Remain in Me

John 15:5

My father’s cousin, Aunt Pearl, owned a cottage on Seneca Lake in New York State. This lake is one of several known as the Finger Lakes and is home to many vineyards. On several occasions, I strolled along the rows of grapevines and reflected on the words of Jesus found in John 15.

Photo by Juraj Filipeje on Unsplash

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me, you can do nothing.

- John 15:5

Jesus spoke these words the night before His death. He and the disciples had just left the upper room and were walking toward the Garden of Gethsemane. It is possible that Jesus pointed to a vine as He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” This is the final “I am” statement in the Gospel of John.

I am the vine

In the time leading up to His arrest, Jesus reminded the disciples that He is their source of strength, peace, and joy. Just as the vine provides life-giving sustenance to the branch, Jesus offers life to us. It is essential that we stay connected to the vine and not sever this vital relationship.

Remain in Me

I had to ask myself, “How do I remain in Jesus?” It’s more than simply performing ritual habits or completing daily tasks. The definition of the word means “to continue, rest, or abide in a place.” Do I regularly come to the Lord in prayer? Do I pause and meditate on His Word? Am I taking time each day to sit with Him and rest in His peace?

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

- Matthew 11:28-29

Produce Much Fruit

The vine provides essential nourishment and strength for the survival of the branch. The branches must remain connected to the vine to thrive and produce fruit. If a branch is cut off from the vine, it will not be able to bear fruit. Jesus told the disciples, “You can do nothing without Me.” The branch effectively bears fruit when it relies on the life of the vine to flow through it.

Head to Heart

Colossians 1:10 shares a heartfelt message about embracing these truths in our hearts.

Then, the way you live will always honor, and please the Lord and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

- Colossians 1:10

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Dear Heavenly Father,

I know that Jesus is the vine, and He walks in intimate fellowship with His Father. As one of the branches, I want to cultivate a close relationship with Jesus, the vine.

I want to grow and deepen my understanding of God. When I remain in the vine, I will bear good fruit, and my life will please the Lord and bring honor to His name.

Lord Jesus, my heart longs to dwell in You, for without You, I can accomplish nothing.

I pray all these things in the matchless name of Jesus. Amen.

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