Jesus: The True Vine

I. Introduction

Excerpt from the Associated Press article “Study: College Students More Narcissistic Than Ever” (2/27/2007). The text of the article will be appended to the end of this blog.

II. Old Testament Background

Like last week, the imagery that Jesus is drawing upon is neither philosophical not esoteric to the common person, both ancient and modern. He is using another organic metaphor to describe himself, one that had been used before in the OT to describe Israel.

Psalm 80 depicts the people of God as a vine that the LORD had taken out of Egypt and planted in a new land: Canaan. The psalmist is dismayed that the vine could be ravaged and destroyed in the way that it has been. Has God forgotten about the vine and let it fall victim to its enemies? Why has there been such desolation for people who are supposed to be God’s own?

Isaiah 5:1-7 is another rich metaphor in which Israel is described as a vine. In clearer terms, we see the problem pondered by the author of Psalm 80. The vine has been abandoned not because God is wrathful and vengeful, but because it was not bearing good fruit. In fact, it was bearing “wild” fruit, a Hebrew word (b^e‘ushim) which means “stinking” or “worthless.” In this metaphor, God is described as the farmer who took great pains to clear land in order to build a vineyard. He even built a watchtower and a wall in order to ensure the vineyard’s safety. But when these “stinking” grapes came forth, the vine showed its fruit and was destroyed because of it. Why would a wild vine need the finest land and a protective hedge? Why should it be tended and cared for if it is only going to yield a rotten crop? Why should the precious rain even be wasted upon this vile weed?

Jeremiah 2:21 is similar to Isaiah 5:1-7 in that it depicts Israel as a choice vine that was planted in order to yield fruit and be a blessing to all around. However, this renegade vine brought forth wild fruit. The Hebrew word here is different from Isaiah’s. This word (nakriyah) means “foreign” or “alien” or in some cases “harlot.” What was expected to bring forth the best ended up producing the worst.

The parallel of the vine with Israel was common in the Old Testament. Repeatedly, the image would evoke emotions of fruitfulness and joy because the fruit of the vine produced these emotions during the harvest. Yet, whenever this image is employed, it is not to praise Israel for her fruitfulness, but to condemn Israel for being a vine planted in the choicest of soil and given all the finest amenities yet without good fruit. She only brought forth “stinking” or “worthless” fruit, fruit likened to that of prostitution.

III. The Context of the Saying

This is the last ‘I AM’ statement of John’s Gospel. Each of them takes us to different places and phases in Jesus’ public ministry. The one we looked at last week and the one before us tonight give us a window into the closing hours of this public ministry before Jesus was apprehended by the Jews.

After the dramatic scene in the upper room where 1) the Passover Meal was celebrated, 2) the New Covenant was instituted in and through the Lord’s Supper, and 3) Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, Jesus commanded the 11 remaining disciples to exit (John 14:31). From there, it appears that Jesus and the disciples made their way from the upper part of the city down into the Kidron Valley where the Garden of Gethsemane is located. On the way out of the city, the events found in John 15-17 occur. We know this because in 18:1, Jesus leads the disciples out of Jerusalem proper and into the Kidron Valley where chapters 18 and following unfold.

So here we have Jesus walking through the streets of Jerusalem spending what he knows will be the last quality moments with the disciples. He has taken many walks with them over the three years since he called them, but this is the last walk he will take before his death. He has one opportunity to teach them a lasting lesson. I am not sure what it was that caused Jesus to choose the metaphor of the vine and the branches. In looking at the other six ‘I AM’ statements, I would have to say that something sparked the analogy. Perhaps they were are feeling a little full or a little light on their feet because of the wine they had shared in the Passover Meal and Jesus took the opportunity to compare himself to the vine which gave them such pleasure. Perhaps they walked past a home with a beautiful vineyard beginning to bear its springtime load and Jesus made the obvious connection. I honestly don’t know and I don’t think it is really that important. What I can say is that Jesus used this picture as a window into his teaching about the relationships experienced in and through his gospel.

IV. Jesus as the True Vine

In the Old Testament, Israel was supposed to be a vine that brought forth fruit and blessed the earth. God’s intention for this chosen people was that they might be instruments of his blessing to the entire world. When God revealed himself to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3, this cosmic blessing is his obvious design for the people that would come forth from Abraham. However, their history as it is told in the Old Testament is one of struggle with God. In fact, the name Israel probably means “he who struggles with God.” The vine that was supposed to be a blessing brought forth rotten fruit and no one is blessed by rotten fruit.

Into this situation comes the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. He actually takes up the role of being the faithful son and fruitful vine that Israel as a nation never was. In fact, the Gospel according to Matthew sees Jesus in precisely these terms. He is depicted as the humble servant who obeys and bestows blessing while Israel as a nation rejects him and kills him, just like they did the prophets who came before him (Isaiah, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, etc.).

So Jesus calls himself the True Vine. He is the one who bears fruit and blesses the world through this fruit. He is the fulfillment of the covenant made with Abraham so that the entire world might taste of this blessed fruit. Unlike Israel, he was pleased to follow his Father’s will. Unlike Israel, he remained obedient to the very end, not because he knew that was what he had to do, but because that was what he wanted to do. For this reason, Jesus called himself not just “the vine,” but “the True Vine” because he fulfilled the role that Israel never truly fulfilled.

But Jesus doesn’t stop here. Like the other ‘I AM’ sayings that we’ve looked at, he continues to explain or expound exactly what he means. The explanation that follows is all about three relationships: the relationship of the vine to the branches, the relationship of the branches one to another, and the relationship of the branches (i.e. Jesus’ disciples) to the world at large.

First, there is the relationship between the true vine and its branches. Here, Jesus says that those branches which do not bear fruit will be cut off because they are a hindrance to the life of the entire vine. Those branches which do bear fruit will remain in the vine, even though they themselves will be pruned or cleaned (same Greek word in verses 2 and 3: kathairō) by the Vinedresser. Here, we need only to think about the metaphor itself to discover a profound spiritual insight: the health and life of every single branch is only as good as its connection to the vine itself. The branches are not tapped into the soil where the water and nutrients are located. They only receive this necessary nourishment through the vine. The vine is the conduit of life; apart from the vine, the branches will all die. This is precisely what Jesus is alluding to in verse 4 when he says, “As the branches cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” What determines whether or not a branch will live and bear fruit has everything to do with its relationship to the vine itself. Likewise, what determines whether or not a Christian will live and bear fruit has everything to do with its relationship to the True Vine himself.

Second, there is the relationship of the branches, one to another. Jesus’ statement in verse 16 absolutely levels the playing field with regard to the relationship of each branch to the other branches. We know that the disciples were very prone to compare themselves to each other. On one occasion, they actually asked Jesus which of them would have the best seat in the kingdom. We too are prone to do exactly the same thing. We are prone to compare ourselves and our gifts to one another and determine who is smarter or more spiritual or more outgoing or more humble or more attractive. Yet, for the disciples then and for us now, Jesus levels the playing field and places all of us on equal footing. How? Well, in verse 16 he states that the disciples did not choose him, but he chose them. They have and we have absolutely no grounds for boasting in anything we are or do because we did not choose Jesus. Jesus chose us! He tells the disciples that he appointed that they should go and bear fruit. They cannot boast in the fact that they have followed Jesus and they cannot boast in the fact that they have borne fruit because this is precisely what Jesus gave them the power to do when he chose them and called them out of darkness and into light, out of death and into life. Their response and our response is not one of competition or jockeying for position, but the proper response is love.

We must not compete with one another. Rather we must do the opposite by loving one another. This means that you and I must look to one another and see that other person as actually being better than ourselves (Phil. 2:3). It is very hard to compete with one another when we see each other in these terms. The type of love that Jesus commands us to have for one another is based not on gushy sentimental feelings, but on compassion for and service to one another. This love is not something bound up only in your hearts, but also in your hands. Because we are all on equal footing before the cross of Christ and because he chose us (rather than us choosing him), we have no need to be competitive and we have every reason to lay down our very lives for one another in acts of mercy and service and kindness, focused not on ourselves and our problems and needs and desires, but focused on the other person and their problems and needs and desires.

Third, there is the relationship of the branches to the world. If we are truly being who Jesus wants us to be and if we are doing what Jesus wants us to do in John 15:12-17, then we will stand out. This will happen because the world at large is all about competing for who is best. This is not tiny squabble like the disciples had. This is an entire way of life. It is all about who can make the most money or have the best job or have the fastest car or the best wardrobe or the smallest waistline or the brightest smile or the most facebook friends. Just watch any social gathering where more than 4 people get together and interact, especially if they are mere acquaintances and not good friends. There will be an immediate sense of competition. There will be an immediate jockeying for position. Social positions will be established and a hierarchy will be constructed. Some people will be “in” and others will be “out.” Someone will try to assert himself as the coolest. Someone will try to come out on top. Often this comes at the expense of others and their feelings. Often it destroys the potential for truly significant relationships in this life.

Because Christians are told not to be this way, we should stand out. We shouldn’t act just like those who are living for themselves, thinking that they can bear fruit by themselves. We are commanded to love one another selflessly and sacrificially. The world is supposed to see this love and acceptance. Secretly, it will long for this type of love and acceptance. Secretly, it will desire this type of relationship with God and with one another. However, the only reaction that world knows of is hate. It will attempt to conquer the love we have for one another by persecution through words and through other physical means. When the world met the pure and unbridled love of Jesus Christ himself, what did it do in response? It tried to conquer him by the cross. But the hate of the world was not successful because that very cross turned out to be the highest form of love ever shown. The world will do the same to us, but only inasmuch as our love is based in his love and mirrors his love. In light of the radical difference that is supposed to separate biblical love (agape) through service and humility from the self-love exhibited by the world’s competitive nature, should their opposition and persecution even surprise us at all?

V. Application

A. The Essence of “the Christian Life” Is Nothing Short of Union with Christ.

Many people talk about “the Christian life” as if it is a costume or an attitude that you slip into and out of in different situations. You live “the normal life” 90% of the time, acting just like everyone else and then the remaining 10% of the time you must give the impression of being pious or considerate of others.

The picture of following Jesus Christ given to us in John 15 is radically different. I think we should replace the phrase “the Christian life” with “living life as a Christian” because it is all-inclusive. The type of relationship described by Jesus through the vine and branches metaphor is not one that can be slipped into and out of with ease. A branch cannot detach and attach itself to the vine with a moment’s notice. It is bound to the vine and hangs on for dear life. If it is severed from the vine, it will surely die.

So if you are a Christian here tonight, then your very life is bound up with the person of Jesus Christ. Your life is dependent upon his life. Your acceptance before God is dependent upon his acceptance before God. Your righteousness is dependent upon his righteousness. The amazing thing about the gospel is that all believers are described as being in Christ! Theologians have called this idea “union with Christ,” which means that when God looks at you, he doesn’t see you, he sees Christ because you aren’t “you,” you are in Christ. Therefore, his resurrected life guarantees your resurrected life. His acceptance before God guarantees your acceptance before God. His righteousness guarantees your righteousness. If you are a branch connected to the vine, you can believe and rest in the fact that the vine is true and capable of sustaining you forever.

B. Got Fruit? Take a Spiritual Inventory.

Maybe you’ve listened to Jesus’ words in this chapter and thought about this whole idea of bearing fruit. He talks about bearing fruit (15:2), bearing more fruit (15:2), and bearing much fruit (15:5, 8). So what is this fruit exactly? Well, Jesus doesn’t tell us here, but we do know what “fruit” is from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul tells us. While this list is probably not meant to be exhaustive, he gives us nine activities or attitudes that are called “fruit of the Spirit.” He mentions love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Notice that love is the very first one mentioned. I think that is because love (as the Bible describes it) encompasses all of the other fruit. Notice also that this is not “fruits” of the Spirit (plural), but “fruit” of the Spirit (singular). These nine attitudes or virtues cannot be singled out. They exist as one organic whole, with love being the most evident manifestation. So Jesus didn’t exactly leave us hanging when he told us about bearing fruit. He simply cut to the chase and gave us the ultimate fruit: love. Paul unpacks Jesus a little and provides a fuller picture.

In light of the seriousness of what Jesus says about branches not bearing fruit, I think it would do each one of us a lot of good to take time to prayerfully inventory the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Do you embody these nine things when no one is looking? Are these standards engrained into who you are? If you are connected to the True Vine, if you consider yourself a Christian, then they should. If they do not, then I would advise you to pray fervently about this. If this troubles you, I would love to sit down and talk with you about them. What you must not do is try to cultivate this fruit by yourself. Remember, a branch does not and cannot bear fruit on its own. It is vain for it to try. The only way you will grow is if you are connected to the True Vine through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is why Paul calls it “the fruit of the Spirit.” It is not of you, but of the Holy Spirit himself. So don’t strive to be more loving or more joyful or more peaceful or more self-controlled as if you have the power to do this on your own. Rather, look to Scripture and see Christ’s love and Christ’s joy and Christ’s peace and Christ’s self-control. Then, pray and ask God to make you more loving and peaceful and self-controlled. When you do this, expect that God will put you in a position to have these fruit come to bear and expect that God will produce the fruit.

When this fruit begins to show, you will know that you are connected to the true vine: Jesus Christ. You will know that the Spirit is at work in you; we call this assurance. He will not perfect you tomorrow, but rest assured that you are a work in progress. Know also that God will continue to prune each one of you and painful though it may be, it is for your good. You will bear more fruit by God’s tender pruning. He does this because he loves you and longs for you to bear fruit and be a blessing to the entire world.

Study: College Students More Narcissistic Than Ever

Tuesday , February 27, 2007

NEW YORK —

Today's college students are more narcissistic and self-centered than their predecessors, according to a comprehensive new study by five psychologists who worry that the trend could be harmful to personal relationships and American society.

"We need to stop endlessly repeating 'You're special' and having children repeat that back," said the study's lead author, Professor Jean Twenge of San Diego State University. "Kids are self-centered enough already."

Twenge and her colleagues, in findings to be presented at a workshop Tuesday in San Diego on the generation gap, examined the responses of 16,475 college students nationwide who completed an evaluation called the Narcissistic Personality Inventory between 1982 and 2006.

The standardized inventory, known as the NPI, asks for responses to such statements as "If I ruled the world, it would be a better place," "I think I am a special person" and "I can live my life any way I want to."

The researchers describe their study as the largest ever of its type and say students' NPI scores have risen steadily since the current test was introduced in 1982. By 2006, they said, two-thirds of the students had above-average scores, 30 percent more than in 1982.

Narcissism can have benefits, said study co-author W. Keith Campbell of the University of Georgia, suggesting it could be useful in meeting new people "or auditioning on 'American Idol.'"

"Unfortunately, narcissism can also have very negative consequences for society, including the breakdown of close relationships with others," he said.

The study asserts that narcissists "are more likely to have romantic relationships that are short-lived, at risk for infidelity, lack emotional warmth, and to exhibit game-playing, dishonesty, and over-controlling and violent behaviors."

Twenge, the author of "Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled — and More Miserable Than Ever Before," said narcissists tend to lack empathy, react aggressively to criticism and favor self-promotion over helping others.

The researchers traced the phenomenon back to what they called the "self-esteem movement" that emerged in the 1980s, asserting that the effort to build self-confidence had gone too far.

As an example, Twenge cited a song commonly sung to the tune of "Frere Jacques" in preschool: "I am special, I am special. Look at me."

"Current technology fuels the increase in narcissism," Twenge said. "By its very name, MySpace encourages attention-seeking, as does YouTube."

Some analysts have commended today's young people for increased commitment to volunteer work. But Twenge viewed even this phenomenon skeptically, noting that many high schools require community service and many youths feel pressure to list such endeavors on college applications.

Campbell said the narcissism upsurge seemed so pronounced that he was unsure if there were obvious remedies.

"Permissiveness seems to be a component," he said. "A potential antidote would be more authoritative parenting. Less indulgence might be called for."

The new report follows a study released by UCLA last month which found that nearly three-quarters of the freshmen it surveyed thought it was important to be "very well-off financially." That compared with 62.5 percent who said the same in 1980 and 42 percent in 1966.

Yet students, while acknowledging some legitimacy to such findings, don't necessarily accept negative generalizations about their generation.

Hanady Kader, a University of Washington senior, said she worked unpaid last summer helping resettle refugees and considers many of her peers to be civic-minded. But she is dismayed by the competitiveness of some students who seem prematurely focused on career status.

"We're encouraged a lot to be individuals and go out there and do what you want, and nobody should stand in your way," Kader said. "I can see goals and ambitions getting in the way of other things like relationships."

Kari Dalane, a University of Vermont sophomore, says most of her contemporaries are politically active and not overly self-centered.

"People are worried about themselves — but in the sense of where are they're going to find a place in the world," she said. "People want to look their best, have a good time, but it doesn't mean they're not concerned about the rest of the world."

Besides, some of the responses on the narcissism test might not be worrisome, Dalane said. "It would be more depressing if people answered, 'No, I'm not special.'"