John 15

Read John 15.

"Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me." (15:4)

In a continuation of His speech as recorded in John 13 and 14, Jesus now provides an example of the interplay between obedience and love. A vine's purpose is to transport nutrients absorbed in the roots all the way to the fruit. In his example, Jesus is the vine, his disciples are the buds which bear fruit by obedience, and love is the valuable nutrient that keeps the plant alive.

"My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples. As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love." (15:8-9)

It is quite easy to look at the "fruit" we are producing as Christ's disciples and feel dismayed. Shouldn't we be producing more? Our response to this feeling is often to try harder and to take things into our own hands. In this Lent season, let our response instead be to set our hearts on Christ. Of course we should DO things - and that is what this whole section is talking about - obeying and producing fruit. But obedience devoid of relationship with Christ will NOT produce fruit. 

Stay on the vine. Spend time with Christ. Obey first and always the oft-repeated command in Jesus' discourse, "Love one another". Be encouraged.

"I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." (15:11).

Starter Prayer:

Jesus,

I confess that I so often try to take control of producing fruit.

I love to obey your commands, serve others, and do, do, do.

But, Lord, when I get caught up in the deeds I lose sight of you.

Stifle my heart today.

Remind me in this time that without you I am a lowly sinner.

But supported by you, Lord, you can do great things - and already have!

Remind me in this time that you provide true nourishment for my soul - peace and joy.

And I will pass it on.