Week 44 Day 1

September 26, 2022

Jesus Says, "I Am the Vine"

Scripture: John 15:1-17(NIV)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 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. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

Devotional

A disciple believes and follows Jesus. We see this latter part, a call to obedience again here: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Remaining in Jesus’ love is all about staying close, just as two best friends stay close to one another out of their commitment and friendship. When we do that, Jesus sees us as friends who follow closely and intimately.

Being a disciple is not about believing that there is a God. Even the demons do that (James 2:19). Nor is it about being a casual follower, sometimes obeying, sometimes not. Jesus had harsh things to say about that kind of lukewarm faith (Revelation 3:16). Rather, it is about seeking to live, love and look like Jesus.

And the only way to do that is by remaining in Him. This word “remain” can also be translated abide, dwell, continue, or endure. Go back and read this passage again, substituting one of these alternate meanings for the word remain. Take a moment and do that now.

What did you learn?

Staying connected to Jesus is crucial for our future growth and productivity. Expect Him to prune away some of the deadwood in your life so that you can be more fruitful. In this passage, Jesus uses the metaphor of a branch, which is completely dependent upon the main vine for life, but has no choice about which plant to be connected with. He also uses the metaphor of a friend, who can come close or walk away at any time, but does so at the enhancement or detriment of the relationship.

What does it mean to you that Jesus said you are His branch?

What does it mean to you that Jesus said you are His friend?

Poem

Connected

There are some things I count on in life
When I plug a lamp cord into a socket
I expect it to be
Connected
To the electrical grid
And thus bring power to the light bulb
So I can read my book

There are some things I count on in life
When I turn on the faucet for my morning shower
I expect it to be
Connected
To the plumbing pipes
And thus deliver fresh clean water to my tub
So I can wash my body

There are some things I count on in life
When I flush the toilet in the restroom
I expect it to be
Connected
To the sewage system
And thus transport the human waste away
So I can live in a fresh home

There are some things I count on in life
When I click the icon on my computer
I expect it to be
Connected
To the internet
And thus open up my information grid
So I can do my work and communicate

There are some things I count on in life
When I scroll through the channels on my TV
I expect it to be
Connected
To the satellite dish
And thus receive movies and shows
So I can be entertained and relax

There are some things I count on in life
When I sit around the table with my family and friends
I expect to be
Connected
To their hearts and minds
And thus delight in our conversation
So I can be a part of their lives and share mine

There are some things I count on in life
When I live this life of faith in Jesus Christ
I expect to be
Connected
To the Vine
And thus be enlivened and strengthened
So I can glorify God and enjoy
God forever