Pastor’s Corner – September 7, 2023
The I am Statements of Jesus VII: The Vine
The Gospel of John explores the identity of Jesus in a series of seven I am statements. In Hebrew the words for I am are related to the name of God. In Exodus 3:14 God introduces the Divine name to Moses. The faithful, in respect and awe, do not even speak the name of God, so no one knows for sure how it is pronounced. Nor does anyone know exactly what it means, maybe it means: I am who I am or I will be who I will be or just I am or something else.
Through the revelation of Jesus, we can learn more about the Divine identity. The seventh (in the Hebrew tradition the number seven is representative of wholeness and completion in God) and final I am statement comes from John 15. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Jesus uses the metaphor of gardening to teach about discipleship. This teaching leans on the theme we have noted before—the unity of Jesus with God. In the imagery of the vine, that unity is enlarged to include those who follow Jesus’ way. It also builds on the Hebrew Scripture theme that all that is good comes from God. If we want to do good, we need a connection with the One who connects us to God.
Discipleship is a humble way of life. Our job is to stay close to Christ so that we are in position to receive and share the gifts of grace and peace. Who are you following? Are you in relationship with Christ? If you need help with that relationship please reach out, pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
