A Series on the “I Am” statements of Jesus
“I Am the true vine”
(Click on the link below to read the
verses.)
John 14:15-15:17
[Moses encountered God at the burning bush where the Lord gave His name as “I Am”. Jesus used that same name for himself, thus claiming to BE God. In this series, we’re looking at the “I Am” statements of Jesus to learn about him and about God.]
Some people love to take risks; even risks that feel dangerous. Extreme sports fall into this category. Things like skate boarding, sky diving or bungee jumping. Before taking the plunge, the participant experiences an adrenaline rush… so I’m told.
You might compare
an adrenaline rush to the Spirit of God.
In the Old
Testament, the Spirit was present in “a specific person, at a specific time,
for a specific task”. Think of Gideon when he was about to battle the Midianites;
or Samson bringing down the temple on the Philistines; or Elijah facing off
against the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel.
In John 14, Jesus
is just finishing in the upper room with his disciples. He knows what his
future holds and is preparing them for it. It’s here that he promises them the
Holy Spirit. Not for a specific time and specific task, but as an in-dwelling,
continuous advocate.
26 But
the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my
name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I
have said to you. NIV
Then in John 15,
Jesus makes this statement.
5 “I
am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will
bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. NIV
Jesus promised the
disciples the Holy Spirit. That promise holds true today. He is called the
Advocate, Counselor, Comforter, Encourager, Intercessor and Helper. He is always
with you and me to keep us connected to the true vine, to each other and to bear
fruit.
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