Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 23:1 (Spring 2019)
Article: Jesus As The True Vine: A Transition Of Economies Announced At John 15
Author: Cory M. Marsh

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Jesus As The True Vine: A Transition Of Economies Announced At John 15

Corey M. Marsh

A survey of mainline Johannine sources written on Jesus’ self-predicated “I Am” declarations in the fourth gospel reveals a notable problem: His final one, the “true vine” statement of John 15, is the one ἐγώ εἰμι out of the group that is afforded the least amount of attention by NT scholars. Moreover, the gospel of John itself often suffers neglect from scholarship regarding its notion of economical transitions or dispensational shifts, a feature more customarily treated in the synoptics (specifically Matthew and Luke). Further, there is a notable gap in biblical scholarship related to the use of positive vine texts depicting national Israel’s hopeful future. Rather, OT texts depicting judgment on faithless Israel are customary when comparing vine imagery to Israel.

In an effort to address these lacunae, this article seeks to fill the void left by the customary glossing over of John 15:1, 5. It suggests the reason for the neglect of scholarly treatments of these two critical verses may be due to vine/vineyard imagery being the most pointed OT depiction of national Israel and the Jewish people. As such, through analysis of the text and related passages, this article will demonstrate that at John 15, an announcement is made concerning identities and roles which have direct bearing on the relationship between Israel and the (future) church. To put it succinctly, the argument advanced is that at John 15 Jesus announces a dispensational shift to be led

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by the Spirit-indwelt church without collapsing the permanence and glorious future of national Israel. As such, a transition of economies seems to be at play in John’s gospel which has gone largely unnoticed in Johannine studies.

An Economical Transition Anticipated

Matthew is often considered the most “Jewish” of the gospels due to its emphasis of Jesus’ messiah-kingship over the Jewish nation.2 Yet, the fourth gospel is not without its own unique presentation of Jesus’ kingly rule over Israel. In fact, John wastes no time highlighting this, as seen in Nathaniel’s early declaration that Jesus is “the Son of God and King of Israel” (John 1:49). Further, while the synoptics are perhaps more comprehensive in their treatment of Jesus’ role as teacher viz....