Jesus is on His Own Side

If Jesus emphasizes that he is the true vine, then we need to look out for imitation vines that promise fruit, but deliver emptiness. The world believes that to produce fruit in our lives, we need the power to be able to do so. We seek political power, occupational authority, wealth, and social influence. We believe that fruit or change comes from certain people holding power in political offices or certain political parties having control. We believe that getting promotions or having authority over people in our jobs will give us the power or position we need to make some impact. We believe that the only way to influence people is through social media or other social platforms. Jesus stumped even his closest followers because they assumed he was bringing about justice and overthrowing kingdoms through power, politics, and position. And they were confused when he didn’t engage in political arguments, when he sought humble positions, and when he relinquished any kind of power he possessed. How could this be the way of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth? But Jesus was showing people that fruit comes when we are connected to the true vine. The true vine is Jesus. He brings the Kingdom of God to victory over oppressors through taking the position of humility. Isaiah 53 speaks of Jesus and says, “He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away” (53:7-8a, NLT). Through the True Vine, we learn that power is found in surrender, position is found in humility, and the King of Kings is the only politics we need to pursue. Reflection/Discussion Question: In what ways do you see true power in the way Jesus lived?

When hit with the realization that life is short, people tend to do one of two things: They start living with more purpose and intentionality in order to make the most of their days, or they start living more recklessly and without care because they are overcome with a sense of hopelessness and fear of death. Isaiah 2:22 says, “Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?” (NIV). This puts our lives into perspective. The only thing we have right now is the breath in our nostrils. The next breath isn’t guaranteed.  And yet, we spend our entire lives building our own empire that will turn to dust, just like we will one day. We spend our lives building riches, amassing stuff, creating a name for ourselves, and accumulating accolades from “important” people. Those of us who may prefer a quieter lifestyle still often get caught up in this life by working hard to surround ourselves with as much physical comforts as possible. But when we return to dust, all of these efforts will be in vain. There is a line in the song “All Glory be to Christ” by Dustin Kensrue that says, “Should nothing of our efforts stand, no legacy survive, unless the Lord does raise the house, in vain its builders strive. To you who boast tomorrow’s gain, tell me, what is your life? A mist that vanishes at dawn, all glory be to Christ.” The irony is that this song is sung to the tune of Auld Lang Syne, which is often sung for New Year’s Eve—when we celebrate what tomorrow brings. We spend our efforts building a life that lasts as long as we do, but it’s all in vain if it isn’t building the kingdom of God. Our life is but a mist that vanishes at dawn. We are dust and to dust we will return. If we spend our lives building what will eventually come to dust, we will have lived our lives in vain. Reflection/Discussion Question: What is your immediate reaction when you start thinking about death?