ALL THE NAMES OF JESUS – Study 23 VINE
The vine became the national symbol of Israel. It was found on the door of the Temple, on coins and public buildings. It was not a noble symbol like an oak or cedar, either of which could have been used; but a hardy, tenacious and indestructible plant which, despite being cutback heavily, springs again. In the Old Testament vine was a common name for the grapevine but also for melons and cucumbers. It was often used of gardening in general.
Noah (Gen. 9:20) was the first vigneron and cultivation of the vine was one of the earliest forms of agriculture. Details of the cultivation are found in Isa. 5:1-6. The climate of Palestine and the terrain were both suitable for vine growing.
Vineyards were surrounded by a stone wall for protection from animals and thieves, with a watchtower and wine press. The vines grew along the ground, not on trellises. When the grapes began to form they were held above the ground by small forked twigs.
Grapes were eaten ripe, dried as raisins, boiled down to a thick syrup often called honey, or made into wine. An abundance of vines was a sign of God’s blessing. In the New Testament Jesus often mentioned vines in parables (Matt. 20: 1-16; Matt. 21:28-32). One of His most powerful parables concerning a wicked tenant who killed the owner’s son both condemned the Jews and showed how the Christians were to be part of God’s kingdom (Matt. 21:33-43).
Jesus used the vine symbol of Himself (John 15:1-11). The point particularly was that in the Old Testament Israel was often seen as a vine in degeneration (Eze. 15:1-8). Jesus was the true, real, fruitful and living vine. He was the fulfilment of Israel’s hopes.
FOR TODAY
Branches of a vine which were fruitless were good for nothing. It is a characteristic of the wood that it is too soft for any other use except burning. Jesus indicated that the fruitless Christian was a useless person. In spite of attending Church what fruit have you borne? What use are you to the kingdom?
Another characteristic of the vine was that it required regular pruning. Justin Martyr saw the pruning of the vine as a symbol of the persecution of the Church. No matter how severely it was cut back the vine always sprouted. He saw the Church under attack yet possessing a marvellous resilience. Those who know the true account of the Church behind the Iron, Bamboo or Mosque Curtains have no despair. In our day and age we have seen a fresh sprouting of the Church after the most savage pruning.
How does the branch abide in the vine? How does the Christian abide in Christ? Personal contact is essential. It must be regular, meaningful, and beyond surface level. Christian people must learn to abide in Christ for the nourishment they need as Christians. Ministers must learn that they need to show people how to abide, not merely tell them to do so.
Rev the Hon Dr Gordon Moyes AC MLC