The many names of Jesus!

John 15:1-8

“I am the true Vine. My Father is the One Who cares for the Vine. He takes away any branch in Me that does not give fruit. Any branch that gives fruit, He cuts it back so it will give more fruit. You are made clean by the words I have spoken to you. Get your life from Me and I will live in you. No branch can give fruit by itself. It has to get life from the vine. You are able to give fruit only when you have life from Me. I am the Vine and you are the branches. Get your life from Me. Then I will live in you and you will give much fruit. You can do nothing without Me. “If anyone does not get his life from Me, he is cut off like a branch and dries up. Such branches are gathered and thrown into the fire and they are burned. If you get your life from Me and My Words live in you, ask whatever you want. It will be done for you. “When you give much fruit, My Father is honored. This shows you are My followers.

Food for thought!

Did you know that Jesus called himself seven names? Did you know that these names describe who Jesus is and what he represents? Did you know that these seven names correspond to the seven miracles Jesus performed? Lets begin with the names. Jesus called himself the following:

1. I am the bread of life. John 6:35, 41, 48-51

2. I am the light of the world. John 8:12, 9:5

3. I am the door of the sheep. John 10:7, 9

4. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. John 10:11, 14

5. I am the resurrection, and the life. John 11:25

6. I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6

7. I am the true vine. John 15:1, 5

Surprisingly, Jesus performed seven miracles, each one corresponding to each of the seven «I am» sayings:

1. The multiplication of bread confirms that Jesus is the bread of life. John 6:1-13

2. Enabling a blind man to see the light confirms that Jesus is the light of the world. John 9:1-11

3. The healing of a paralyzed man by Jerusalem's Sheep Gate confirms that Jesus is the door of the sheepfold. John 5:2-9

4. Entering a room when the doors are shut (switching roles with a thief), confirms that Jesus is the door and the good shepherd who gave his life for the sheep.

5. The raising of Lazarus confirms that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. John 11:1-45

6. The healing of the nobleman's son confirms that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. (While the nobleman was on his way, his servants confirmed the truth of Jesus words, "Your son will live. (John 4:46-54).

7. The water turning to wine confirms that Jesus is the True Vine. John 2:1-11

Why seven I am and seven miracles of Jesus? Because seven is a holy number in biblical terms. The number seven symbolizes God's perfection, His sovereignty and holiness. Some examples of seven in the Bible: God created in seven days; Jesus multiplied seven loaves and fishes; seven devils exorcised from Mary Magdalene; forgive seventy times seven, seven sacraments, etc.

All this said, today Jesus has said his last name, his last «I am». It means that Jesus is now ready to go; he has reached the end; all is perfect; he is about to say: «It is complete». He has reached number seven. He is about to give us his soul. But before he goes, he gives us a secret, his secret. Jesus Secret.

Jesus has already given us the Holy Spirit, then yesterday gave us his Peace, and today he gives us his Secret: «If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.» The secret of success is that simple: Stay in touch. if you want to be someone or to do something worthwhile in life. Without me you can do nothing, he says.

Did you notice that no less than 7 times in today's gospel, Jesus uses the word «me» referring to himself? Well, because he is talking about a situation that is an absolute necessity for life and fruit bearing. Jesus is saying that the perfect way of becoming perfect in life is by abiding with him; it is by him being with us, and we being with him.

How can we stay in touch with Jesus? How can we not forget him? By having with us things that can remind us of him, like listening to Christian music or songs (Yes, buy some Gospel songs), like carrying with us a crucifix or image (by the way, we put a rosary or crucifix in the car or on our chest not so much to tell others that we are Christians, as to constantly tell ourselves that we are Christians; to remind ourselves of Christ). In other words, use anything you can to stay in touch with Jesus. «And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.» (Col. 3:17). This is the only recipe I know for excellence in life.