As a child, I remember going to my grandmother's to help work in the garden. Boys don't usually get thrilled when asked to help out with plants. You can't pick them up and throw them or wrestle with them. I had to be delicate so that the fruit stayed connected to the vine until it is ready to be picked. Needless to say, I really wasn't very good help.

We find the Lord Jesus talking about fruit & vines in Jn. 15. Christ has eaten the Supper with the disciples (14:31), and they are en route to the Garden of Gethsemane. Along the way, they most likely passed some vineyards. It was the time of year that vines were cut back for pruning or cut off for burning. This provided an excellent chance to make a great spiritual point.

Jesus said, "I am the true vine" (v. 1). He is saying He is "real" or "genuine." He offered true life (Jn. 10:10b). To have this life, we must always be sure we have a connection to the vine. If we get cut off, we'll wither and die. If we're not bearing fruit, we'll be cut off (v. 2). If we "abide" in Him, we'll bear much fruit (vv. 4,5,8).

All fruit on the vine is equal. Yes, some will be "more advanced" than others, but as long as it stays connected, each has equal access to the nourishment the vine provides. There should be no competition. There should be peace and harmony. When did you last see two grapes competing on the same vine?

Having already stated that life is found only on the vine, obviously anything picked immediately starts to die once it is severed from nourishment only the vine can provide. Therefore, the "world" outside the vine will not be able to give what is needed. It "hates" what is on the vine, the vine itself, and the "vinedresser" (vv. 18-19, 23).

Returning to our illustration, there is a major difference. Fruit doesn't jump off the vine; it is picked. With Christ as "the vine," no one is picked off. Those who leave do so on their own. Yet there is a similarity. Once off "the vine," we die. Are you connected?