[Jesus continued,] "I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener."
—John 15:1 NLT
Jesus' statement is radical. The vine was a symbol of Israel. [1] Jesus is saying that he is the place God's people will find their life. We need to be attached to the true vine and take our spiritual sustenance from it — as followers of Jesus, our nourishment must come from him. [2] When people are in Christ, they will find themselves tended to and cared for by God himself. This concept is both radical and comforting. Jesus reminds us that God cares for the birds, [3] so he surely cares for us. The Father knows the number of hairs on our heads. [4] He knows what we need before we ask for it. [5] God is not a God far off, but a God up close and personal. He knows us and wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives.
[1] Psalm 80:8-11.
[2] John 15:5.
[3] Matthew 6:26.
[4] Matthew 10:30.
[5] Matthew 6:8.
Holy God, LORD Almighty, I am humbled and awed that in your incredible majesty you have also chosen to know me personally. Thank you for working in my life. Please conform me to your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—John 15:1 NLT
Key Thought
Jesus' statement is radical. The vine was a symbol of Israel. [1] Jesus is saying that he is the place God's people will find their life. We need to be attached to the true vine and take our spiritual sustenance from it — as followers of Jesus, our nourishment must come from him. [2] When people are in Christ, they will find themselves tended to and cared for by God himself. This concept is both radical and comforting. Jesus reminds us that God cares for the birds, [3] so he surely cares for us. The Father knows the number of hairs on our heads. [4] He knows what we need before we ask for it. [5] God is not a God far off, but a God up close and personal. He knows us and wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives.
[1] Psalm 80:8-11.
[2] John 15:5.
[3] Matthew 6:26.
[4] Matthew 10:30.
[5] Matthew 6:8.
Today's Prayer
Holy God, LORD Almighty, I am humbled and awed that in your incredible majesty you have also chosen to know me personally. Thank you for working in my life. Please conform me to your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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