquers the world.

 

Then to emphasize the closeness of his relationship with us Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command.

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (v 14-15)

 

The expression “a friend of God” had an interesting background in the first century.

In the courts of eastern kings there was a very select group of people who were called “the friends of the king.”

At all times they had access to the sovereign.

 

They even had the right to come into his bedroom at the beginning of the day.

And that is the sort of relationship we have with Jesus.

We can come to him at any time.

 

Just in case we feel a bit too puffed up by that privilege of friendship Jesus reminds us, “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” (v 16) 

Our relationship with Jesus is solely a matter of his grace. 

 

Bruce Milne writes, “Therein lies the ultimate encouragement in mission. We go not because we are worthy or equipped or attractive or skilled or experience or in any way suitable and appropriate. We go because we have been summoned and sent.”

 

The doctrine of election is clearly taught here but in case we think that leaves us with no responsibility, Jesus tells us why he has chosen us, “I chose you and appointed to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” (v 16)

 

The disciples would have recognized an extraordinary contrast here. Earlier Jesus had told them that they were the branches of the vine. They knew perfectly well that vine branches are useless. They were too soft to be used for building.

Vinewood could not even be burnt in the temple.

Vine branches are useless.

Yet when we remain in Christ we become supremely useful and do work of eternal significance and value.

 

So the very practical challenge of this passage is do we belong to Christ? Are we his friend? 

It is perfectly possible to remain on the fringes of the family of God but never really become part of him.

But we will never be fruitful until we do.

 

Last Wednesday I went to Bethel College in Saint Paul.

Something happened to me there that changed my life.

I took an oath which made me a citizen of the United States of America.

 

Now this has taken far too long. I have lived in the United States for 32 years, far longer than I lived in England.

But I was comfortable in my role as an alien.

I had my green card and there is considerable cost in becoming a citizen.  There is a fee of hundreds of dollars.

There are many forms to fill out.

There are visits to the Twin Cities to have interviews and finger prints taken and even a citizenship exam.

 

But it was time to act.  America is now my country. I have benefited enormously from living here and it was time to belong.  And I am glad I now have my citizenship certificate.

 

The Bible likens belonging to Christ with citizenship.

Paul tells the Philippians, “Our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3:20)

He informs the Ephesians, “You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people.”  (Eph. 2:19)

 

Perhaps you have been around the church for awhile.

You have benefited from the fellowship of God’s people.

But you have never really taken a stand for Jesus Christ.

You don’t belong to him.

 

You are not a fruitful branch and that is a perilous position to be in because Jesus says, “If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (v 6)

 

Paul describes your condition in these terms, “You were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenant of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12)

 

But here is this glorious opportunity to become a citizen of God’s kingdom, to be part of the vine of the new Israel, to be fruitful for God who appoints us to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.

 

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the grand truth that Jesus is the vine, you are the gardener and we are the branches. We rejoice that we can be fruitful and effective when we remain in Christ and are in partnership with him.

 

We long for the fruit of your Holy Spirit to be seen in our lives, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We desire that the life of Jesus will be reproduced in us as we represent you in the world.

In Jesus’ name.  Amen