4/23/2024 0 Comments RemainJohn 15:1-8
The Vine and the Branches https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A1-8&version=CEB In the Common English Bible, Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you” (v.4). That seems so simple yet profound. I am reminded of a preacher who once said, “If you don’t feel close to Jesus, you have to ask yourself, ‘Who moved?’” It wasn’t Jesus. Jesus promised to always remain in us. If we don’t feel Jesus’ presence with us, perhaps we are the ones who did not remain in him. I can attest to some truth to this. There was a time in my life that I did not want to remain in the theology that had influenced my life immensely. I had a curiosity to explore what else was out there, and I did not do spiritual practices that made Jesus’ presence seem close. I didn’t pray, attend church, read scripture, or listen for God’s voice. After attempting to live my life on my own terms, it began to feel very lonely. The preacher may have been trying to describe this experience. During this time, Jesus still remained in me. It may have felt as if he wasn’t there because I wasn’t pursuing him, but Jesus still pursued me. That’s what Jesus does. He never pushes himself on us, but he stays. He remains in us. He continues to live and dwell within us. We just may not realize it because we aren’t actively seeking to remain in him. To remain in Jesus is to stay connected to him and to be in a close relationship with him. It means living in such a way that his life and teachings shape our thoughts, actions, and priorities. Just as branches draw nourishment from the vine to bear fruit, we draw spiritual nourishment from Jesus to live lives that are fruitful and meaningful. This is a central truth in understanding who Jesus is. He is so close to us like a vine and its branches. We are together with him as one entity whose purpose is to bear fruit. We must remain connected to the Vine to bear fruit. Apart from it, we can’t do it on our own. Remaining in Jesus is so important that the word “remain” is used eight times in this short passage. In the NRSV translation, the word “abide” is used instead of “remain,” but it is also used eight times. The Message translation says it a different way: “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you.” When we make our home in Jesus, Jesus moves in to stay. We live with him as one. Even when there are times in our lives when we move to a different place or are not intentional about spiritual practices, we can’t get away from Jesus. Once Jesus makes his home in our hearts, we can’t leave him, and he doesn’t leave us. He goes with us and remains with us until we return home. He is always waiting for us to tap in to our Vine for nourishment. And when we do, he will grow some amazing fruit in us. Reflection Questions: Do you feel closely connected to Jesus, or do you sense a need to deepen that connection? What are some practices that help you remain in Jesus? Are there any areas where you struggle to maintain that connection? How can remaining in Jesus help you love others more fully and authentically? Action: Take a moment to envision what a deeper relationship with Jesus might look like for you. What steps can you take to move toward that vision? Take one step this week.
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