Staying Connected to the Vine
May 21, 2025 - Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
John 15:1–8
Think of your phone. No matter how new or advanced it is, it’s basically useless if it’s not plugged in or charged up. Apps won’t run. Messages won’t send. The screen just sits there—blank. That’s exactly what Jesus is talking about when He says: “I am the vine, you are the branches.” If we’re not connected to Him, we lose power, purpose, and direction.
In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were described as God’s vine. But time and again, they disconnected from God—and their lives stopped bearing the fruit God wanted: justice, mercy, love. Jesus comes and says, “I am the true vine.” He stayed connected to the Father through everything—even suffering—and through His faithfulness, He brought the fruit of salvation to the world.
Now Jesus turns to us: “You are the branches.” That’s a bold invitation. It means we’re not just spectators—we’re meant to be part of Him. Not just near Him, not just inspired by Him—but joined to Him. His life flows through us, and through that connection, we grow and bring fruit into the world.
What kind of fruit? Love, kindness, peace, patience, courage. The kind of things the world desperately needs. But here’s the catch: fruit only comes if we stay connected. That means sticking with Jesus in prayer, in Scripture, in the hard moments when it’s easier to quit. Just like branches need the vine to survive, we need Jesus for strength, direction, and identity.
Jesus also talks about pruning—and let’s be real, that part doesn’t sound fun. Pruning means cutting away the parts that aren’t healthy so better growth can happen. In our lives, pruning might look like letting go of bad habits, walking away from toxic relationships, or facing challenges that stretch us. It’s not easy. But it’s how we grow stronger, deeper, more fruitful.
And yes—Jesus is honest. There’s a real risk of being cut off if we turn away from Him. Judas did. Some of Jesus’ own followers walked away when things got tough. It’s possible to drift, to get distracted, to think we can do it on our own. But that kind of life doesn’t lead to fruit. It leads to frustration.
So how do we stay connected to the Vine?
Simple: stay close to Jesus. Read the Gospels. Talk to Him in prayer. Surround yourself with people who help you grow in faith. Listen to His words. Let them shape your choices. When we do that, we won’t just survive—we’ll thrive.
Jesus wants your life to be full of meaning, purpose, and impact. He doesn’t just want you to “believe” in Him. He wants you to live in Him. And when you do, your life becomes fruitful in a way that blesses others and glorifies God.
So plug in. Stay connected. Grow strong.
And let the world taste the fruit of Christ in you.