STAY CONNECTED!

Well that’s the Passover done for another year... or is it?                                             
There has never been and never will be another Passover like this one: the gospel writers use ~4,850 words on this amazing tension-filled supper – yup, nearly 5,000 words!                                                                                       
Jesus personally washed all their dirty feet, then claimed one of them was going to betray Him, then said He was leaving them but promised to return FOR them and promised the Holy Spirit would come and dwell IN them.  He’s even revealed who He really is!
Now He’s called them to their feet with a “let’s go”... but this Man facing crucifixion in the morning so much wants to leave them full of joy, He’s got even more to say!...


Jewish disciples know the prophets likened Israel to a vine, but now Jesus claims:                  “I am the True Vine...”  (John 15)                                

Every branch counts – either bear fruit or be pruned and burnt – there’s no Freddie Freeloaders on for the ride here.                                                                                             

God’s Word keeps the vine clean, while Jesus’ love is the sap.                         
There will be fruit, more fruit, even much fruit!... and love for others... if you stay connected.  Otherwise you won’t be able to do anything.                                   

Now we have all 7 – I Am...

• the Bread of Life
• the Light of the world
• the Door
• the Good Shepherd
• the Resurrection
• the Way, the Truth & the Life                                     
• the True Vine 

(Do you think maybe the writer, old John the fisherman, can still count to seven?...that's one of God's favourite numbers...as he details what he remembers of that fateful night.)


So how much love should I have for others?                                                    

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”

Meanwhile He can feel the hatred outside....                                          

“They that hate me without a cause...”                                                                                                     

What about you?...do you love like He loves?                                     

Are you hated by this world?


NEXT: http://guvsdesk.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/what-heads-up.html