Bypass!

When you hear that word, do you usually think of an operation for a heart condition?

In John 15, Jesus uses a metaphor to emphasize the relationship that he desires with his disciples.

Jesus describes himself as the vine and his disciples as branches. Clearly, the vine is the key component. Yet branches play important roles in the fruit-bearing process.

While each branch has an individual relationship with the vine, not all branches survive. Branches that bear no fruit or are loosely connected are pruned by the gardener.

However, well-established branches which abide deeply in the vine bear fruit to the glory of God, the father.

As we ponder John 15, isn't Jesus saying that a vibrant relationship with him is vital, essential?

What about subtle bypass?

Do believers bypass Jesus daily as they pray to the father? Granted, they pray in Jesus' name, but is their focus on Jesus?

Doesn't Scripture say that it pleased the father to have all fullness dwell in Jesus?

Weren't all things created by him and for him?

Hasn't the father put all things under Jesus' feet and didn't he appoint him to be the head of the church?

Didn't Jesus say, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me"?

Back to John 15, can a branch have a relationship with the gardener?

Silly question?

Let us behold Jesus, the vine, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into fruit-bearing branches.

Russell Stephen Pang attends Faith Baptist Church. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.