In John 15:1, Jesus identified Himself as the “true vine.” While the entire passage (vs. 1-8) places emphasis upon Jesus being the vine and disciples being branches abiding in Him and bearing much fruit, we should not overlook the significance of Jesus claiming to be the true vine.

What was Jesus saying about Himself when He said, “I am the true vine?”

Israel had been compared to a choice vine planted by God. In Isaiah 5, God told of how He had cleared a vineyard and planted a vine. This vine was given everything it needed to produce good grapes, but it brought forth wild grapes. Because the vine had proven itself to be bad, God would remove its protection and allow the vineyard to be destroyed (Is. 5:1-6).

God then made the application of this figure to Israel. “For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are His pleasant plant. He looked for justice, but behold, oppression; for righteousness, but behold, a cry for help” (Is. 5:7).

Israel was the choice vine. God brought it from Egypt, cast the nations out of Canaan, and planted it there to flourish (Ps. 80:8-11). However, the nation became unfaithful to God. After repeated warnings from His prophets, God asked, “What more could have been done to My vineyard that I have not done in it?” (Is. 5:4).

When Jesus said, “I am the true vine,” He was announcing that Israel was no longer God’s choice vine. All the blessings and privileges that were found in fleshly, physical Israel are now found in Jesus alone. Life is found in Jesus, not in being identified with Israel. God is no longer the Vinedresser of the nation of Israel. He now cares for His Son’s church, being glorified by the fruitfulness of His disciples.

Are you abiding in the True Vine, bearing much fruit for God’s glory?