I AM | Pt 6 | ’I am the Vine’

In the book of John, Jesus made 7 'I AM' statements. 

• I am the bread of heaven
• I am the light of the world
• I am the gate
• I am the good shepherd
• I am the way, the truth, and the life
• I am the true vine
• I am the resurrection

These statements tell us so much about Jesus, the Christ - the messiah, the reconciler, the healer, the guide, the example, the goal, the horizon. But they also teach us about who we are meant to be. 

Although the book of John is a theologically complex and rich text, the insights and wonderings are some of the most profound in Scripture. 

________

'I am the vine.'

There is always something mystical about what John is doing. We are Invited to a faith that isn't simply paint-by-numbers or straight-forward doctrines, but a more complex or mysterious faith that must be lived and breathed. We are invited to relationship with the Christ who comes near and empowers us. 

This sixth 'I am' statement opens us up to the need to be pruned...to have our blind spots pointed out to us. It's an invitation to be transformed...not just agree to a transaction. 

This statement also invites us to 'abide' with Christ. We aren't just cognitively agreeing to a set of beliefs or rules, but we are flowing and interacting with Christ. What is this mystery of abiding with Christ and how could it impact our lives?