The disciple is one who continually recognizes his position. "I am the True Vine (Jesus Christ), and My Father is the Vine Dresser" (Father God Almighty).1 "You (the disciple) are the branches".2 The True Vine is perfect. The Vine Dresser is Just and Loving and Perfect. The Branch is perfect (because of Christ's righteousness).
The fruit we produce is given life at the Vine Dresser's discretion, not ours. If we "bear fruit" we will be pruned that we might bear more. If we abide in the Vine we are receiving life giving 'juices' that cause us to be productive because of His life in us. Apart from the Vine we can do nothing. Apart from the Vine we wither. Withered branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned.3 God gives life to the Vine and the Vine gives us life. The fruit we produce must be "fruit of light", which is goodness, righteousness and truth.4 All else is of the flesh, and will be burned as useless and corrupt.
The Vine Dresser (Greek: ampelourgos) is someone who cares for the vine (Greek: ampelos). In Luke 13:6-9, the Parable of the Barren Fig is evidence of a caring Vine Dresser.5 He is patient (three years of dressing), he is careful (digging and fertilizing), he is expectant (bear fruit next year), and he is practical (if it does not bear, cut it down). The disciple soon sees that the production of the vineyard is determined by the Vine Dresser.
He is the Caretaker (Greek: merimnao; always implies a high degree of concern, more than just giving attention) of the Kingdom. What great calamity is caused when we assume any position except that of being a branch. When we grab the pruning shears we can be out of authority and in rebellion. "He cares for us".6 We must keep hold of the fertilizer bag, shovel and water can. The rest is the Vine Dresser's business.
The vineyard has been a symbol of God's care and concern through history:
1. As a sign of prosperity; Every man "under his own vine and fig tree".7
2. To plant vineyards and produce fruit implied long and settled habitation.8
3. Not to plant vineyards and eat the fruit was a sign of misfortune and displeasure.9
4. A successful and prolonged vintage showed God's blessing.10
5. A failure of the vine was a sign of God's wrath.11
6. As a test of faith.12
7. Jesus used the vineyard in three parables.13
We must see that our Great God is in control of His created. All seed germination, all growth, all pruning, and production are His. What a wonderful thing to see how carefully we have been given our position as a branch; abiding in the Vine; and under the care of the Vine Dresser.
Additional Scripture References:
Matthew 7:16
John 10:13, John 12:6
1 Peter 5:7
1 Corinthians 9:9
1. John 15:1
2. John 15:5
3. John 15:1-11
4. Ephesians 5:9
5. Luke 13:6-9
6. 1 Peter 5:7
7. 1 Kings 4:25, Micah 4:4
8. 2 Kings 19:29, Psalm 107:37, Jeremiah 31:5
9. Amos 5:11, Deuteronomy 20:6, 1 Corinthians 9:7
10. Leviticus 26:5
11. Psalm 78:47, Jeremiah 8:13, Joel 1:7
12. Habakkuk 3:17
13. Matthew 20:1, Matthew 21:28-33, John 15:1-11
