The vine imagery is used several places in the Old Testament to refer to Israel, a vine which God planted but produced only worthless grapes. Jesus says He is the "true vine", having been planted by His Father the vinedresser. He affirms that the branches which are in Him will be cleaned and pruned to bear much fruit. Those branches which do not remain in Him cannot bear fruit and will be cut off and burned. The disciples who remain in Jesus, the Vine, will experience the intimate love of Christ, be filled with His joy and bring glory to the Father.
