Week 4: Hope is Alive
Have you ever had your phone die when you needed it most? It’s crazy how something so useful can become completely useless when it’s not connected to power. We’re not much different. We were created to stay connected to something, too. Without the right power source, we feel drained, depressed, and directionless. Jesus tells us exactly where to stay if we want to thrive. Let’s read what He says about remaining connected to Him.
Read John 15:1-11 (ESV)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 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. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 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 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. 6 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 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Reflection:
What does it look like for you to “abide” in Jesus, and how does that affect your daily life?
What does it mean for your joy to be full by abiding in Christ?
Additional Resources
Right Now Media - “I am the True Vine”