Author: Jeff Englund

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.

Jesus has a tough job. No, not just dying for our sins on the cross, but also trying to convey the truth about what we cannot see. Heaven is a place that we talk about, but only one man has actually come from there and knows what it is like. That man is Jesus.

In trying to explain how things work Jesus resorts to allegory. Again and again, he tries to explain by using earthly things to describe spiritual realities. In today’s passage, Jesus describes himself as a grapevine, and God as the gardener. If you are blessed with an interest in growing things, you might understand this allegory. If you don’t know about green things, this might not make any sense.

I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
Come now; let us leave.

As we come to the close of chapter fourteen, we transition from the last supper to the journey to the Garden of Gethsemane. Before going out into the night Jesus, once again, explains what is going to happen. This time he adds a note about “the prince of this world.”

Satan may think he has the power to kill the Son of God, but he is mistaken. He will try, but he will fail because he does not know or understand the power of Love. Devine love that is totally selfless.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

This may be one of the toughest challenges of being a Christian that I know. As Christians, we are in the world but not of the world. The world tends to be hostile to Christians. More so today than at any time in my life. In the midst of hostility, and sometimes just the everyday challenges of getting along with others, Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled…”

How do you do that? How does one turn off the “being troubled” switch on the heart? The answer to that question has to do with faith.

Faith is all about trust. If you trust Jesus, and if you believe that he is the ultimate power in the universe, then what is there to worry about? Even short term pain and setbacks here on earth are insignificant when compared to eternity with our loving God.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Well now, there is an interesting thought! The way that Jesus gives to a person is different than the world’s way. How?

Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

One of the things I appreciate most about God’s creation is its logical nature. Everything of a material nature works according to the laws of physics. These laws have been in place since the beginning of time. The history of science has been one of discovering God’s laws in nature. Once understood, there is a comforting predictability about the nature of the physical world.

In verses twenty-three and twenty-four, Jesus explains another “law” if you will. It is a truism, a principle. He begins, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.” He continues with, “Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching.” Then he adds that these words come directly from the Father.

Why does he tell us this? Why is it important?

Jesus replied, ”Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”

Today we complete the verse that we started in yesterday’s post. Jesus promises that love for Him opens the door to He and the Father coming into your life and living there. The last five words add a flavor to this verse that I find appealing. Jesus says that He and the Father will come and “make our home with them.” The God of the universe is willing to move into your life and take up residence!