Manchaca UMC

Week 6 “I am the true vine” (John 15:1)

On the last night with his disciples, Jesus took them on a field trip from the Upper Room to the Garden of Gethsemane. They would have passed by the Temple where the doors would have been left open due to the holy days. They would have seen the door to the inner sanctum of the Temple. According to Josephus, the ancient historian, it was decorated by a cluster of grapes made of gold. It was called “the Vine.” It was radiant and expensive. Annually it had to be augmented with more gold. What we know is that this vine was costly, fixed in place, and later torn down by the Roman army.

It was probably in front of the Temple where Jesus announced to his disciples, “ I am the True Vine.” This vine was more valuable than gold, more mobile to be with his people, and, when torn down by the Romans at the Crucifixion, he rose again. They could never have a relationship with an unresponsive piece of gold, but they could have a relationship with the True Vine by “abiding.” Hospitality here goes both ways- Jesus comes to be with us and in turn, we abide with him.

One more thing, Jesus notes that the Father is the vine dresser who will occasionally prune us for greater growth. I wonder if the stay at home order can serve as a pruning? As I give up many normal activities, can I use this as a time and opportunity to get better at “abiding”?

~David

Question to consider: What is one thing I could start to do while at home which will help me better abide in Jesus?