The Nativity Tree: Day 3 - Branch ~ Crazy JC Girl

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16

Yesterday’s scripture (Isaiah 11:1) shows us that a Branch will grow out of the stump of Jesse. That Branch is Jesus.

This metaphor/symbol is used several times throughout the Bible. It’s worth a look.

Isaiah 11:1 – a Branch shall grow out of his roots – Jesus from the line of Jesse
Isaiah 4:2 – “the Branch of the Lord” – God in human flesh
Jeremiah 23:5-6 – “a Branch of righteousness” – King who reigns
Jeremiah 33:14-17 – “a Branch of righteousness” – King on the throne
Zechariah 3:8-9 – “My servant the Branch” – a Servant of God & man
Zechariah 6:12-13 – “the Man whose name is the Branch” – the sinless Man, our perfect sacrifice

We learn that Jesus, although God (the Word was God – John 1:1-5), was born a man in human flesh (God in human form). God provided the perfect sacrifice (a sinless Man), to be our Mediator – the one who paid the price for our sins (our Servant & God’s – See John 3:16) by overcoming/defeating death. We know Jesus descends from the line of David, and will continue to reign forever as our Lord of Lords, & the King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, & Revelation 19:11-16). Can I get a Hallelujah!

However, Jesus is not the only branch. The memory verse that pops into my head is “I am the vine; you are the branches.” John 15:5.

If you look at the passage this verse comes from – John 15:1-8 – we see that Jesus is the “true vine“, God is the “vine dresser“, and we are to be branches “in Christ” who should bear fruit. So, Jesus is the “main Branch,” off of which smaller, younger, newer twigs/branches will sprout & grow (abiding/obedient Christians). We, his branches, are to bear fruit – we are to plant the seed of Christ in all those around us, and hopefully new branches (new Christians) will sprout & grow. If not, we are pruned & burned in the fire (ummm…that would Hell). Sometimes branches fall off & are in need of grafting – See Romans 11:17-24.

Are you a piece of dead wood? Or, do you need to be grafted back onto the tree? Or, are you just sittin’ there looking pretty or do you bear fruit?

Go out and spread your branches, decorate those around you, making them feel the joy & happiness of God’s love & mercy!