London Bay Stationery

There are numerous references to the vine in both the Old and New Testaments. Speaking to the disciples, Jesus proclaims, “I am the vine; you are the branches” (Jn 15:5 NIV). By identifying hiself as the vine he claims that participation in the kingdom is possible only for those who “remain in” him. Those disciples who do will bear much fruit.

In the light of this passage, how fitting it is that the ritual of the supper that Jesus institutes on the eve of his death involves drinking the “fruit of the vine” (Mt 26:29; cf. Mk 14:25; Lk 22:18).

The above is from the Dictionary of Biblical Imagery General Editors: Leland Ryken, James C. Wilhoit, Tremper Longman III.

Filed by Cheryl at 3:46 pm under History of Symbols, Symbols, Uncategorized
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