John 15:1-8 (NRSV)
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Chapter 15"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. Verse 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. Verse 3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Verse 4Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. Verse 5I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Verse 6Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. Verse 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Verse 8My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Devotion
When Jesus says, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower," it becomes clear that they are in a united relationship. God has become united in the One who is both divine and human for John. What becomes even more astonishing is that the branches, we who have been reconciled to God in him, are also now part of that unity.
Most of us are much more comfortable with God being totally "up there," with Jesus being half up there, and us being totally down here. Yet John makes the astounding claim that in Christ, God and humanity are united. In Jesus' prayer he speaks openly of the unity He has with God and with His disciples. He says that His oneness with God makes our unity with God a reality. John says that when we can see and trust this union of God, Jesus and Jesus' followers, than we have been given totally new sight for living.
Prayer
Christ Jesus, come in your Spirit and help us see the world as you see it. May our new sight give us the ability to love ourselves and all of your creation. Amen.