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The True Vine
In this thirty-one-day devotional, Andrew Murray draws upon the gospel parable of the vine and its branches to illustrate the beautiful relationship we are meant to have with Christ.
Find out in these inspiring pages how you can... The fullness of God’s merciful loving kindness awaits you. You can come through life’s greatest difficulties safely, and every longing of your heart can be satisfied. Discover that, as you daily abide in the Vine, your branch will grow and bloom, enriched by the nourishing presence of the Lord.
Find out in these inspiring pages how you can... The fullness of God’s merciful loving kindness awaits you. You can come through life’s greatest difficulties safely, and every longing of your heart can be satisfied. Discover that, as you daily abide in the Vine, your branch will grow and bloom, enriched by the nourishing presence of the Lord.
107 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1983
160 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Murray
1,199 books547 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Murray was Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Murray became a noted missionary leader. His father was a Scottish Presbyterian serving the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, and his mother had connections with both French Huguenots and German Lutherans. This background to some extent explains his ecumenical spirit. He was educated at Aberdeen University, Scotland, and at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After ordination in 1848 he served pastorates at Bloemfontein, Worcester, Cape Town, and Wellington. He helped to found what are now the University College of the Orange Free State and the Stellenbosch Seminary. He served as Moderator of the Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church and was president of both the YMCA (1865) and the South Africa General Mission (1888-1917), now the Africa Evangelical Fellowship.
He was one of the chief promoters of the call to missions in South Africa. This led to the Dutch Reformed Church missions to blacks in the Transvaal and Malawi. Apart from his evangelistic tours in South Africa, he spoke at the Keswick and Northfield Conventions in 1895, making a great impression. upon his British and American audiences. For his contribution to world missions he was given an honorary doctorate by the universities of Aberdeen (1898) and Cape of Good Hope(1907).
Murray is best known today for his devotional writings, which place great emphasis on the need for a rich, personal devotional life. Many of his 240 publications explain in how he saw this devotion and its outworking in the life of the Christian. Several of his books have become devotional classics. Among these are Abide in Christ, Absolute Surrender, With Christ in the School of Prayer, The Spirit of Christ and Waiting on God.
Murray was Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Murray became a noted missionary leader. His father was a Scottish Presbyterian serving the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, and his mother had connections with both French Huguenots and German Lutherans. This background to some extent explains his ecumenical spirit. He was educated at Aberdeen University, Scotland, and at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After ordination in 1848 he served pastorates at Bloemfontein, Worcester, Cape Town, and Wellington. He helped to found what are now the University College of the Orange Free State and the Stellenbosch Seminary. He served as Moderator of the Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church and was president of both the YMCA (1865) and the South Africa General Mission (1888-1917), now the Africa Evangelical Fellowship.
He was one of the chief promoters of the call to missions in South Africa. This led to the Dutch Reformed Church missions to blacks in the Transvaal and Malawi. Apart from his evangelistic tours in South Africa, he spoke at the Keswick and Northfield Conventions in 1895, making a great impression. upon his British and American audiences. For his contribution to world missions he was given an honorary doctorate by the universities of Aberdeen (1898) and Cape of Good Hope(1907).
Murray is best known today for his devotional writings, which place great emphasis on the need for a rich, personal devotional life. Many of his 240 publications explain in how he saw this devotion and its outworking in the life of the Christian. Several of his books have become devotional classics. Among these are Abide in Christ, Absolute Surrender, With Christ in the School of Prayer, The Spirit of Christ and Waiting on God.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
February 23, 2015
An excellent devotional on John 15. You could easily label it a commentary on John 15. I agree with Sarah in her evaluation of this little book. Really rich in doctrine. I recommend it like other Andrew Murrays devotionals. You could learn a lot of one subject of being the branch to bring forth fruit in one month's time.
September 20, 2018
This book was like a really good hot sauce. It was slow in building but once it got going it was almost too much to handle. I got to page 48 without underlining anything but after that I was marking it up grandly.
Some meaningful quotes:
The Word of God is a pruning knife. How? "... receive it as a hammer that breaks and opens up, as a fire that melts and refines, as a sword that lays bare and slays all that is of the flesh."
"Abiding is to be the act of the will and the whole heart....There is unspeakable danger of our not giving ourselves with our whole heart to abide."
"There have always been a smaller number of God's people who have sought to serve Him with their whole hearts, whereas the majority have been content with a very small measure of the knowledge of His grace and will."
"Salvation is nothing but love conquering and entering into us; we have just as much of salvation as we have of love. Full salvation is perfect love."
Some meaningful quotes:
The Word of God is a pruning knife. How? "... receive it as a hammer that breaks and opens up, as a fire that melts and refines, as a sword that lays bare and slays all that is of the flesh."
"Abiding is to be the act of the will and the whole heart....There is unspeakable danger of our not giving ourselves with our whole heart to abide."
"There have always been a smaller number of God's people who have sought to serve Him with their whole hearts, whereas the majority have been content with a very small measure of the knowledge of His grace and will."
"Salvation is nothing but love conquering and entering into us; we have just as much of salvation as we have of love. Full salvation is perfect love."
August 15, 2024
I have stopped and started this book sooo many times over the years and finally(!!) just finished it. I read the book in this intermittent way because the material is challenging. It is an exposition of John chapter 15:1-16 in which Jesus exhorts His followers to a life of trusting obedience.
Each short, three page chapter opens up a small section of the passage and each section is a lot to process. I wanted to absorb and not simply skim over the ideas. The author presents a degree of commitment to Christ that doesn’t allow room for the comfortable western idea of lived Christianity. I don’t yet possess the level of faith required to fully surrender to the ideals in this little, powerful book, but God isn’t finished with me yet and there is always hope!!
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the allegory of Jesus as the vine and His beloved followers as the branches and how that leads to “fruit-bearing” for His glory. This is a profound book that has the potential to dramatically alter a person’s life.
Each short, three page chapter opens up a small section of the passage and each section is a lot to process. I wanted to absorb and not simply skim over the ideas. The author presents a degree of commitment to Christ that doesn’t allow room for the comfortable western idea of lived Christianity. I don’t yet possess the level of faith required to fully surrender to the ideals in this little, powerful book, but God isn’t finished with me yet and there is always hope!!
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the allegory of Jesus as the vine and His beloved followers as the branches and how that leads to “fruit-bearing” for His glory. This is a profound book that has the potential to dramatically alter a person’s life.
September 14, 2023
The True Vine by Andrew Murray was a good read. It serves as a devotional type study through John 15. I believe this is a key chapter in all of Scripture, so much truth packed into one chapter. Murray does a decent job through his study. Some of his examples are helpful for disciples to better understand the vine to branch relationship. There is much to be said for the lack of application of this chapter to the average Christian’s life in holiness and discipleship. Jesus reminds us of the necessity of life found only in an abiding relationship with Him, as Murray reminds us, the sole purpose for the life of a branch is to produce fruit! This chapter needs to be memorized, thought through, taught, and obeyed desperately so!
On the negative side, Murray was part of the “higher life” movement throughout the 19th century, and this definitely comes out at times throughout the study, there is a sort of mysticism that prevails that one needs to watch for, this idea that there a revelations that must be revealed to a Christian to go deeper and such. I deny this. So if you’re going to read this little book, be aware of some of that.
On the negative side, Murray was part of the “higher life” movement throughout the 19th century, and this definitely comes out at times throughout the study, there is a sort of mysticism that prevails that one needs to watch for, this idea that there a revelations that must be revealed to a Christian to go deeper and such. I deny this. So if you’re going to read this little book, be aware of some of that.
January 27, 2022
Reminded me of what I first read in Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret about looking to Jesus and abiding in Him; resting in Him as all we need to do. But then this book made it more clear what that means, expounding and explaining the verses in John on Jesus being the Vine, and us the branches - bringing forth fruit, etc.
By looking to Jesus, we give up needing to work for our salvation, and rest in Him. He gives us the strength and everything we need to bring forth fruit of obedience.
(I loved it. It was very good, even though my words are struggling to explain the book well.)
By looking to Jesus, we give up needing to work for our salvation, and rest in Him. He gives us the strength and everything we need to bring forth fruit of obedience.
(I loved it. It was very good, even though my words are struggling to explain the book well.)
November 24, 2017
I've read over 100 books this year and this is in the top 5. Simple yet profound, this little booklet takes you verse by verse (key word by key word) through John 15 It is divided into 30 daily readings and should be read as such, in daily bites rather than rushing through. Challenging and comforting. And above all nourishing.
September 20, 2025
Soooo gooooodddd 😭😭
I really loved this in-depth look at John 15:1-16 and how Andrew Murray breaks it down bit by bit, not just for understanding, but for practical application. This passage is so key to every believer, and abiding in the Vine must be where everything else flows from. It’s such a beautiful analogy with all its complex implications that Jesus gives us in this image of God being the gardener, Jesus being the Vine, and us being the branches. 10/10, would recommend
I really loved this in-depth look at John 15:1-16 and how Andrew Murray breaks it down bit by bit, not just for understanding, but for practical application. This passage is so key to every believer, and abiding in the Vine must be where everything else flows from. It’s such a beautiful analogy with all its complex implications that Jesus gives us in this image of God being the gardener, Jesus being the Vine, and us being the branches. 10/10, would recommend
May 16, 2020
“The branch has no care, the vine provides all, it has to but yield itself and receive. What life would come to us if we only consented to be branches.” Branch, be a branch. You never need to be the Vine. Abide in the Vine.
July 15, 2025
Wow!!! Would give this book 10 stars if I could! Beyond thankful for Andrew Murray’s wisdom and insight into this parable. Spent 6 months on a 30 day devotional and goodness was it fruitful. Highly recommend this read!!!!
June 19, 2025
I truly enjoyed this little book by Bro. Murray! 😍😍😍🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 No striving necessary! Oh what Joy! A great burden released when God’s branches abide in His Vine! Only then will much fruit produce and remain! All things by Him, through Him, and to Him!! Lord, let it be so! 🙏🏾
On another note, this kind of living also reminds me of Crush and the other sea turtles of “Finding Nemo” riding the EAC! “Righteous, Righteous!” 👀🙈🙌🏾❤️
On another note, this kind of living also reminds me of Crush and the other sea turtles of “Finding Nemo” riding the EAC! “Righteous, Righteous!” 👀🙈🙌🏾❤️
December 7, 2018
For me, this excellent treatment on the parable of the vine and the branches simplifies the christian life so well. Our one and only purpose in life is to bear fruit for the vine.
March 15, 2018
A very reviving read. The author strikes a careful balance between exposition and application of the text. He steps carefully through John 15:1-16 - phrase by phrase for the most part. His words, as the words of the passage, are strong and demanding and yet filled with hope and encouragement. some of his wording is perhaps a little difficult to make sense of, but for the most part is plain enough for an average reader.
March 12, 2016
By far one of the best devotional books I have ever read. 31 simple chapters - short, with a prayer at the end - but full of grace and truth. Murray's exposition of John 15 is both theologically accurate, profoundly encouraging, and deeply convicting. I wasn't even halfway through before I had bought 3 copies to give away. This will end up on my "read every year" list, along with AW Tozer's The Knowledge of the Holy. What a gem.
January 3, 2018
An absolutely excellent exposition of the classic analogy from John 15. Laid out in 31 devotional sections, I found my fairly straightforward prior rendering of the text challenged on many fronts. One to re-read and re-read.
December 19, 2014
A much needed reminder from Andrew Murray that our fruit as Christians is a direct result of our persistence in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to ourselves.
August 21, 2025
3 Stars: 31 Day Devotional
August 30, 2021
This is a phrase by phrase meditation on John 15 the parable of the vine. There are 31 chapters of about 3 pages each diving in to the meat of the verses. Andrew Murray is one of my favorite Christian authors and his insights here helped me to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a branch totally dependent on the vine for everything necessary to produce fruit. As he develops the idea of fruit, more fruit, much fruit and abiding fruit, Murray goes beyond the idea of evangelism and includes prayer, the fruit of the Spirit and everything God does to produce the character of Christ in me. Read this book slowly -- one chapter a day for a month -- and meditate on the truths presented. It will be a blessing.
January 4, 2023
It’s hard to tell if this book is badly written or just a product of its time. Whatever the case may be, I struggled reading it. The first half or so is very repetitive. It may be purposely so or the editor has tried (unsuccessfully) to edit material or pull together some of Andrew Murray’s resources to publish this book. It just feels that there is something not right with the material. That being said, through the repetitive nature of the writing, God by His Spirit was ministering to me and emphasising that for life and ministry I need Christ—by myself I can accomplish nothing. Persevering through this little devotional book was worth it for that!
February 28, 2025
2025 Review:
While I haven't read it every year since reading it 11 years ago, it is still one of the best devotional books I have ever read. Incredible.
Previous Review
By far one of the best devotional books I have ever read. 31 simple chapters - short, with a prayer at the end - but full of grace and truth. Murray's exposition of John 15 is both theologically accurate, profoundly encouraging, and deeply convicting. I wasn't even halfway through before I had bought 3 copies to give away. This will end up on my "read every year" list, along with AW Tozer's The Knowledge of the Holy. What a gem.
While I haven't read it every year since reading it 11 years ago, it is still one of the best devotional books I have ever read. Incredible.
Previous Review
By far one of the best devotional books I have ever read. 31 simple chapters - short, with a prayer at the end - but full of grace and truth. Murray's exposition of John 15 is both theologically accurate, profoundly encouraging, and deeply convicting. I wasn't even halfway through before I had bought 3 copies to give away. This will end up on my "read every year" list, along with AW Tozer's The Knowledge of the Holy. What a gem.
November 4, 2024
I listened to this as an audio-book. It was so very repetitive. I would say out the whole book, I really only came away with one thought. Our efforts are worth nothing. Christ in and through us as we grow in and obey Him is everything. Which wasn’t very much to take away from a hundred-page book.
Since reading this book, I’ve come across some more information that leads me to be wary of Murray’s theology of sanctification. I would recommend reading Natalie Vellacott’s review for more details on this.
Since reading this book, I’ve come across some more information that leads me to be wary of Murray’s theology of sanctification. I would recommend reading Natalie Vellacott’s review for more details on this.
October 31, 2018
A book every Christian should read
I have always enjoyed the parable of the Vine and the branches but reading this book made me aware how easy it is to become complacent. You picture the Vine longing for the branches to bear more fruit. It grieves Him to watch how we can lose ourselves back in the world and rob ourselves of the many blessings He has for us. We are never as good as we think we are.
I have always enjoyed the parable of the Vine and the branches but reading this book made me aware how easy it is to become complacent. You picture the Vine longing for the branches to bear more fruit. It grieves Him to watch how we can lose ourselves back in the world and rob ourselves of the many blessings He has for us. We are never as good as we think we are.
February 8, 2019
This is an excellent book!!! From the parable of Jesus the principle of complete surrender is revealed!! To all who want to accomplish much for God or who struggle with life and sometimes get overwhelmed this book has the potential to be a help! I’d recommend this book to anyone and even used some of its application and explanation in witnessing. I enjoyed how he simply went through Jesus’ parable and applied it!
May 3, 2018
Another go-to book to re-read when necessary. This book is for those who want to walk with God like Noah, Enoch and Elijah. This author lived in the 1800's and died in 1917 but this book is a classic. It teaches you in the simplest of terms and instructions how to be a branch of the true vine. We all need to know how to be a branch.
August 14, 2019
107 pages of Murray butchering the law gospel distinction. Worse than my utmost for His highest? Probably. Obey, obedience, law lowering, etc. Just don't read it. Lowered law, false obedience, bad law gospel distinction, even the line "God needs your fruits". Just... Ugh. This is crypto Wesleyan
December 28, 2021
Really helpful devotional
I've always been troubled by the concept of "abiding". This devotional really helped me understand that concept better by explaining in detail the passage spoken by Jesus about the Vine. It isn't the best book for a new believer, in my opinion, but for an older believer, I believe it would greatly help the walk with Christ.
I've always been troubled by the concept of "abiding". This devotional really helped me understand that concept better by explaining in detail the passage spoken by Jesus about the Vine. It isn't the best book for a new believer, in my opinion, but for an older believer, I believe it would greatly help the walk with Christ.
November 5, 2023
This devotional is worthwhile to any believer new or mature. All will be convicted by its deep truths. This one is too much to digest in one read through. This one has enough meditations to ponder for repeated readings. Its call to Christ-likeness and living in the Vine is rich and sweet. I look forward to reading this one again.
April 5, 2025
Keswick keswick keswick….. and more keswick. This one man can say incredibly rich things alongside of dangerous falsities in a single paragraph.
This is let go and let God at its finest (in Murray’s defense, John 15 can be easily exegeted in that manner, but his systematic shines brighter than the text)
This is let go and let God at its finest (in Murray’s defense, John 15 can be easily exegeted in that manner, but his systematic shines brighter than the text)
January 25, 2020
I'm sure I have read some Andrew Murray before, but at the moment I can't recall!
Anyway this was a great series of devotions on John 15 - some over detail perhaps but still inspirational and challenging;.
Well recommended!.
Anyway this was a great series of devotions on John 15 - some over detail perhaps but still inspirational and challenging;.
Well recommended!.
November 24, 2021
I was a little sick when I listened to this, so I wasn't "all there" but John 15:1-11 is really important to me right now. It was interesting how much he identified conversions as the fruit Jesus was talking about.
May 25, 2023
An older gentleman from church recommended this to me and WOW. I highly recommend this to any believer. Andrew Murray covers John 15:1-16 and the need for believers to seek the True Vine of Jesus. Great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews