Grapevines, grapes, and wine played a major role in the life of ancient Israelites. So much so that Israel adopted the vineyard as an image for their nation (grapevines were depicted on the Temple, on Israelite currency, etc.). Fertile vineyards became a symbol of God’s promise of abundance and life, while images of sour grapes or barren vineyards were developed by Israel’s prophets to decry the nation’s sinfulness and rebellion. Jesus built on this thread by describing himself as the “true vine,” through which we might bear fruit, and Paul used this same picture to describe the “fruit of the Spirit” which is evidence of a truly transformed life in Christ. We are called to bear fruit in Jesus’ name!
