Jesus calls Himself the true vine. The imagery of the vine is often associated with Israel in the Old Testament, frequently with negative connotations or implications. Israel has not borne any fruit; instead, they have failed to do so because of their unbelief. By calling Himself the true vine, Jesus claims the title of true Israel, who alone meets God's desire for true fruit, namely righteousness. Therefore, Israel is no longer based on ethnicity (i.e., being a descendant of Abraham) or the land of Israel itself. It is now based on Jesus Christ, and being part of Him, i.e., the "vine", depends on faith in Him.