“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
This month we’re talking about connecting with Jesus. When I think of people I know who are close to Jesus, Jeannie Cunnion comes right to mind. When you hear her talk about Jesus it’s almost confusing. It’s like she’s talking about someone who's right there, someone she just spent the most precious time with, someone who gave her the best advice, the most intimate friend, someone dear and close and kind. It makes you want to know Jesus that same way. And here’s the thing: you can! We’re talking about it on the podcast this month (listen here) AND you can read for yourself in her new devotional book, Closer to God. Here’s an excerpt where she talks about our memory verse!
Jesus is so relational. Throughout the Gospels, we find Him enjoying meals with people (many of whom others shunned), walking and talking with them, pursuing them and welcoming them in. Never do we see Jesus saying, even to the those who were considered the greatest of sinners and the lowliest of outcasts, “Don’t get too close. Keep just enough distance between you and me. I’ll tell you what to do, but I don’t want to be in relationship with you.” No, that’s not Jesus. He made himself accessible. His earthly ministry is woven with extensive evidence of His desire to be in intimate relationship. We see this in how He interacts with people while He is among them, but we also see this in the sending of His Spirit to live in us when He is no longer physically present.
When we read John chapter 15, we quickly find several statements demonstrating His invitation to intimacy as He teaches on how He is the True Vine, His Father is the Gardener, and we are the branches. I’d encourage you to read this passage slowly, and out loud. There are ten sermons packed into this one passage, but our goal today is to pay attention to the invitation to union and with-ness throughout.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 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. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit— fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:1–17 niv
Notice the statements made by Jesus:
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you.”
“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in
my love.”
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy
may be complete.”
“Love each other as I have loved you.”
“I have called you friends.”
“I chose you.”
(Content taken from Closer to God by Jeannie Cunnion ©2024. Used by permission of Bethany House.)
Which of these statements stands out to you? How can you be more intentional about drawing closer to Jesus? That’s the goal, isn’t it? To be connected to Jesus more and more. If you haven’t yet, go and listen to Jeannie on the Dwell Differently Podcast for more insights and encouragement from her.
