“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away…” (John 15:1).
Jesus and his disciples were making their way through the Kidron Valley on their way to the Mount of Olives, passing through vineyards along the way. A simile sprang to Jesus’ mind: I am like a vine; my disciples are my branches; God, my Father, is the vigneron.
Jesus introduces the analogy with what appears to be a stern warning: “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he (the Father) takes away…” This, at least, is the way most versions render this verse.
I would suggest an alternate and more hopeful translation: “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he lifts up from the ground.”
The words translated “he takes away,” is one Greek verb that, in its fundamental sense, means “to lift (something) up.” (The early Latin versions of this verse translate the phrase with tollet, “he raises up.”)
In that culture vinedressers often found live branches that were firmly attached to the vine, but, having fallen off the treillage, were trailing in the dirt. First they took each leaf in hand and washed it down, wiping away the mud, mold and infestation. Then they “lifted it up” and attached the branch once again to the trellis, in fresh air and sunlight, away from vermin and grime.
So, Jesus assures us: Your Father will not “take you away” when you fall, even though you fall again and again. He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. He will “lift you up” that you may bear fruit—indeed much fruit—once again (15:2,3).
Mine is hope in my Redeemer
Though I fall, his love is sure
Christ has paid for every failing
I am His forevermore —CityAlight
David Roper
11.17.21
