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?

Jesus was so focused on his mission that he wasn’t ever stopped by human opinion or offense. Jesus wasn’t easily offendable because he knew who he was and what he came to do. He knew he was the Son of God, and he came to give us eternal life. If you stand firm in your identity and keep your eyes focused on your mission, you will not be moved. In order to get to this place, we must know the truth so deeply that lies are completely ludicrous when we hear them. If we know that we are chosen, we will scoff at anyone who tries to tell us otherwise. If we know that we are loved, we will pay no mind to someone who tries to convince us we are not. If we stay focused on the mission, we will ignore anything that tries to derail us. Followers of Jesus are marked by their focus on Jesus. If we focus on the light, everything outside of Jesus will grow dark. The enemy will try to derail us from the mission of loving people one at a time and making disciples by distracting us with human opinions and filling us with doubt about who Jesus says we are. If we can distrust our identity, we will drop the mission. If we drop the mission, we will cease to bear fruit.  But God gave us everything we need in order to accomplish his mission on earth. He gave us Jesus who made us new. He gave us a new identity. He calls us his sons and daughters. Jesus calls us his friends. God then gives us everything we need to accomplish his mission of growing his Kingdom. If we can remind ourselves of who God says we are, what he has given us to do, and how his power can equip us, we will be unshakeable. Reflection/Discussion Questions: If you find yourself easily offended, what are you struggling to believe God says about you? If not, what has God done in your life to give you freedom from what people think or say?