John 15:1-8
I don’t claim to have a green thumb but I’m able to keep the hardest of plants alive. In my home, I have a peace lily among other plants I don’t know the names of. While I don’t know much about these plants I do know the basics of what they need to survive. I make sure they get sunlight and water and when they have dead leaves, I prune them.
In John 15:1-8, Jesus describes the relationship that exists between him and his disciples using the analogy of a vine and its branches. “I am the vine, you are the branches”. Jesus wants us to know that we are branches who cannot stand alone. Jesus himself is our gardener who continuously nourishes our spirit. If we remain faithful to Him, our life will prosper and bear much fruit.
Just as the branches must be connected to the vine before they can produce fruit, you and I must stay connected to Jesus to produce the good fruit that God expects of us. If we keep our life connected to Jesus, we will grow. Our life will produce beautiful leaves and delicious fruit. If we have dying foliage, trimming it back will encourage new growth.
The key to effective Christian living, and powerful, fruit-producing lives is not how much of the Bible you know, or how long you pray, or what church you go to. The key to being used greatly by God is abiding in Christ.
Questions for Reflection:
- What steps do you take in your daily life to stay connected to Jesus?
- Do you ever find that you need to trim back your unhealthy foliage?
Prayer
Gracious God, we give thanks to you for all of your good works. Help us to remain connected to Jesus and to bear fruit. Remind us that when we follow Jesus, we will continue to prosper. Amen
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