vineyI am the true vine and my father is the vine grower. The Son and the Father.

Jesus uses the vine as a powerful illustration of the relationship between himself, the Father and the disciples. In nature and in spiritual life pruning produces abundant fruit.

And then there are the branches… or the disciples and ourselves. The branches that keep on spreading outwards and producing fruit. Fruit, the same as in a harvest, but this time in the goodness and love that shows in our lives and just as how we are.

Abide in me and I will abide in you. The last chapters of John are packed full of meaning!

Abide, or long lasting, to dwell, to endure and to remain. A promise that doesn’t go away.

This is one of the ‘I am’ stories. No longer just a parable but a strong statement. A paraclete, coming from the Greek word parakletos meaning comforter, teacher, advocate and mediator.

Rev’d Sue Martin

Curate at Gayton group of parishes