the    sides

This is part of our e-journey through the gospel of John. Today is from John 15.

I’m serious - what kind of fruit grows on this vine?

The right is answer? None. This vine will never produce any fruit, ever again because it’s no longer connected to a source of nourishment.

Trick question? Not really. Just basic biology…AND spirituality.

Jesus says this…”The only way to bear fruit - to live a life that is productive for the Father - is to stay connected to the Vine. If you get disconnected from the Vine, you’re toast. You’re done. The only thing you’ll be good for is fire starter. Stay connected to the Father.”

How do we do that?

“Love me.”

Thanks for such a practical, non-mystical answer, Jesus. No seriously, how do we love you?

“Obey me. If you love me, you’ll obey. And when you obey because of your love, your joy will be complete. And love each other.”

That’s it?

“That’s it. And by the way, when you do that - love me and each other, obeying because of your love - the world is going to hate you for it.”

Well, that just makes perfect sense…NOT.

“When the Counselor comes, it will become all clear.”

Counselor???? Who the heck is the Counselor??

So it goes with Jesus. Just giving enough clarity for the next step and enough fog for a lifetime. Just stay connected, it’ll get clearer later. Just stay connected, relief will come later. People will hate you, just stay connected. Whatever happens and whatever you do - just stay connected.

We’re tempted to do a lot of things for Jesus and for other people. We’re tempted to distraction at every turn… just stay connected.