Grafted to the Vine

When we think of a vine, we typically picture the leafy ivy that takes over the facade of historic buildings or the creeping vines that wrap themselves around fences. However, Jesus no doubt had a grapevine in mind. After all, he was observing the Passover with his disciples, and wine, "the fruit of the vine," played an important role in the celebration. Furthermore, he tells his disciples that they will know that they are connected to him when they bear fruit in abundance. They are not only meant to be in Jesus, but to bear fruit in him.
Fruit plays an important role in the reproduction of plants. The fruit attracts animals which carry it off, eat it and leave the seed within behind to take root and grow. A vine doesn't grow fruit for its own use, but to entice others to grab hold of it and carry the seed off with them. Just so, the fruit that believers bear is not meant for themselves but for the nourishment of others that they too may take the seed within—in this case, the Word—and carry it far and wide. That is why Jesus can say that God is glorified in our bearing much fruit. For it is by the fruit that Christians bear through their relationship with Jesus that new believers are grafted to the vine.