Devotionals for December 18, 2023
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READ
John 15:1-2, 8-11
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.
11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.
11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
REFLECT
Jesus’ imagery here is straightforward. While many of his parables and allegories left his hearers confused, this is not one of them. There are two themes playing out in this text which are insightful. First, Jesus’ considers himself as the life source of the believers’ obedience and fruitfulness. The fruit that is produced from an apple tree is the consequence, not of the branch’s effort in producing it, but its connection to the tree. In the same way, Jesus assures us that if we abide in him, if we stay connected to him as branches on a vine, we will produce fruit.
But more than that, Jesus is saying that to be fully alive, to be a fruitful human being is to be connected to him. Branches cut off from their trees die, and the proof of this death is their inability to produce fruit. Obedience is the result of our connection to Christ. It is the overflow of fruit stemming from the Great Vine who sustains and nourishes his people. Wherever you are producing fruit, know that the Lord himself is energizing that activity. Wherever you are not producing fruit, know that the kindness of God is that he will prune you to make you fruitful. He will not leave you behind. He has and will provide everything you need to experience the fullness of life.
But more than that, Jesus is saying that to be fully alive, to be a fruitful human being is to be connected to him. Branches cut off from their trees die, and the proof of this death is their inability to produce fruit. Obedience is the result of our connection to Christ. It is the overflow of fruit stemming from the Great Vine who sustains and nourishes his people. Wherever you are producing fruit, know that the Lord himself is energizing that activity. Wherever you are not producing fruit, know that the kindness of God is that he will prune you to make you fruitful. He will not leave you behind. He has and will provide everything you need to experience the fullness of life.
APPLY
Q: What images would come to the disciples’ minds upon hearing these words?
Q: Where in your life do you need to abide in Christ more closely?
Q: How does the idea of connection to Christ being the source of obedience change your view of righteous living?
Q: Where in your life do you need to abide in Christ more closely?
Q: How does the idea of connection to Christ being the source of obedience change your view of righteous living?
SING
PRAY
"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy."
Lord, help us to abide in your love that we may produce fruit. Amen.
Lord, help us to abide in your love that we may produce fruit. Amen.