"How does your garden grow?" This is the question from the nursery rhyme. Here we are, enjoying the early days of Spring, and many of us are preparing our gardens. When Jesus said, "I am the true vine," it was also the spring season. The disciples would have been familiar with the timing and activities in the gardens all around them. Jesus, like gardeners, was concerned about the quality of the garden and its ability to produce fruit. Using that image, He teaches the disciples two important truths: fruit only grows on vines that are connected to the main plant, and, plants need pruning. The end result is that we - the followers of Jesus - reflect His goodness and work to others. (God is glorified.) The process may not be what you expect, though . . .
