Life is blossoming again. We’ve made it through the snowy winter. Now, we stand in the newness of Spring and feel its warm breeze. If you ask anyone who knows anything about this season, they’ll tell you that Spring is always more than it seems.

The True Vine

In today’s Scripture, Jesus uses the analogy of a flourishing vineyard to unpack a pivotal truth of His character and nature. He declares, “I am the true vine.” He does not refer to Himself as the gardener, the branches, nor the fruit. Here, Christ alone is the vine…and a true one at that.

While being in the form of God, Jesus becomes part of His creation. Planted in the womb of earth, He steadily grows in strength, favor, and wisdom as the true vine. New life stems from Him, and He holds all good and perfect things together. There is life in Christ alone.

The Loving Gardener

The Father is the gardener. He is the One in control. God tends to the vineyard, sustains all life, and sees areas for growth. He kisses the earth with His sunshine and waters it with His rain. But the gardener also knows which branches need to go. He alone has the authority to cut, prod, and prune. And He does it all in love, for He is love.

The vine endures humility through love. He suffers pain, but He remains. Jesus waits with hope for the fruit of labor. And He knows that submission to the gardener’s hand is worth it all.

Springtime Has Come

Spring is always more than it seems. It takes patience, endurance, and faith to make it through the winter months. And every loss takes a great deal of trust. But the results of Spring are tenfold, and the harvest is beautiful.

What Now?

Do you recognize the relationship between Jesus (the true vine) and the Father (the gardener)? What areas in your own life need to be cut or pruned? Trust the work of the gardener and remain in the true vine.