SUMMARY
Jesus identifies himself as the true vine and his Father as the vinegrower. Jesus’ followers are to abide in him, just as branches abide in the vine that holds them.
ANALYSIS
The image of the vine identifies Jesus as the source of life for his followers, who are called “branches.” The life Jesus provides is the love that he gives to others. Those who abide in Jesus the vine abide in his love. As they do so, they produce the fruit of love by showing love for others. This is one of the seven “I am” sayings in John’s Gospel. Since the expression “I am” recalls the name of God, who is the “I Am” (Exodus 3:14), these sayings emphasize that Jesus is God’s Word in the flesh.
