I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. John 15:1
"An interesting Jewish concept can be seen in the illustration of the True Vine in John 15:1. Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser." At the time of Jesus, a golden grapevine was draped across the four columns at the entrance to the Temple. Josephus records that its beauty was such that it was known as a marvel of size and artistry to all who saw with what costliness of material it had been constructed. [Jewish writings] say that people would sometimes make a freewill offering by purchasing a golden leaf, berry, or cluster which the priests would then attach to this vine. Often those who gave generously to the Temple had their names inscribed on the golden leaves. This was a custom that all were familiar with in Jerusalem.
When Jesus depicted Himself as the True Vine, He was undoubtedly contrasting Himself with this artificial vine, suggesting that if the disciples would offer themselves to Him to the degree that people offered their substance to this golden symbol, the result would be abundant spiritual fruit."
http://www.rbooker.com/articles/GoldenVine.PDF
The perfect contrast between the riches of Babylon and the eternal riches of our Savior Jesus Christ. Did gold ever seem more crass compared to the Light of Christ?
ReplyDeleteThis is yet another example that there is always an imitation or counterfeit of everything truly from God...even these vines who had no life, made from the hands of man, but appeared able to give status. They cannot compare with God's redemption, the only thing that truly can redeem us to higher levels.
ReplyDeleteMakes you wonder if they didn't have their names engraved on the leaves for all to see, how many people would have contributed...
Great post, Donna!
Wow. It makes me pause to think of the things I/we do that we think of as true worship but are actually idolatry.
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