I Am (The Vine)

Ampelos

Greek word -Fruitful vine. From the Old Testament thru the New, God’s mission was to make us a fruitful vine in the land of Canaan. (NRSV)

31 Indeed their rock is not like our Rock; our enemies are fools.

our enemies are fools.

32 Their vine comes from the vinestock of Sodom, from the vineyards of Gomorrah;

from the vineyards of Gomorrah;

their grapes are grapes of poison, their clusters are bitter;

their clusters are bitter;

33 their wine is the poison of serpents, the cruel venom of asps. Moses talks of the vine and the rock. Notice that in comparing the two rocks, one is capitalized (God) the other is not (no god). Then Moses claims that their vine comes from the vinestock of Sodom, from the vineyards of Gomorrah. Can you picture this image that was painted into the minds of the chosen? If others, or I, choose to preach this message, like Moses obviously chose to do. Will you understand? Will you be convicted that the vine you have chosen, is the good vine? Or will you be convicted to turn from your wicked ways and return to the good Vine?

I Am the vine. When Jesus spoke these words can you imagine with me the impact that His words had on these people who had heard stories of the vine. Can you imagine that they linked this vine to God? Moses taught in Deuteronomy about the Rock and the vine. It obviously makes a difference which vine we are connected to.

the cruel venom of asps.

Jesus told Peter, (NRSV)

18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Ask yourself, why did Jesus feel compelled to tell Peter this? (NRSV)

Peter’s Declaration about Jesus

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13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Peter tells Jesus that he is the Son of the Living God. Jesus then tells Peter, (NRSV)

17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.

The I Am statement from Jesus is for you who gather here tonight. Can you? or are you?, claiming that Jesus is the Son of the Living God? God said to Moses, (NRSV)

14 God said to Moses, “I Am Who I Am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I Am has sent me to you.’ ” Did you hear I Am? Through out our history, God has been telling us I Am.