The Gospel of John: Come and See the Vine, Part 1

Sunday we’re going to move back into the flow of John’s gospel. Remember, Jesus has been explaining his departure as he returns to his Father. His departure will mean the unique ministry of the Holy Spirit in the church. The Passover meal having ended, Jesus leads his disciples to a new location.  As he walks the path to the garden of Gethsemane along the Kidron Valley, he draws a connection between the grape vines that lined the countryside and his relationship to the disciples.

This metaphor is certainly a beautiful illustration of Jesus’ continuing ministry, through his indwelling Spirit, but we need to be careful how we interpret it. It’s not a one for one illustration. There are points of comparison in the metaphor and there are elements that don’t connect. Jesus communicates the main point when he says, “without me, you can do nothing.” The converse is also true, with me you can have a joyful, fruitful life that glorifies the Father because Jesus will remain with and continue to develop us as we abide in him.

Join us Sunday and let’s consider this continuing relationship and how it produces joyful, fruitful lives of obedience, service, and love.