The Wandering Jew Plant - Soup and Soulfood

A Picture of the Christian Journey

Sometimes God uses the simplest things to teach the deepest truths.
For me, one of those lessons came through a small houseplant sitting quietly in a kitchen window.

I often give a Wandering Jew plant as a gift from one friend to another. It’s hardy, forgiving, and easy to care for—able to tolerate neglect better than most plants. One of the things I love most about it is how easily it grows. Break off a piece, place the tip in water, and it will form new roots and continue to grow… as long as those roots stay in the water.

A Plant That Started Small

The large plant pictured here began with just a couple of small sprigs my son gave me. I placed them in a vase of water in my kitchen window and enjoyed watching the green and reddish-purple hues glisten in the sunlight.

Over time, some pieces bent over the edge of the vase and dried up. Others fell completely into the water and rotted. I would occasionally top off the water when it ran low, but I never truly nourished it. That vase sat in the window for several years before I finally planted the surviving pieces in soil.

Once planted and given proper nourishment, the plant flourished. Its roots spread, new shoots appeared, and growth became abundant.

And as I watched it grow, God gently began to show me something deeper.

Why “Wandering”?

The Wandering Jew Plant is a common name for several species in the Tradescantia family (Tradescantia zebrina). There are many theories about the origin of the name, but my thoughts often go back to the biblical account of the Israelites wandering in the desert with Moses for forty years.

I don’t use the name in an antisemitic way, but rather as an allegory.

In many ways, it could just as easily be called The Wandering Christian.

When Faith Wanders—and Grows

As Christians, we all wander at times on our spiritual journey. We hesitate. We stall. We dry up around the edges. Yet with proper watering, nurturing, and pruning, God grows us into people who reflect Christ.

Wandering gives way to purpose.
Roots deepen.
Growth becomes visible.

Instead of drifting, we begin spreading God’s love and message to a world that desperately needs hope.

Just as I placed those plant cuttings into water, we place others in Christ—the true living water—and walk alongside them through discipleship. In doing so, God’s love and truth continue to spread, one life at a time.

A Living Picture of Spiritual Growth

The growth of a Wandering Jew plant beautifully mirrors the journey of a believer walking in obedience with the Holy Spirit.

How the Plant Grows

- A sprout is placed in water to establish roots

- It is then planted in soil, where roots grow deeper and stronger

- The plant grows upward and outward toward the light

- Sunlight deepens its color and vitality

- Fertilizing and transplanting encourage healthy growth

- When healthy, it can reproduce indefinitely

- Pruning keeps it strong and productive

Even dry, cut stems can sometimes be revived.

How We Grow Spiritually

- Water: As new believers, we are first introduced to Jesus—the life-giving water

- Roots: Through church, teaching, and learning His Word, our spiritual roots begin to form

- Planted: As faith matures, we are planted within a Christian community where our roots grow deeper and more secure

- Sunlight: Turning our hearts toward the Holy Spirit brings vibrancy to our lives. Others can see that we are different because Christ lives in us

- Reproduction: Christ’s Spirit within us draws others—sometimes through conviction, other times through love

- Fertilizer: Daily spiritual nourishment is essential—God’s Word, prayer, listening, fellowship, praise, and worship

- Pruning: God lovingly removes false beliefs, spiritual pride, sin, and anything that hinders growth. Sometimes even healthy branches are pruned for the good of the whole plant

Growing Was Never Meant to Be Optional

Becoming a Christian was never meant to be a one-and-done experience. We have an enemy determined to steal, kill, and destroy, which means our spiritual lives require daily attention.

With continued care—and occasional pruning—we grow into the beautiful “plant” God designed us to be.

And just like that Wandering Jew plant, when our roots remain firmly in the living water, growth becomes inevitable.

A Closing Reflection & Prayer

Jesus,
Thank You, for reminding me that growth takes time, care, and obedience. Holy Spirit, empower me to remain rooted in You—the true living water. Show me daily, where pruning is needed, where nourishment is lacking, and where You desire me to grow. May my life reflect Your love so clearly that others are drawn to You. Amen.