The Abiding Vine

John 15:1-11

Remember the children’s song that says, “There are many things that I can do all by myself”? Well, our reading from the gospel of John today says something completely different, something more along the lines of “there is one very important thing that I cannot do unless I work with Jesus Christ,” which now that I think about it, doesn’t quite have the same ring to it. Here’s how Jesus puts it: “Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me” (John 15:4).

Try as we might we simply cannot produce the fruit of righteousness unless we allow Jesus to work in and through us. Those of us who grew up in the days before cordless phones remember that in order to make or receive calls the phone itself had to be connected to the line. Nor can we expect an electric appliance to work if it is not plugged into the socket. Trying to produce good fruit without being connected to the vine makes about as much sense. It is the vine—Jesus—who gives the branches—believers—what they need in order to bear fruit–serve God faithfully.

Another image that comes to mind is that of a factory assembly line. If the workers alone that line were to suddenly disregard the product being produced and pursue their own ideas the results might be interesting, but they would certainly be less than ideal. Only when each worker tends to the task at hand can the best product be created. Jesus has not called you and me to “do our own thing” in the work of the kingdom. We have been set aside for particular tasks that further the coming reign of God. When we embrace those tasks and go about them with energy and enthusiasm we will find ourselves as part of a greater whole and doing great things.

Prayer: Lord, may we serve you with obedient faithfulness and may we be about your work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.