Abide in Christ
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. -John 15:4-5
If you've ever been around anyone who is close to death, you know that someone's last words are very important. Jesus knew that His death was imminent and His time with the disciples was drawing to an end. His words to the disciples during this time are extremely important. These are the teachings He chose to pass along in the few days of His life. John 15 records the words Jesus spoke to His disciplines in the Upper Room the night before His death. Judas had already revealed himself to be a traitor, and the events of Jesus arrest had been set in motion.
Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches." The strength and the health of the branches are completely dependent upon a vine. Thus we draw all of our strength from Christ. Further, if a branch doesn't bear fruit, it's not because the Vine is bad; it's because the branch is not functioning the way it's designed. If we cut the branch off the Vine, the branch will no longer have any strength for producing fruit. Its source of strength is completely gone.
We quote Philippians 4:13 often, "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength." (NLT).
Rarely, however, do we quote John 15:5, "Without Me you can do nothing."
Prayer : Gracious Lord, thank You for the strength that comes from abiding in You, the one true Vine. Teach me to rest daily in Your sustenance and support. Amen.
If you've ever been around anyone who is close to death, you know that someone's last words are very important. Jesus knew that His death was imminent and His time with the disciples was drawing to an end. His words to the disciples during this time are extremely important. These are the teachings He chose to pass along in the few days of His life. John 15 records the words Jesus spoke to His disciplines in the Upper Room the night before His death. Judas had already revealed himself to be a traitor, and the events of Jesus arrest had been set in motion.
Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches." The strength and the health of the branches are completely dependent upon a vine. Thus we draw all of our strength from Christ. Further, if a branch doesn't bear fruit, it's not because the Vine is bad; it's because the branch is not functioning the way it's designed. If we cut the branch off the Vine, the branch will no longer have any strength for producing fruit. Its source of strength is completely gone.
We quote Philippians 4:13 often, "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength." (NLT).
Rarely, however, do we quote John 15:5, "Without Me you can do nothing."
Prayer : Gracious Lord, thank You for the strength that comes from abiding in You, the one true Vine. Teach me to rest daily in Your sustenance and support. Amen.
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