The Branch & The Vine

Jesus speaks of this constant dependence in the life of Christian. In the Gospel of John, Jesus describes himself as a vine and believers as the branches that stretch from the vine. A branch cannot live apart from the trunk or vine of a plant. In horticulture, nutrients and water flow from the main stem or trunk of the plant to the outer branches or stems. From there, the nutrients create fruit or leaves to cover the plant. A branch cannot grow fruit or leaves if it is not connected to the center of the plant. “Over the growing season, the ‘mother’ plant receives sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil to keep growing, helping the immature fruit to continue growing larger” (Wonder of the Day #1839: How Do Plants Make Fruits and Vegetables?, Wonderopolis).