The Vine

The vine is frequently used in the OT as a symbol of Israel, but it was often shown as inadequate or lacking in some way. God had originally planted Israel in the Promised Land to be a means of revealing His word to the world and for teaching all nations about His grace. Israel was to flourish as a living example of how obedience bears the fruit of righteousness. God promised to bless Israel over and over, but Israel failed to do this. By Jesus declaring that He was the true vine, Jesus took the place of Israel. The Father owns the garden, Jesus is the vine, and his followers are the branches. Not only is bearing fruit the main emphasis, but Jesus makes it the identifying mark of a true believer, a true follower of Christ.
Scripture Text: John 15:1-11 NLT