The True Vine, Not Just a Symbol
John 15:1
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Thought:
In the Old Testament, Israel was often pictured as God’s vineyard, which was rescued from Egypt, planted in the Promised Land, and blessed with God’s presence and promises. Yet, Israel was never the “true vine” itself; it was the vineyard God tended. The true vine was always pointing forward to Jesus Christ.
When Jesus says, “I am the true vine,” He professes to be the real, genuine source of spiritual life. He is the fulfillment of everything Israel symbolized. Your connection is not ultimately to a church, a denomination, a pastor, or a spiritual heritage. Your deepest and most necessary connection is to the person of Jesus Himself.
Real fruit, real life, real change come from Him alone. We don’t merely follow His teachings from a distance; we draw life from Him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the true vine. I confess that I sometimes lean on religion, routines, and traditions instead of truly relying on You. Draw my heart back to You as my only source of spiritual life. Help me to see that all my blessings and hope are found in who You are, not in what I do. I choose today to look to You as my true vine. In Jesus' name. Amen.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Thought:
In the Old Testament, Israel was often pictured as God’s vineyard, which was rescued from Egypt, planted in the Promised Land, and blessed with God’s presence and promises. Yet, Israel was never the “true vine” itself; it was the vineyard God tended. The true vine was always pointing forward to Jesus Christ.
When Jesus says, “I am the true vine,” He professes to be the real, genuine source of spiritual life. He is the fulfillment of everything Israel symbolized. Your connection is not ultimately to a church, a denomination, a pastor, or a spiritual heritage. Your deepest and most necessary connection is to the person of Jesus Himself.
Real fruit, real life, real change come from Him alone. We don’t merely follow His teachings from a distance; we draw life from Him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the true vine. I confess that I sometimes lean on religion, routines, and traditions instead of truly relying on You. Draw my heart back to You as my only source of spiritual life. Help me to see that all my blessings and hope are found in who You are, not in what I do. I choose today to look to You as my true vine. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Posted in More to the Sermon
Recent
Archive
2026
January
The Power of FaithPraying in the SpiritA Call to ReturnThe Burden of SilenceThe Act of CleansingBuilding Altars of RenewalThe Power of RepentanceLetting Go of the OldThe Challenge of SanctificationBurdens Left BehindGod’s Part, Our ResponseFreedom in ReleaseLifting Our Eyes to the True SourceThe Problem of Looking at Temporary SolutionsFinding Hope Amidst HopelessnessInterceding for Others and Drawing Near to GodEmbracing God’s Tests with FaithThe True Command in the Great CommissionIdentifying with Christ through BaptismTeaching and Growing in ChristBeing Present in God's WorkObedience Over Expectations
2025
February
Guard Your HeartUnequally YokedThe Temple of the Living GodCome Out and Be SeparateEmbracing Divine SonshipThe Unfathomable Wisdom of GodGod is the Source of All ThingsLiving Through ChristThe Purpose of Our ExistenceShining God's LightCalling Out to JesusCasting Away HindrancesAnswering God’s CallFaith That Makes WholeFollowing Jesus
March
Planted in God's VineyardThe Fruit of FaithGod's Patience and MercyThe Need for Spiritual GrowthBearing Lasting FruitDrawing Near to GodHolding Fast to Our FaithProvoking Love and Good WorksThe Importance of Christian FellowshipLiving in Light of Christ's ReturnThe Outcast's GratitudeExtravagant WorshipOvercoming CriticismPreparation for WorshipThe Heart of True ServiceOvercoming Earthly ConnectionsTrue Worship as a Personal ExperienceOvercoming Fear of Others' OpinionsThe Transformative Presence of GodWorship is a LifestyleEntering God's Rest
April
The Power of God's WordJesus, Our Great High PriestFaith and ObedienceResting in God's PromisesRedeeming LoveFrom Condemnation to GraceCovenant FaithfulnessRestoration and HopeDivine Presence in SufferingThe Relentless Pursuit of God's LoveThe Deceptive Nature of SinThe Price of RedemptionGod's Mercy in Our WanderingsFounded on ChristGod's Redeeming LoveThe Price of RedemptionFrom Trouble to HopeThe Call to ReturnRestored IdentityThe Need for Spiritual RebirthFrom Profession to PossessionThe Mystery of Spiritual Birth
May
A New Identity in ChristSealed by the SpiritGod's Compassionate LoveFaith in God's ProvisionSpiritual NourishmentUnity in DiversityGrowing in LoveGod's Loving ComplaintThe Heart of WorshipReturning to Our First LoveGod's Unrelenting LoveWalking Humbly with GodLetting Go of WearinessTrusting Beyond Our UnderstandingHumility in God's Presence
No Comments