The parable of the vine and the branches is a promise with a warning. The warning is that it is possible to be marginally connected to the vine but to have no ability to sustain life and bear fruit. No doubt Jesus was grieved by the loss of Judas. Could it be that Judas was the branch that was thrown away, cast into the fire and burned? This is a strong warning to all of us. Submit to the sovereign work of the vinedresser, stay connected to the vine or be tossed aside like a fruitless branch.