You Are the Branches

Read

John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Think

Try to picture a branch that has fallen off a tree, lying on the ground. How long will it keep making leaves? It will not. A branch on the ground is done. It might look fine for a day or two, but soon it dries up, because it got cut off from where its life came from.

Yesterday Jesus told us he is the vine. Today he finishes the picture. “I am the vine,” he says, “and you are the branches.” That means you. A branch is not the source of life, but it is where the fruit actually grows. The vine gives the life, and the branch shows it off to the world.

But look at the most important little word in this verse. Remain. Jesus says if you remain in him, you will grow lots of fruit. To remain just means to stay connected. Do not fall off. Stay attached to the vine, and the life keeps flowing.

Then Jesus says something we really need to hear. Apart from me, he says, you can do nothing. That sounds strong, but think about the fallen branch. On its own, cut off from the vine, it truly cannot grow a single grape. Not because it is bad, but because that is not where the life comes from.

Here is the bridge to your life. You were never meant to do life all by yourself, powered only by you. You were made to stay connected to Jesus and let his life flow through you. That is when the good stuff grows: kindness, joy, patience, love.

So do not try to be a branch lying on the ground, working hard all alone. Be a branch that stays on the vine. Stay close to Jesus every day, and watch what grows.

And here is the relief in all of it. You do not have to make the fruit happen by yourself. Your job is not to grow grapes. Your job is just to stay connected. The vine takes care of the rest. That takes a lot of pressure off, doesn’t it?

Apply

Stay connected – Sometime today, do one small thing that keeps you connected to Jesus: say a quick prayer, hum a worship song, or thank him for something. Little moments keep you attached to the vine.

Pray

Jesus, thank you for making me a branch on your vine. I do not want to try to do life on my own. Help me stay connected to you today so your life can grow good things in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.