Day 14: I am the vine
Jesus hands his torch back to Andrew, then bends down and brushes away the stubble of leaves and twigs from the ground. Tucking his cloak up, he lowers himself to the ground to sit under the vine. There is movement and rustling as the disciples follow suit, settling into a familiar posture of a teaching moment with Jesus. Once everyone is still and attentive, Jesus reiterates what he said a few moments ago,
“I am the vine…”
Maybe he even says it again with emphasis added, as he leans forward and places both his hands on his chest, “I am… the vine.” Like every good teacher, Jesus knows repetition is critical to deep understanding. The disciples nod slightly, recognizing the importance. Thomas looks hard at Jesus, remembering Jesus’ words to him earlier in the evening, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” His mind goes back to when Jesus said, “I am the bread of life… I am the good shepherd…” “Is Jesus I AM?” he thinks to himself. Jesus looks at Thomas and nods as if to answer his silent question. “Yes, Thomas, you will see and believe,” Jesus thinks to himself.
Grapevine roots can go down 30 feet or more!
Vineyard Metaphor
Just a few moments before, Jesus had declared he was the true vine. As we have seen, this assertion caught the attention of the disciples from a historical, foundational and communal perspective. Now, it seems, Jesus is saying something more intimate, more personal, more immediate.
As we unpack the significance of what Jesus is saying, it may help to think about the metaphor of the vine. In the vineyard, the vine is everything. A vineyard can have perfect soil, a wonderful climate and a wise gardener, but none of that is worth anything without vines. In fact, all the effort in the vineyard revolves around the vine. All the decisions revolve around the vine. First, the vineyard manager chooses the varietal that will thrive in the location of the vineyard. Then, decisions, such as soil amendments and water are all made for the health of the vine.
Without the vine, there is nothing.
Reflection and Meditation
The branches are cut off season after season, but the vine is the constant and must remain healthy in order to sustainably push out its DNA into fruit. In just two words Jesus lets us know that he is the constant. “I am.” He is the ongoing life. He is the one that sustains the fruit. He is the one who is the Gardener’s beloved… from the roots on up through the trunk, the Gardener tends the Vine.
Are Jesus’ words reassuring to you?
Perhaps you can rest in the fact that your fruitfulness comes, in large part, from the health and energy of the vine. What a relief. If Jesus is the vine and you are not the vine, what comfort does that bring you? Take a moment to praise the loving Gardener.
Rest and rejoice as you hear Jesus say, again, “I am the vine.”
“Be still and know that I am God.”