John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. Christ selected this metaphor because of — I. THE ABUNDANCE OF ITS FRUIT; for which reason it is used by David to express great fertility (Psalm 128:3). Hence this tree is especially appropriate as a type of Christ, through whose life and passion the abundant fruits of holiness are brought forth by believers. II. THE PLEASANTNESS AND THE GRATEFUL CHARACTER OF ITS FRUIT, as the fruits produced by the indwelling of Christ are those which are accordant with and pleasing to man's highest nature. III. THE STRENGTH AND JOY WHICH WINE PRODUCES within the heart of man (Judges 9:13; Psalm 104:15; Proverbs 31:6, 7). IV. THE WIDE EXTENT OF THE BRANCHES stretching on all sides, and furnishing a striking figure of the growth and expansion of the Church, which is the body of Christ (Psalm 80:11). V. ITS TYPICAL CHARACTER, wine symbolizing the blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. (W. Denton, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. |
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