While Jesus was on earth, he convicted the world of sin, righteous, and judgment — not to condemn them, but so that he might save them.

Now that Jesus has returned to his place by the Father’s side in heaven, he has sent his Holy Spirit to continue that same ministry. Convincing the unbelieving world of sin, so that they might seek its cure in Christ; of righteousness, that they might see that their best deeds are insufficient; and of judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged and defeated at the cross of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the true vine, the Father is the vinedresser, and we are the branches. Our Lord uses this illustration to teach us the importance of abiding in his love, so that God may be most glorified through our lives, and that our joy might be full!

While coming with a caution to those who do not remain connected to the Vine, it is a passage full of gospel-comfort. Jesus is teaching us to draw on him and his inexhaustible resources for all our needs, instead of relying on our own resources, or on the world’s techniques.

The search for meaning and purpose in life is universal, and we can think of it as a search for “Home.” We were designed and created to be at home with God, and we’ll be restless until we rest in him. In John 14, Jesus comforts his troubled disciples with the truth that he is preparing the way for them to come home, and for home to come to them. Today, we can take comfort in that same reality — that God makes his home with us as we believe in Jesus and are filled with his Spirit. And one day, that home will be fully realized and manifested when Jesus comes again. For that comfort to take hold of our hearts, we must understand that Jesus has flung wide open the door — and that he is the only way.

The treasure of Christ is the only treasure that grows and sweetens as we share it. When we tell people the good news of Jesus, we’re enriched, not diminished!

But evangelism can be daunting. It is my prayer that from Matthew 13 and 2 Corinthians 4 the Lord will grant us all courage to joyfully share Christ with those in our lives, so that we might see many neighbors adopted into the family of God!