John 15:1-11
15: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Reflection
The image of a vine and branches highlights how our salvation, from beginning to end, is all the work of God’s grace. Jesus is the true Vine (Ps. 80:8–16), and by the Spirit’s presence in our lives we have become united to him as branches in the Vine (Rom. 11:24). We are, as the New Testament puts it time and again, “in Christ” (Eph. 1:3–14).
Our calling is to simply abide in him (John 15:4–10)—to dwell near to him, entrust ourselves to his care, rely on his provision and salvation, and allow his words to sink into our minds and hearts (v. 7). Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing and will bear no fruit. Those with genuine faith will continue to abide in Christ, bear fruit, glorify God, and prove themselves to be Christ’s disciples (v. 8). True Christians will persevere because God will ensure it. We strive ahead, yet even that striving is a gift of grace (1 Cor. 15:10; Phil. 2:12–13; Col. 1:29).
James 1:1-11
1: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
0 Greetings.
Reflection
After the resurrection, Jesus graciously appeared to James, his half brother who once mocked him (Mark 3:21). James now believes in Jesus and calls himself a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ (James 1:1). That a family member of Jesus who once refused to believe in him would now be chosen as an inspired writer of Scripture is itself a demonstration of the grace of God.
James begins his teaching by recognizing that life brings constant tests and trials, even for Christians. God designs those tests to bring us to maturity (vv. 2–4). Yet he doesn’t leave us to strive alone but promises wisdom, which he gives “generously” and “without reproach” (v. 5). Because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, our reproach has been removed forever. God is eager to help us and has no intention of shaming his children. Therefore we should make our requests with confidence in his goodness (vv. 5–8).
Psalm 62:7
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Jesus says that if we abide in him we will bear fruit (John 15:5). What are you doing to abide in Christ this week? Do a self-assessment and ask God to help you make adjustments so that you can prioritize setting your heart and mind on Christ and his gospel.