Saturday, May 12, 2012

John, Chapter 15: Gardening tips

Jesus starts comparing himself to a vine, and god to a gardner. He promises that his followers will bear fruit, but people who don't believe in him will be cast away like withered branches. He also promises that his followers will be able to ask for stuff and he'll give it to them. And yet, we're still waiting for an ice cream substitute that is both delicious and not fattening, despite the billions of prayers he must have received by now. No that sorbet crap does not count.

Now he starts getting specific about what is required of his believers: first, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (v. 12) Oddly, that's the one people have the most difficulty with. Second, to accept that ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you (v. 19). That's another fun one. It's also at least partially why you get missionaries at your door during dinner. They don't really expect to convert you, it reinforces the solidarity of being part of the rejected out-group.

People who meet Christ and reject him have no excuse for their sins and hating Jesus is the same as hating god. This will work out extremely well in the future, as we all know. He promises to send the Holy Ghost back after his death.

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