28APRIL24 John 15:1-8, Pastor Richard Stadler "Thank God 4 Pruning Times!"

Why does Jesus call Himself "the True Vine?" Is He contrasting Himself with the Old Testament people of God who were called the "Vine" of God? Since they committed idolatry and unfaithfulness, Jesus presents Himself as the True Vine. This discourse with the disciples on the night before His Crucifixion is packed with Gospel comfort that can be easily overlooked. What is the "fruit" that God produces in the "branches," the followers of Christ? Why is it important that the root meaning of the word that is usually translated "prune" is really to "lift up"? Does God just lop off branches who produce no fruit, or does He "lift them up" and give them a second chance? There is a lot of Gospel comfort in this discourse that can easily be overlooked. How can Christians produce fruit when they are suffering? How does the "discipline" of God for His children prove that He loves them?