John 15:1–11
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
As we sit here right now, a bitter, high profile, public dispute among a recently divorced Hollywood power couple continues to rage. The divorce itself between the two A-list stars has been settled after much fighting and maneuvering. But the conflict continues between the couple, primarily over one, specific, very valuable asset: a vineyard in France, the Château Miraval.
Formerly 50/50 owners of the chateau and vineyard, the husband now alleges that the wife violated a verbal agreement that she would offer him first right of purchase if ever she wanted to sell. She, on the other hand, claims she did offer it to him to buy but that he tried to forced her to sign a restrictive Non-disclosure Agreement disavowing some of her allegations against him in order for him to finalize the sell.
It is a fascinating and very sad situation.
Who knew that the great question in this very public and acrimonious divorce would come down to this: Who owns the vineyard?
That vineyard, again, is very, very valuable. Ownership of it matters, a lot. It is prized, deeply, and it is likely that maneuvering on both sides will continue for some time before the courts ever figure it out.
Who owns the vineyard?
As it turns out, according to John 15, in the Kingdom of God Jesus and His bride are also in partnership in a vineyard. I say “partnership,” but, really, there are major differences! First of all, there is no question of who owns God’s vineyard. The Lord God does. It is His and His alone. And there is no dispute concerning the operation of the vineyard. God’s word is very clear on how the vineyard works. Even so, in John 15, Jesus instructs us on the operation of the vine, on how it works, on how fruit is produced, on what is expected of it, and on how the imagery of the vineyard can guide us as we walk The Jesus Way.
As it turns out, God too is concerned about His vineyard. Let us see how Jesus uses this amazing image to lead us.