Pastor’s Word
Pastor’s Word ~ Inspiration
John 15:1-8 records Jesus's allegory of the vine and the branches. In this passage, Jesus
describes himself as the true vine, emphasizing the vital connection between him and his
followers. He portrays God as the vinegrower who prunes the branches to ensure their
fruitfulness. Jesus urges his disciples to remain in him, emphasizing that apart from him, they
can do nothing. He underscores the importance of abiding in his love and obeying his
commandments. Those who remain connected to him bear much fruit, glorifying God and
demonstrating their discipleship. Jesus warns that branches that do not bear fruit will be
removed, while those that do will be pruned to produce even more fruit. This passage highlights
the necessity of a close, intimate relationship with Jesus for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness. It
underscores the mutual dependence between Christ and his followers, emphasizing the
transformative power of abiding in his love and bearing fruit for God's kingdom.
Looking forward to Sunday ~ Pastor James
A Note on This Week’s Gospel
Luke 24:36-48 depicts one of Jesus’s appearances to his disciples after his resurrection. In this
passage, Jesus assures his disciples of his physical presence by showing them his hands and
feet and eating with them. He opens their minds to understand the Scriptures, emphasizing how
his suffering, death, and resurrection were foretold. Jesus commissions his followers to proclaim
repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. This passage
underscores the continuity between Jesus’s earthly ministry and the mission of the Church,
highlighting the significance of his resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian faith. It serves as
a call to witness, reminding believers of their role in sharing the good news of salvation with the
world.
In light of the resurrection see you this Sunday ~ Pastor James