They said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? (Mark 8: 16-18)

Jesus seldom explains his parables. The power of the technique is to evoke images and relationships largely beyond logic. The more that is done to deconstruct the images and relationships the more likely the value of the parable will be lost.

But still - if the realm of God can be compared to a grapevine’s deep source and Jesus to the vine and each of us to the branches - then we are already parts and members of the realm of God.

The kingdom of heaven is truly at hand.

If the realm of God is as a seed, then in partnership with the vine and source this branch – and every branch – can play a role in bringing forth in our fruit the realm of God on earth.

We abide in the kingdom of heaven.

We also abide in another time and place. This is often a sunny and pleasant place. But it may bring sudden frosts, pests, and plagues that threaten the fruit and branches. We are creatures of both places.

We emerge from the depths of God’s realm.

Our fruit is formed – or not – in a place where God has chosen to reign, but not to rule. Conditions encountered in this outer realm will effect the vineyard. In any particular season the branches may produce less fruit of lower quality. This does not, however, determine the potential of the vineyard.

The depth of our origin determines the potential of branch and fruit.

In the life and death of Jesus we can perceive how we are to draw on these depths and avoid dependence on other resources that may delay or impede our ability to draw life from the realm of God.