What Does a Vintner See in John 15?

Several years ago, I spent time with several vintners to better understand vine and wine imagery throughout the Bible.

This became the foundation for a portion of the Scouting the Divine book and Bible study.

The discoveries I made become helpful as we dive into John 15:1-11…

where Jesus takes on this imagery for Himself.

But a little background, first.

As we enter John 15-16 during this week’s readings, we eavesdrop on a most mysterious conversation,

Jesus’ choice final syllables before his arrest.

This is where he blows on the embers of the disciples’ faith.

Moments later the lights go out for all of the disciples.

The world becomes as dark as night. But Jesus’ words on this fateful eve aren’t just for them, they’re for us.

Today. Here. Now.

Jesus I am’s his followers again. The way. The truth. The life. The light. The resurrection. The shepherd. Now, the vine.

In Scouting the Divine, I spent time visiting various vintners—grape growers—some who raised tens of thousands of acres, others who managed boutique wineries with tiny plots. Though their methods differed, the principle remained:

When you’re joined to the Vine, the relationship is intimate and organic, the harvest abundant.

When you’re separated from the vine, you’re deadwood.

A good vintner knows…

Expect lots of hands on time.

Expect intimate involvement.

Expect wild tendrils.

Expect paring down.

Expect abundance.

If. You. Abide. In. Me.

The Father invites us to make home our home in Him. Take up residence. Put up the mailbox. Lay down the carpet. Paint the walls. Hang the artwork. Turn on the teakettle. Nestle in the comfy chair. Invite the neighbors over. Reside in Him.

At the heart of this invitation is God’s heart.

Just as the Father loves Jesus, so Jesus loves us.

We are created to abide and flourish in God’s love. To blossom. To produce succulent, sweet fruit. To flavor the world.

All is founded and grounded in love.

Discovering God’s love. Recognizing ourselves as the Beloved. Become love to others. This kind of love flows to and through. As we abide in Him.

And the rich yield of this kind of life: Joy. Joy. Joy.

My JOY may be in you, and that your JOY may be made full.

In the most beautiful way, I needed to be reminded of God’s endless fount of love.

What did you least want to read but most need to hear in today’s reading?

(If you have any questions post them below. We’ll be collecting and gathering responses for insight from New Testament scholar Craig Blomberg in the upcoming weeks).

Day 27: John 15:1-11 Discussion Questions: