“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."
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus knows who he is. How do we know? Again and again he said, “I am . . .” Echoing God’s self-revelation to Moses and Israel, Jesus explained who he was in unforgettable terms. “I am the Bread of life . . . the Light of the world . . . the Resurrection and the Life . . . the Way, the Truth and the Life.” On the night before his crucifixion, after he washed his disciples’ feet and served them the last supper, he said, “I am the Vine and you are the branches.” When we know who Jesus is we can discover and remember who we are. He is the vine, offering life to and through the branches. Branches only produce fruit in connection with the vine.
When I unplug my computer cord, the light still stays on, but only for a little while. Then it fades. No wonder Jesus said, “If you remain in me and I in you.” Jesus invites his disciples to live in vital connection with himself. Connected to Christ, disciples bear much fruit. When we refuse to live in vital connection with Christ we lose the ability to bear fruit for the Kingdom. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing. Jesus knows who he is. Do we know who we are? We belong to Christ. Remain in him. This is the only way to bear fruit that lasts.
Pray with me:
Father, thank you for giving us the gift of life. Keep us closely connected to you today. Make us fruitful for your Kingdom, by your grace and for your glory alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I want to invite you to join me in memorizing 52 passages this year from the 2017 set of Fighter Verses. You can find the Fighter Verses App at the App Store on your phones or via this link http://fighterverses.com/the-verses/fighter-verses/. As we study the Bible this year, let's look at each text and learn what it says about God.
Joyfully,
Duane
Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved.
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