re: weekly bible reflection - John 15

Good morning.  Today’s reading is John chapter 15.

 

This chapter is part of John 13-17 that forms one unified section, often called the “Farewell Discourse.”  In this section, our Lord prepares his disciples for what is about to happen – his suffering and death.  To prepare them by commanding them to love one another, promises the Holy Spirit, and prays for them.

 

In chapter 15 our Lord communicates the relationship that exists between himself and his disciples (and by extension, all disciples that would come after them) and the special relationship he has with them. Four things are stated: [1] Jesus is the vine and we are the branches (vv. 1-8), [2] Jesus commands that his disciples love one another (vv. 9-17), [3] Jesus warns that the world will hate them, just as it hated him (vv. 18-25), [4] Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, who will bear witness to him (vv. 26-27). I will focus on verses 1-8.

 

How can we describe the relationship a true Christian has to Jesus Christ?  Our Lord Jesus describes our relationship with him as branches on a tree to the vine.  Jesus is the vine and we are the branches.  What is a vine?  It is the main trunk and roots, which is the source of life giving nutrients.  What are branches?  They are the shoots that emerge from the vine and are responsible for displaying the fruits produced by the vine. 

 

Jesus is the vine, the source of life, while true believers are the branches that bear fruit.   The main purpose of the branches is to bear fruit by drawing on the vine’s strength. 

What are the practical implications of this in our relationship with Jesus Christ?  First and foremost, Jesus is the source of spiritual life.  If we are to bear fruits we must remain connected to him; we must stay close to him.  Practically, that means we must pray and bring our thoughts, our fears, our sins to him instead of hiding them or ignoring them or excusing them; it means reading his words and allowing it to shape our thinking, our values, and our priorities; it means talking/praying to Jesus throughout the day, not just in set times.  The acronym WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) is a good thing to ask yourself as you go through the day, as you face various issues and challenges and responsibilities. 

 

As branches we are entirely dependent on the vine for its nutrients and cannot survive or produce fruit independently.  A Christian that is disconnected to Jesus is as good as dead, just as a branch disconnected from the vine is as good as death. 

 

Remaining connected to Jesus practically means allowing his words (the Bible) to remain in you. It means studying the Bible until it shapes your thinking and instincts; it means letting his commands confront your sinful desires; it means allowing his promises to strengthen your doubts and it means using the Bible to fight temptations. 

 

And finally, to remain connected to Jesus practically means to obey Christ because of love.  Jesus said, “If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love…” (v. 10) Obedience is not the price of connection, instead it is the pathway of connection.  

 

If there is one message you should remember from John 15, let it be this central image: Jesus is the vine, the source of spiritual life, so remain connected to him and over a period of time, you will grow in your faith and bear much fruit for his glory.

 

That’s it. Have a great week!

 

Pastor James


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