The Vine and the Branches

Jesus told the vine and the branches story to his disciples after the last supper or perhaps at the Garden of Gethsemane (John 15: 1-17). He left those words for his disciples before his arrest, crucifixion, and death.

In John 15: 1, Jesus began his story saying, "I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener."

In John 15: 5-6 Jesus added, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned."

Jesus told that story to his disciples amid their personal drama after the last supper. He knew Peter would deny him three times. He knew Judas conspired with the Pharisees to kill him. 

The disciples argued among themselves who will be the first in heaven. Eventually, they all deserted him upon his arrest. The human nature of selfishness and self-preservation ran through the disciples.

In relation to the story, the lockdowns that started last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to stay at home most of the time. To maintain our sanity within our homes, most of us living in the cities  became "Plantitos" or "Plantitas."  

We actively acquired plants ranging from ornamentals, vegetables, and bonsais. We turned into overnight urban gardeners. 

As gardeners, we patiently nurture our plants. We nourish them with water and fertilizer to grow, glow and bear fruits or flowers. We prune old leaves to encourage growth of new leaves. 

We guard them against pests that might destroy them. We're happy when they look healthy and robust. That brings joy to our heart.

However, we worry when our plants show signs that they are not doing well. In such cases, we intervene by examining surrounding conditions that led to our plants deterioration. We alter the conditions to nurse them back to health. 

We continue findings ways to restore their vitality.  We ask around or research online. If it's a serious case, we apply drastic measures like cutting off a dead branch to encourage new growth. 

Unfortunately, we feel sad when a plant dies on us. It pains us to take it out from the pot and throw it away - dried and dead. We feel a sense of pity, regret, and loss when that happens, especially, when the plant started out well.

I'm into gardening myself although my plants are confined to pots. In that light, I appreciate more of Jesus' story about the vine and branches. I appreciate more of God's love from a gardener's perspective. 

God doesn't throw us out or burn us immediately if we don't bear fruit. God provides favorable conditions for us to bear fruit. 

Foremost, God sent his son to be with us to teach and nurture us to the right way. Jesus, his son, showed us how to resist temptation and sins.  With his help, we can ward off the devil's deception stoking our sinfulness and selfishness. Jesus preached repentance and reconciliation with the Father as long as we mend our crooked ways.

God builds our Jesus-like character when trials come our way like this Covid-19 pandemic. Our father molds us to be brave in the face of evil, trials and tribulation.

God wanted us to bear fruit. Jesus showed us the meaning of love as the fruit that we must bear. 

Finally, God sacrificed his only son on the cross to save us from sin. More so, when Jesus went back to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to continue to teach us what to do and what not to do.

That, surely, is way beyond a dutiful gardener's care.