There’s an empty seat at the table. Jesus loved him, but Judas walked into the night alone. So his life will wither away, and he will face God’s judgment. But a stone’s throw away in the temple, there’s another empty seat. God instructed his people to place the Ark of the Covenant in the holiest room. Then he would sit on ‘the mercy seat’ at the top of the ark and be with his people. But they lost the ark and the room has been empty for centuries. Despite that empty room, God had told his people that they were like his beloved vineyard. So, they hung a large golden vine on the front of the temple. It told everyone who walked by, “God is with us.” But Jesus says, “I am the true vine.” God isn’t sitting in the temple anymore. “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Not less. Nothing. So without Jesus, the temple is useless. Plastic grapes on wire branches look pretty, but no one can eat them. Back at the table, having just washed their feet, Jesus is sitting with his disciples. The Greek words for ‘clean’ (their feet) and ‘prune’ (living branches) sound alike. So, Jesus is assuring them that he has cleansed their souls and affirming that their loyalty to him is genuine. He cuts what’s dead and grows what’s alive. Then Jesus uses the word “command.” He says, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” This sounds like an obligation until we see how it works. The Father loves the Son. The Son loves the disciples. The disciples love God and others. Remaining in his love and loving others aren’t separate, but united. Those united in love, love. Not even Jesus lives as though obedience and love are separate. His obedience to the Father is full of joy because it is full of love. To bear fruit isn’t to accomplish religious duties. It’s loving the people sitting next to you, so the seats don’t stay empty.