This Sunday's Gospel from John 15: 1-8 is one of numerous passages in John where Jesus speaks of His identity. These passages all contain the words "I am," words which recall God's revelation to Moses in Exodus 3. In John 15:1, our Lord says, "I am the true vine." In Scripture, the vine or the vineyard are common symbols for Israel or God's people. So Jesus is the fulfillment or true embodiment of Israel. He is the only one who truly and fully carries out God's intentions for humanity.
This identification of Christ is basic, but the passage goes further. In addition to telling us about Jesus, it also tells us about His disciples or followers. In John 15: 5, He adds, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." The followers of Jesus must abide or remain connected with Him as living branches connected with the vine. This connection is the only way that we remain spiritually alive and produce truly good fruit. Without this faithful and living connection to His saving grace, we can do nothing. Disconnected from Christ, our souls wither and die. Attached to Him in faith, His risen life flows through us and produces good spiritual and moral fruit.
No comments:
Post a Comment