“Branching Out”

Monday, October 07, 2013

Can you explain John 15:2?

Sincerely,
Verse Vexed

Dear Verse Vexed,

John 15:2 is part of Jesus’ vine metaphor.  Jesus compares Himself to a vine that provides life to all of its shoots and branches (Jhn 15:1).  Jesus provides life to all of those who are in Him (Rom 6:23)… the branches of the vine are christians.  In addition to Jesus being the vine, the Father is the one who trims and tends the branches (Jhn 15:1).  Jhn 15:2 points out that God cuts off certain branches and trims other branches, so they can grow.  The branches that are cut off represent christians that turn away from Christ.  Those that fall away from God will be cut off from God (Heb 6:4-8).  The branches that are trimmed for further growth represent how God disciplines us and makes us better people through the various trials and circumstances of life (Heb 12:9-11).  That discipline and punishment are what Jesus is talking about in Jhn 15:2.

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