In general, the Bible has many metaphorical/descriptive terms used to describe the greatness of Christ. For an example, Jesus is “The Good Shepherd.” Is Jesus literally a shepherd? No. As a young man he likely followed in Joseph’s footsteps as a carpenter. But when He says He is a shepherd (John 10) the reader instantly knows what He’s getting at. And I don’t know if it’s just a coincidence or if God is intentionally trying to draw attention to it, but there are an awful lot of metaphors in the Bible connecting Jesus to plants. Over and over, throughout the Gospel record and the words of the prophets, Jesus describes Himself in ways that draw comparison to vegetation. Is that odd? You might think so, but when you look at each one, you realize (as always), the Holy Spirit was making a lot of sense.

For example: Jesus is “the branch.” First of all, this description was not made by Jesus; it was made about Jesus by a pair of Old Testament prophets.

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
Isaiah 11:1

also:

And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:
Zechariah 6:12

Isaiah describes the Messiah as a “rod” (the first little sprig of a tree that protrudes out of the ground) that grows from the roots of Jesse (thus, the seedline of king David). He calls the Christ the “branch” that grows from those royal roots. Years later, Zechariah uses similar language; he describes the Branch as the One that will grow and build God’s (new) Temple. Both times the word is used, “branch” describes more than the limb of a tree. It describes the tree itself. That’s important (and will come into play in tomorrow’s devotional). Jesus is the tree that grows from Messianic roots, which casts a cool, Divine shadow over His people.

Jesus is the Branch, the tree planted by God that bears Christian fruit.

Are you abiding in Him?

~ Matthew