Onomaticon: The True Vine and Rose of Sharon
True Vine
In John 15:1 Jesus says “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” He called Himself the true vine. This can trouble some people because, well, aren’t there many vines in the world? Many teachers, philosophies, and ideas? So many are around us, and yet there is only one true vine — how does that make sense? It’s not what you think.
“Vine” in Hebrew is “ampelos.” This word translated means “to wind about for support.” If we apply this to John 15:1, then God is saying that He is our support: the one thing that is strong and does not move. Perhaps like me you thought that “The Vine” was just another name, but God meant something different and profound when He said this. Vines are pretty strong. They climb up the sides of buildings, fences, and even trees. Vines are something truly powerful and yet God is the True Vine, stronger and more stable than any other.
Rose of Sharon
Jesus has many awesome and powerful names such as “The Almighty,” “Master,” and “Strong Tower,” but did you know that He also has some sweeter and more fragrant names? In Song of Solomon, a book of poetry with application to our relationship with God, chapter 2, verse 1, the speaker says “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” When God said He was a “Rose of Sharon,” He did not mean that He was a pretty flower. Again it had a significant meaning. The Hebrew term “sharon” means “right, pleasant, and prosperous.” That fits so perfectly. The rose is one of the most beautiful and most commonly used flowers in the world, and Jesus chose that name for himself. Just like His name, the One who is right and pleasant and prosperous became common so that we could share in and enjoy what He has.
Way to be a scholar, Zach. Good work!