Stay Productive, Keep Connected, Remain Together
November 15, 2017·Dan Hicks
The Pause Journal reading for this week includes John 15, a chapter from which thousands of sermons have been preached and lessons taught. The chapter begins with the words, “I am.” This is the beginning of the final of seven “I am” statements made by Jesus and recorded by John.
Immediately following the “I am” words are these: “the true vine.” Automatically my minds asks, “if you are the [real] true vine, who or what is the false vine?” The answer for me requires me to look deeper into the context where Jesus spoke those words. My hope is that I will see more clearly what I can learn about how to live today.
What I see is that Jesus had just concluded the Passover meal with His disciples. It was there He had introduced them to the “Lord’s Supper.” On the table at the Passover would have been the lamb, the bread and the fruit of the vine (wine). The symbolism certainly had historic meaning for these Jewish disciples, but clearly, Jesus spoke about the items beyond the historic symbolism and made application of those items to Himself. At the conclusion of the meal, He then says, “let’s leave this place” (John 14:31).
So they depart and begin the walk to Gethsemane, a journey that would take them through some of the many vineyards surrounding Jerusalem in that day. It is then we see Jesus say to them, “I am the true vine.” Because their world was so tuned in to vines, vineyards and such, Jesus was helping them understand the difference between who He was/is as the “real vine” and those things around them that could easily distract them from that truth.
As I pause to consider this, I see the similarity in my world today. There are many opportunities for me to be distracted and turned away from the “real” or the truth about who Jesus is. So, as I hear Him say to me, “I am the real deal” [my words], I continue reading and learn these important things from Him. As one of His disciples, He wants me to:
· Stay Productive (v. 2)
· Keep Connected (v. 5)
· Remain Together (v. 8)
In short, this final “I am” statement shows me that for the balance of my life on earth, the things I do in His strength, how I remain engaged with others in His Body, and the intentionality of both of those in my life, are the only things that really matter.
I’d love to hear what John 15 says to you.
