Jesus continues his dialogue with his disciples with the phrase “I am the true vine…” (John 15:1). This phrase is a continuation and the final of seven “I am” statement found in the book of John. For example, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life” (6:35), “I am the light of the world” (8:12), “I am the gate” (10:9), “I am the good shepherd” (10:12), “I am the resurrection and the life” (11:15-26), “I am the way, the truth and the life” (14:16), and finally, “I am the vine.” Each of the “I am” statements draw the Jewish audience to their foundation with God because when Moses asked, “What is your name God? He said, “I am who I am” (Exodus 3:14). John’s overall purpose in the “I am” statements is to point to Jesus being God in the flesh. Similarly, …show more content…
D A Carson states, the “I am” statements are “redolent of God himself” (Carson 22). In other words Jesus is suggesting that he is God through the ‘I Am’ statements like the one found in chapter 15. Furthermore, the reference to the vine, branches and gardener was an illustration that could be easily understood among the nation of Israel. In fact, Albert Barnes notes, “The comparison was frequent among Jews, for Palestine abounded in vineyards, and the illustration was very striking” (Barnes). It was common in those days for people to observe a vineyard and a gardener working with the branches—cutting off the dead ones and pruning the thriving ones. Similarly, Jesus use of a vine and its branches was connected to Israel’s prophets. For example, both of the prophets Ezekiel and Isaiah refer to Israel as a vineyard. Specifically, Isaiah says, I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit. Now you dwellers in Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? When I looked for good grapes, why did it yield only bad? Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled. I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and briers and thorns will grow there. I will command the clouds not to rain on it. The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel, and the people of Judah are the vines he delighted in. And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress (Isaiah 5:1-7). This passage is reminiscent of Jesus’ words to his disciples in John 15. It speaks to what God does with fruitless people as well as his desire to make Israel even more fruitful. This is all connected to obedience to God’s commands. Lastly, St. Augustine states, “The Lord calls Himself the vine, and His disciples the branches” and goes out of his way to focus on the word ‘true’ in the text showing that Jesus is distinguished from all others (Augustine et al). Once again pointing to Jesus being God in flesh. Next, Jesus repeatedly emphasizes the need to bear fruit. Jesus says, the father “cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (v 2). The Gardener is very much interested in more fruit being produced just like a vineyard owner in Palestine. Also, the Preacher’s Commentary addresses the role of the vinedresser as the one who cuts off the sin that still grows within humanity and cuts off things in this world that branches get attached to by saying, “In the best lives there remains some remnant of the old nature, which rebels against the ‘new man’” and “There are things lying around us and connected with us that engross us too much and chain us to the world” (Preacher’s Commentary). Likewise, natural plants need care and the gardener is there to ensure that fruit grows healthy and strong. The Father is willing to do what is needed in order for his followers to bear fruit. Finally, Albert Barnes concludes, “As the vinedresser will remove all branches that are dead or that bear no fruit, so will God take from his church all professed Christians who give no evidence by their lives that they are truly united to the Lord Jesus.” Another theme throughout John’s gospel is ‘to remain’ or as some translations state ‘to abide.’ As stated earlier, Jesus says remain eleven times in this dialogue. He says, “Remain in me…” (v 4), “Remain in…my words” (v 7), and “Remain in my love…” (v 9). Each statement is connected back to the vine and branches as well as Jesus’ connection with his Father in heaven. The implications of remaining are a clear cause and effect. If one remains in Christ, in his words and in his love there will be more fruit (v 5) and God will answer prayer (v 7). However, St. Augustine suggests that Jesus is saying that apart from him you can bear no fruit as being connected to people attempting self-righteousness. He says, “Your assertion that man of himself worketh righteousness, that is the height of your self-elation. But the Truth contradicts you…” (Augustine el al). Also, the Preacher’s Commentary takes another view on remaining in Christ by stating, “The most vital, intimate, and necessary relationship subsists between the living branches and the stem. The vine stock is essential to the vine branch; so is Christ to the believer—a close uninterrupted union must subsist between them.” In each commentary, a different approach is taking on the meaning of remaining in Christ. Some have so much as suggested that Jesus was speaking of salvation in this passage; however, that assumption does not fit the context of this section. Further still, Jesus emphasizes the need for love throughout this section.
This is the height or center focus of his message in this very passage. For instance, he speaks of the kind of love he intends to show his followers through the cross when he says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (v 13). Also, Jesus states that he loves his followers with the same love that the Father has for him (v 9). In response, Barns says, “So have I loved you. Not to the same degree, for this was impossible, but with the same kind of love—deep, tender, unchanging; love prompting to self-denials, toils, and sacrifices to secure their welfare.” The question remains as to how much God loves his followers: is it the same as he love Jesus or less? Yet, Barnes point is correct; nevertheless, it is the same kind of love that Jesus has for his followers. In this light, Jesus draws the connection between love and obedience. That true love will obey Jesus’ commands (v 10). This obedience even has a promise attached to it in verse 16, to which St. Augustine says, “He will certainly give us if we love one another; seeing that this very thing He has also given us, in choosing us when we had no fruit, because we had chosen Him not; and appointing us that we should bring forth fruit, that is, that we should love one another,—a fruit that we cannot have apart from Him, just as the branches can do nothing apart from the vine.” (Augustine). Finally, Jesus stresses that his love is to flow out of his followers in the way in which they love one another. Twice he gives the command to love each other (v 12 and 17). This is the essence of his message to his followers in this moment; that they would love as they have been loved; all of which is connected back to Jesus’ great commandment to love God and love your neighbor (Matthew
22). Finally, Jesus emphases the relational change that has taken place between him and the disciples. For example, in verse 15 Jesus says, “I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends…” In the Old Testament friendship with God was reserved for a few individuals such as Abraham and Moses (Exodus 33, Isaiah 41); however, Jesus is giving the opportunity for all to be considered his friends. This friendship is based upon following his command to love (v 14). Also, Jesus emphasis that he is the one who choses his friends. In verse 16 he states, “You did not choose me, but I chose you…” Sure enough, Jesus has picked the twelve disciples such as Peter, James and John who were fisherman, yet the context speaks to a larger section that Jesus has picked. In John 17, Jesus prays for all who will ever believe in him; thereby, signifying his choosing of every follower. Therefore, this statement means Jesus individually picked the twelve disciples and all future disciples of Jesus.
Solle explains that a “[r]eal encounter in love can only take place in mutuality, not in an asymmetrical relationship of dependence…we know God only if we also know how much God needs us” (184). Love requires mutuality and vulnerability; it requires letting oneself be known. If God is love, then God must allow God’s self to be known. Solle argues that God allows God’s self to be known most clearly in the relational, non-coercive and pacifistic nature of Jesus. She states “The only capital with which [Jesus] came into the world was his love, and it was as powerless and as powerful as love is. He had nothing but his love with which to win our hearts” (187). Solle explains that we know God needs us because God reveals God’s desire for relationship in Jesus and reveals God’s vulnerability in the
He demonstrated His love even when we did not love Him, by first loving us. The LORD demonstrated His love when Jesus came into the world to seek and save the lost. He paid the definitive sacrifice for those He loved. Equally, we are to love sacrificially. It transcends family and encompasses the beloved community.
...Today as a Christ follower, we will never be satisfied if our life is not bearing lasting fruit because we are not fulfilling the purpose for which we were “grafted “into the Vine. Let’s examine the “fruit” of our lives. Is it the kind of fruit that reveals the character of Christ? Let’s not settle for fruitless Christianity. God will do the work of making us fruitful – we must only abide, surrendering our lives to His mission of making disciples of all nations through us. The whole notion of mission is to stretch out to work the work of evangelism not through hierarchy, sovereignty, rather through humbleness, hospitality, affection love for the others. That is what Jesus who portrayed as the one who we do not deserve to untie His sandals straps in the first Chapter of John, later become feet washer, intimate with humanity leaving His equality with God.
The rise of Christianity in western civilization is arguably among the most important memories in history. There is no denying what the spread of Christianity has done for the world, for better or worse. Its impact on western civilizations is unrivaled and unprecedented. Christianity slowly became something for many individuals to turn to; in times of hurt its provided comfort, in times of pleasure it has given thanks. The will and belief for salvation has driven individuals to be better, and to have a reference while in need. The rise of Christianity more than 2000 years ago provided necessary building blocks for the future. Without Christianity there would be no cathedrals, no monasteries, no music from one Johann Sebastian Bach, no paintings from Michelangelo, nor no philosophy from Saint Augustine (Backman 205). There are countless times in history, whether good or bad, that can be credited to
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." This verse - John 3:16 - is perhaps the most important in the Bible. Jesus Christ was the son of God, but he was also the son of man.
What is Christianity and why has it been able to develop into a continuously growing and evolving religion?
The following essay will evaluate the importance of the journey that takes place from Systematic to Practical theology; this view will be explored through Ronelle Sonnenberg’s research done regarding ‘being together’ in a youth setting. This essay will first build on the basis of Practical Theology; furthermore addressing the importance of the community aspect within a youth setting; this will lead to the process that takes place between a Systematic stance, leading to a Practical theological stance.
It may seem a little bit strange, but my favorite place in town in none other than this beautiful Evangelic Church. However, it wasn’t always so.
Every Sunday. Stares and disappointment. I sat with my grandmother at this big church. People would stare when they realized I didn't know the prayers or songs. I was trying to learn more about religion why did I feel so scared? Am I going to find where I belong? Will I have enough time? These are questions I sometimes have to ask myself. When I was little I explored many religions but now that i'm older I am frightened about faith.
Q. Describe when and how you became a Christian. A. Although I grew up as a Christian from the beginning of my life, I might be able to confess that I became a true believer through my father absence. His last few months made me see that God gave solid faith to my father, and God is working because my father never gave up his faith even while losing his mind due to a maintenance drug to reduce pains. However, after his death, I could not overcome the state feeling emptiness not because my father is absent but because man’s life in this world seemed to be meaningless before death. Through my father, I could believe that there is God doubtlessly, but I could not find the purpose of creation and meaning of this life.
A philosophy of Christian education encompasses many aspects that overlap areas of a child 's life that could not be nurtured and molded in a public school setting. Therefore, the Christian philosophy of education must include so much more. The Bible must be used as the basis for the education of children. A child should be taught in a way that will best benefit the individual that God created. He should be trained in his own way, the way he learns best. In order to do that, teachers must be able to assess their students in a manner that will reveal the learning styles that best fit each child. By doing this, the best possible education can be given to each student. Proverbs 22:6 states, "Train up a child in the way he should go..." The ways
Humans experience three types of love in their lives: eros, philos, and agape. Eros love is conditional, like the love we experience for our favorite foods or TV shows. Philos love is conditional still, but deeper; the love we experience with our friends and family is philos. Agape love unconditional and everlasting; agape love is the love that devours. Humans cannot exhibit agape love for anything or anyone, but rather, only God can. God shows us agape love through Jesus’ crucifixion for our redemption. By sacrificing His one and only Son, God has freed humanity from sin. What about those that still sin? Does God truly love everyone with such unconditionality, or is His agape love reserved for an elite few? God’s love is indeed for everyone,
Jesus Christ was the light that came to earth to brighten the lives of the people. He taught phenomenal and meaningful lessons that changed many hearts and caused people to accept Jesus as their Lord. Jesus Christ is the life of Christianity; the Word of God in flesh. His life, his ministry, and his crucifixion where prophesied long before he was born and Christians believe that they were all fulfilled. He had so much love for human kind that he came to earth to die for the sins of the people, so that their souls would be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The Bible testifies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who taught memorable life lessons and performed astonishing miracles during his ministry.
Christianity is pretty simple its all about one life, the life of Jesus the Son of God. The christian life is a life that consists of following Jesus, all you have to do is believe in Jesus Christ and give your life to him. Becoming a christian offers eternal life after earth, it gives you greater ethics, support through out life, and a life after death. Becoming a christian relies on constant progression, its not enough to be a christian in name you have to live the Christian lifestyle. As a christian you will learn to strive for better morals. Your goals as christian need to be how do I become a better Christian and be more like God.
All over the world, many people practice a religion of their choice. With any religion people participate in many rituals that show their commitment to their religion. Amongst the five major religions of the world, which are Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, they are all significant to what people believe in. Each of them include rituals, places of worship, a God or Gods, and so much more. The five major religions of the world each have key characteristics that highlight both their similarities and differences.