I Am The Vine

To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer.

Open your time by reciting these words:

Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lectio (Reading)

Take a moment to read John 15:1-17 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.

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. John 15:5

Meditatio (Meditation)

Imagine a vineyard stretching out before you, rows upon rows of vines, each branch intertwined with the next. In John 15:1-17, Jesus paints this picture to illustrate our relationship with Him. He is the vine, the sturdy foundation from which all life flows. We are the branches, intricately connected to Him, drawing nourishment and strength from His presence. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can we bear fruit unless we abide in Jesus. 

This abiding isn’t a passive state but an active choice, a daily commitment to remain rooted in Him through prayer, scripture, and fellowship. It’s about surrendering our own agendas and desires, allowing His life to flow through us. But what does it mean to bear fruit? In the context of our lives, it’s about living in a way that reflects the character of Christ: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is the fruit of the Spirit, the expression of our connection to the true vine.

Take a moment to consider what you just read. Jesus speaks of Himself as the true vine and us as the branches. What does it mean to be connected to Him in this way? Consider the intimacy of this relationship – the life-giving connection between the vine and the branches. Reflect on the areas of your life where you feel disconnected or distant from God. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him? 

Contemplatio (Contemplation)

Yet, Jesus warns us that apart from Him, we can do nothing. How often do we try to go it alone, relying on our own strengths and abilities? How often do we chase after success, validation, and fulfillment in the things of this world, only to come up empty-handed? It’s a sobering reminder that our efforts are in vain unless they are rooted in Him. 

Pruning can leave a plant looking bare and robbed of its beauty, but it helps the plant become stronger. New branches grow back, producing even more fruit or flowers. As branches, we are pruned by the gardener, a process that can be painful and uncomfortable. But it’s through this pruning that we are refined and made more fruitful. It’s about letting go of anything that hinders our growth, whether it be sin, selfishness, or distractions, allowing God to shape us into vessels fit for His purposes.

Take a moment to consider what it means to "remain" in Jesus. Just as a branch draws its sustenance from the vine, we draw our strength and vitality from our connection to Christ. Reflect on the areas of your life where you need to surrender control and allow Jesus to be the source of your strength and sustenance.

Actio (Action)

Jesus emphasizes the importance of love, urging us to abide in His love just as He abides in the Father’s love. This love isn’t mere sentimentality but a radical, sacrificial love that lays down its life for others. It’s a love that seeks the good of others, that forgives, that bears one another’s burdens. And yet, Jesus reminds us that we are not merely servants but friends, chosen by Him and appointed to go and bear fruit that will last. What an incredible privilege that comes with a humbling responsibility. Staying connected produces perseverance and persistence. God honors our efforts when we rely on His strength.

Take a moment to reflect on how you can embody the love and teachings of Jesus in your everyday interactions. Consider ways you can extend kindness, patience, and understanding to those around you. 

Oratio (Prayer)

Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:

Heavenly Father, as we come before you today, we thank you for the profound truth of abiding in Christ as branches in the true vine. Help us to surrender our own agendas and desires, to abide in your love, and to bear fruit that reflects your character. May we embrace the pruning process, allowing you to refine us and make us more fruitful vessels for your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.