Shortly before his own crucifixion, Jesus went to Mary and Martha after the death of their brother Lazarus. “If only you had been here!” was their greeting. “I am the Resurrection and the Life,” Jesus said, then he took away the power of their “if only” by raising one man: Lazarus. Our lives are still plagued by “if only,” but God has disarmed every “if only” (and much more!) by raising one man – Jesus the Christ – so that all who believe may live forever! Receive the Easter promise of life and victory in Christ alone!

As we continue through Jesus’ I AM claims looking forward to Easter, today we hear him saying, “I AM the Vine.” This claim is not simply about Jesus’ identity, but also our vital relationship with him. We are the branches, he says, and apart from him we can do nothing. Fruitfulness is the goal of our lives, and God is focused on making that happen through pruning us and connecting us to Christ. May we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to being connected to Christ in order to bear fruit, which Jesus says “is to my Father’s glory.”

On the night Jesus was arrested, he explained what was about to happen and comforted and encouraged the disciples. Into their anguish about not knowing where Jesus was going, Jesus spoke the I AM statement that most illuminated his divine identity and purpose: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” May we see Jesus as more than someone simply pointing out the way, truth and life; may we instead embrace him as the only and complete way, truth and life.

As we continue to walk through Jesus’ seven “I AM” claims in the Gospel of John, this week we listen to Jesus say, “I AM the gate for the sheep.” We, the sheep, will explore what it means that Jesus is the only gate, that he is the gate through which we can go in and out from “pen to pasture,” and that Jesus the Gate opens our lives to their fullest potential and best blessings. May we recognize Jesus’ voice this morning and follow him.