After three adventurous, faith-filled years of following Jesus, the disciples finally reached this moment. Jesus’ farewell sermon. While they may not have known it at the time, Jesus knew the cross was awaiting Him in Jerusalem and He was intentional about the final message He would leave them with.

After washing the disciple’s feet, instituting the Lord’s Supper, and witnessing Judas identify as His betrayer, Jesus knew it was time to get going (John 14:31b). He likely led His disciples through Kidron Valley while on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane. This garden, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, was a place Jesus often visited for prayer and reflection. I imagine Jesus stopping by a fig tree with an illustrious grapevine, soon to become the primary illustration of his sermon. He proclaims:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1).

Two significant words open His sermon: “I am.” In the Old Testament this title was reserved for God alone (Exodus 3:14), yet this was seventh and final time Jesus used the phrase in reference to Himself, affirming His Lordship and deity. He continues, “I am the true vine…” Metaphorically speaking, He was teaching His disciples, and us today, that when it comes to discovering purpose in life and the power to change, there’s only one true hope and that’s found in Him. More than a religious checklist, or a motivational pep talk on trying harder, Jesus reminds the disciples that He is the true vine. Simply staying connected to Him is the Christian’s greatest task, and at the same time our greatest joy (John 15:11). Today, if you’re asking who is going to help you live the Christian life and empower you to produce spiritual fruit? The Lord Jesus says: “I Am.”

In the second half of the verse, He continues, “…and my Father is the vinedresser.” What a picture of the trinity: Jesus, our power source–the vine, God the Father, our provider–the vinedresser, and the Holy Spirit, our promised Helper (John 14:16, 26). All three working in us, on us, and for us for our greater good and His utmost glory. Today, are you looking to counterfeit vines for purpose and power? If so, repent (turn from) of those things and embrace the reality of Jesus, your true vine.