John 15:1-11

The Vine and the Branches

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

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. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Pondering Point

The Immersion devotions have waded into John 15:1-11 for two weeks now. The form of connection between Jesus as the Vine and the disciples as the branches would be changing. Visibly present Jesus was soon to become invisibly present Jesus. Hearing His teaching would give way to remembering His teaching. But the goal would be the same. Remain in Jesus. Bear fruit for Jesus. Be disciples of Jesus.

Prayer for the Day

Father God, Gardener of the souls of all mankind – my Gardener: as I think about those who are precious to me, close to me, connected to me – I pray that they become connected to Your Son Jesus the Vine and that they experience a cleansing of their souls through Him. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.