After they had all eaten, Jesus told his disciples to get in
a boat and go across the lake and he would join them when he had dismissed the
crowd. However, after dismissing the crowd, he didn’t go and join them straight
away, but went off on his own to pray for a while. Now that was probably why he
sent the disciples away: so he could be alone with The Father: there is a time
for praying with others and there is a time when we need to be alone with God,
and if Jesus felt it important to talk to God (being who he was) we must surely
need to do so too, (being who we are).
Grape growing vineyards were very common around the shores of
the lake at that time and Jesus was aware that the people had a fair knowledge
of that occupation so he reminded them of the fact that the vinedresser made
sure that the surplus growth on those vines was removed so that the plant
wouldn’t waste energy, by just making leaves, but would spend all its energy in
producing fruit. He drew a parallel to that in our lives, indicating that God
has given us an important work to do, if we agree to follow him, and will guide
us to not get involved in too many “side issues.” Therefore, he will
“encourage” us to produce more fruit. When you come to think of it; (if the
vine could think), how privileged and excited it would be to see itself
producing so much extra fruit and having the Vinedresser taking such a personal
interest in helping it to do so.
Jesus took this even further by saying “I am the vine and you are the branches; he that abides in me and I in
him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
(John 15 verse 5). As a matter of interest then: what do you think He means by “producing fruit”? Is it the fruit of
the Spirit becoming evident in our lives (Galatians 5:22)? Or is it sowing
Gospel seed into other’s lives (Luke 8:11)?
Or is it “harvesting” souls (Matthew 9:37)? Actually I think it is all
of those and this is such an important matter that it is imperative that each
one of us should read the first 17 verses of chapter 15 of John’s gospel, so we
know how we stand in relation to Jesus on this issue.
Shepherds were very noticeable in that area in Jesus day too,
and they probably still are. Good shepherds were very much admired by Jesus as
they loved their sheep and were even prepared to lay down their life for the
sheep if necessary in order to protect them from savage predators such as lions
or bears. After leading their sheep to good pasture during the day they brought
them back into the protection of a “fold” (or as we would say a “yard”) at
night, and if even one was missing (having gone astray) the shepherd wouldn’t
sleep until he went out and found it.
All this was well known to the people of that area so it was
very meaningful to them when Jesus described himself as “The Good Shepherd” and them as his sheep and explained how very
important each individual is in his sight (this applies to you and me too of
course) and he actually did lay down his life for us (his sheep). What an
incredibly kind action that was? He certainly didn’t have to do it, but because
he did, you and I are free from the consequences of any sin we have committed
and have a “Passport” to eternal life if we are prepared to repent (change our
thinking) and believe on him. To not accept that free pardon would be a
dreadful mistake of course, so I hope that every one reading this would accept
it. After all, Jesus said: “I am the way,
the truth and the life, no one cometh unto the Father but by me”. Best wishes, Tom.
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