When we hear of vines being pruned, and branches that do not bear fruit being cleansed we begin to worry. (Katharos seldom makes it into the English translation of verse 2 which literally reads, “trim clean.”) This fear response likely comes from a misinterpretation: We hear “fruit,” and we think “spiritual perfection.” Knowing that we are far from perfect, we assume that we are ripe for trimming (if you pardon the pun – or is it a mixed metaphor?) Instead, this is a passage about relationships and discipleship.
In the Song of the Unfruitful Vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7) the prophet warns Israel (the “wild grapes”) that they will be “devoured” and “trampled down.” Indeed, the Old Testament contains multiple images of Israel as God’s vineyard, with God as either the owner of the field or the gardener tending the vines. This is a deeply personal relationship between God and God’s people. And in the New Testament this relationship is continued, with the addition of Jesus as the “vine” and his disciples as the branches. (Some scholars contrast the national nature of the former with the sectarian nature of the latter, but I think this detracts from the personal nature of each.)
The personal nature of this relationship is deepened by naming God as the “vinegrower” (geōrgos, literally one who tills the soil around the vines). This is in contrast with the parable of the Wicked Tenants in Mark 12:1-12, where God is the owner of the vineyard – here, instead, he tends to the vine (Jesus) and to the branches (the disciples).
In this relational model, fruit becomes a metaphor for discipleship, which is self-sacrificial service, care for neighbor, sharing the good news of God in Christ Jesus, and so forth. In next week’s text, beginning at verse 9, precisely where this text leaves off, we discover that discipleship is founded on love (“As the father has loved me, so I have loved you,” says Jesus).
How do we avoid the pruning shears? By abiding in Jesus (menein en) which while involving our remaining in and being faithful to Jesus, also implies perseverance – a call to ‘stick with it.’ So, this passage indicates that if we wish to remain on the vine, we should remain in Jesus, and to ‘hang in there’ when the changes and chances of life buffet us, and when our wee boat is tossed about in life’s storm. Menein en…
