The vine and the branches

Looking at the cover picture of this magazine gives me great pleasure. On some sunny autumn days I was allowed to take part in the grape harvest. I eagerly cut the ripe bunches of grapes from the vines with the scissors and carefully placed them in small boxes. I left unripe grapes hanging on the vine and removed individual damaged grape berries. After a short time I mastered the sequence of this activity.
The Bible has much to say about the image of the vine, the branch and its fruit: “I am the true vine and my father the vine-gardener. Every branch of me that bears no fruit he takes away; and every one that bears fruit he cleanses so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself if it does not abide by the vine, so neither can you, if you do not abide by me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him brings much fruit; for without me you cannot do anything »(John 15: 1-5).

As a branch, I am placed in the vine Jesus by the vintner. However, it took me a long time to realize that I am living through him, with him and in him. Through him I was refreshed with the water of life from the depths and supplied with all the nutrients so that I am able to live. His light illuminates my life so that I can grow into his image.

Since the vine is clean and unaffected by disease, it will bear good fruit. I am happy to be one with the vine as a healthy branch. Through him I am precious and live.

Jesus showed me that without him I can do nothing. The truth is even more decisive. Without him I have no life and he would treat me like withered vines. But the wine grower wants me to bring a lot of fruit. This is possible when I am in an intimate relationship with the Vine.
I encourage you to think of Jesus the vine the next time you have a glass of wine, eat grapes, or enjoy raisins. He wants to live in a warm relationship with you too. Cheers!

by Toni Püntener