Remain in the True Vine - Ben Friessen
Today, we reflected on Jesus’ words in John 15, where He calls Himself the true vine and urges us to remain in Him. This powerful analogy reveals the heart of our relationship with Christ: just as branches depend entirely on the vine for life and fruitfulness, so we are utterly dependent on Jesus for spiritual vitality and growth. The Father, as the gardener, lovingly tends to each branch—removing those that bear no fruit and pruning those that do, so they might become even more fruitful. This process is not always comfortable, but it is always purposeful, designed to draw us closer to Christ and to shape us into His likeness.
The distinction between true and false disciples is sobering. Outward appearances can be deceiving; Judas Iscariot looked like the other disciples, yet his heart was not truly united to Christ. Jesus warns that only those who remain in Him—who are truly connected to the vine—will bear fruit that glorifies God. This fruit is not merely external acts, but the deep, inner transformation described as the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are the evidence of a life rooted in Christ.
Remaining in Christ is not a passive state but an active, ongoing relationship. It means daily drawing life from Him, allowing His words to shape our hearts, and depending on His Spirit to produce fruit in us. When we do, we experience the blessing of answered prayer, as our desires become aligned with God’s will. Our lives, then, become a testimony to God’s glory, showing the world what it means to be a true disciple.
Yet, there is a warning for those who only appear to be connected to Christ. Without genuine faith and repentance, there is no true union with the vine, and ultimately, no fruit. Jesus’ words challenge us to examine our hearts: Is there real evidence of His life in us? Do we long for communion with Him, love others, and desire to see His kingdom come? If not, the call is to repent and embrace Christ as our only hope.
But for all who come to Him, there is abundant grace. No matter how dark our past, we can be united to the true vine by faith, receiving forgiveness and new life. In Christ, we find hope, purpose, and the privilege of bearing fruit that brings glory to God.