Day 1144: Where do we live? - John 15 vs 1 - 8

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2-3 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. 4 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

5-6 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

7-8 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:1-8 English Standard Version

What a lovely Chapter to start off the year 2026. Isaiah the prophet used a similar picture to describe God's people of old. He wrote:“Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; and he looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes.” (Isaiah 5:1-2) If left to ourselves, like Israel of old, we would only bring forth wild grapes, if grapes at all!

So Jesus encouraged His disciples for the mighty task that lay ahead of them. He describes Himself as the true vine, and His Father the vinedresser. And like a most careful gardener, the Father takes away unfruitful branches and prunes the fruitful ones. So what was the key to being fruitful? (vs 4)

They were to keep themselves in Christ in the same way a branch needed to remain in a vine. The word 'abide' is similar to what Jesus used when he spoke of the many 'mansions' He was preparing for them. The word for mansions can be translated as 'an abode'. They were to live in Christ day by day. As an old hymn says: “My faith has found it's resting place, not in device or creed, I trust the ever living one, His wounds for me shall plead.”

This was a vital truth that Jesus taught, not just to His disciples, but to anyone who would be His follower. Apart from a living relationship with Christ we can never bring forth the fruit His Father seeks. The journey starts when a man or woman is cleansed by Christ's word of forgiveness. And it continues with a daily relationship with Him. If a man or woman does not remain faithful to Christ, they are cast aside as dead branches would be.

But it's not a one sided story. What is it that will show that Christ also abides in us? (vs 7-8)

The words that Jesus spoke will be precious to such a soul. They will seek to obey all He taught. And they will be people of prayer. Jesus assured His disciples that if His words remained in them, they could ask whatever they wished, and it would be done for them. This wasn't a free pass to ask for fame or fortune. Rather, so close would their relationship be with the Son that they would always pray in accordance with His will. And by this, they would show themselves to be true Christians, and the Father would be glorified.

Jesus' words are so relevant for today when many who profess His name may live lives that are so contrary to His will. Whole denominations have chosen not to abide in Christ, or to allow His word to abide in them. They are branches that have withered. May God help us in the year that lies ahead to be joined to the vine. May we truly abide in Christ. May His person and His words be our chief delight. May we pray for things that the Father will delight to answer, and may our lives bring forth fruit the Father will rejoice in.