SUMMARY
JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. More identifies himself as the true vine and his Father as the vine grower. 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. The term “abide” is prevalent here and in the Farewell Discourse to remind the disciples that no matter what, they abide in him and he in them. “Abiding” signals the intimate relationship between Jesus and his disciples that they will never be without. Jesus is preparing that “abiding place” for them (14:2) by returning to the Father. This is the last “I Am” statement in the Gospel of John where Jesus identifies himself with a particular image or metaphor and it is the only “I Am” statement that includes “and you are.”
