I AM Jesusنموونە

"I AM THE VINE."

In His last of the seven statements, Jesus dives back into Jewish history with reference to the vine, a long-standing symbol of the nation of Israel. Vines were found in abundance in ancient Israel. On the front of the temple was a large golden vine set as the prominent decoration communicating the idea that Israel was God's vine. Ironically enough, before Jesus redeeming the vine, the majority of references in both the Old and New Testaments to Israel as a vine had negative connotations. Standing firmly on the foundation He’s built, Jesus declared to all His followers, “I am the true vine.” More than merely spiritual horticulture, Jesus is declaring on a much larger scale, “I am the new Israel. I am the only one who can redeem what you’ve tarnished, and I allow you to become branches of me.”

Their response: Jesus continues His invitation to remain in Him, warns them of the world's animosity, and promises the power of the Holy Spirit to come. You can almost sense His crescendo of assurance as He tells them He's going away only to return for them again. Drum roll, please… And they don't get it. "He's leaving then coming back? Going to the Father? Back in a little while? Huh? What is He saying?" They had become so comfortable with their world and way of doing things they couldn't “remain” in His.

There is significant scientific research that indicates the things we begin and end our day consuming form us the most over time. People wonder why they are fearful, anxious, and lack depth when they wake up to a cell phone, social media, and emails, then fall asleep watching murder documentaries or semi-pornographic reality shows.

In 2020 I got the coronavirus, bad. After 4 days of next to no nourishment or fluids, my wife arranged for a mobile IV to come by the house and fill me up! I was skeptical until they hooked me up, then as all the vitamins and fluids my body desperately needed began to fill my veins, I could literally feel my senses coming alive again.

This is the invitation from Jesus. Come to me. Abide in me. Invite me into your veins so that the Spirit can replenish you in ways you never imagined. He brings us to life, fills us with good things, and calls us to invite others to join.