I (David) have loved Jesus’ image of vine and branches. I have loved his teaching about abiding in him, and remember his invitation to “come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest.” I have, at the same time, asked “how do I abide?” It seemed to be an abstract image and Jesus didn’t give us the instructions how to exactly do it — or so I thought.
This image of abiding in Jesus is an invitation to rest in him, to stop striving to accomplish lots of ‘stuff’ for him, and let him do his work in us, as we rest, as we spend time with him, as we daily release our anxieties, desires and ambitions to him.
Communion is a great moment to — once again — release our striving and rest in the memory of his life and death, for us.
sermon: Practice Abiding (John 15:1-8) with Rev. David Donaldson
Follow-up Questions
- What issue, cause, ministry, or personal concern most occupies your thoughts and energy right now? How can you discern whether it is flowing from your relationship with Jesus or quietly becoming more central than Jesus himself?
- Looking at the image of the vine and branches, what habits or practices help you “abide” in Christ consistently? Which of those practices are strong in your life, and which ones need renewed attention?
- Can you identify an area where God may be “pruning” you right now? How might this difficult circumstance, challenge, or loss be an invitation to deeper dependence on Christ and greater spiritual fruitfulness?
The Question Beneath the Question
4-minute read
Last weekend, I (Pastor David Donaldson) joined a small group of men on a canoe camping trip. We spent our days paddling, exploring the wilderness, and gathering around a campfire at night. The conversations were honest and thoughtful. We talked about life, faith, and some challenging issues facing Christians today.
One evening, we discussed a topic involving justice and advocacy. No one was arguing. The conversation was respectful and sincere. People brought different perspectives, and together we explored what Scripture might say.
But later that night, I woke up thinking about the discussion. The more I reflected, the more I sensed that we might have been starting in the wrong place. The issue itself was important. But perhaps there was a deeper question underneath it all:
Before we ask what position to take, are we becoming more like Jesus?
That question has been returning to me again and again over the last few months.
Staying Connected to the Vine
Jesus spoke about this in one of His most personal conversations with His disciples:
“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 (NIV)
It’s a simple picture.
A branch cannot survive by itself. It gets everything it needs from the vine. In the same way, our spiritual life does not come from trying harder or working harder. It comes from staying connected to Jesus.
Sometimes we think of Jesus mainly as a teacher or an example. He is both. But Jesus describes something even deeper. He is the source of our life.
Without a vine, a branch withers. Without Jesus, we cannot become the people God created us to be.
What Does God Do?
Jesus also says that God the Father is the gardener. Gardeners prune healthy plants. They cut away things that prevent growth so the plant can become even more fruitful.
No one enjoys pruning.
Challenges, disappointments, and difficult seasons are rarely pleasant. Yet God often uses those moments to shape our character. He removes habits that distract us, attitudes that damage relationships, and false securities that keep us from trusting Him.
Pruning is not a sign that God has abandoned us. It is often a sign that He is still at work.
What Is Our Job?
If God’s job is pruning, our job is abiding. Jesus uses the words remain or abide repeatedly throughout John 15. The message is clear: stay connected.
How do we do that? Not through something complicated or mysterious. We read Scripture. We pray. We spend time reflecting on the life of Jesus. We invite the Holy Spirit to shape our thinking and actions. We consistently return to Him day after day.
The Christian life is not sustained by occasional spiritual highs. It grows through regular connection with Jesus.
What Does Fruit Look Like?
When Jesus talks about bearing fruit, it’s easy to think about activity, achievements or accomplishments. But the fruit God cares about most begins on the inside.
Paul describes it this way:
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Notice that these are character qualities. They shape how we treat people and respond to situations.
As we stay close to Jesus, love grows where bitterness once lived. Forgiveness replaces resentment. Hope pushes out fear. Fruit is not produced by striving. Fruit is produced by abiding.
The Starting Point
The campfire conversation wasn’t wasted. Important issues deserve thoughtful discussion. But I came away convinced that the most important question is not, “Whose position is correct?” The deeper question is:
Am I becoming more like Jesus?
Because when we remain connected to Him, everything else begins to flow from the right place. Before we change the world, defend a cause, or win an argument, we are called to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and then live as Jesus lived.
That is both the starting point and the destination of the Christian life.