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.
How do you hear this verse? We each bring our own perspective to what we read and what we hear and see. To me, it sounds like Jesus is saying, “Hey, don’t wander off!” He also alludes to a kind of duality in our relationship with him. He chooses to remain in us, while we can choose to remain or wander off. Why else would he tell his disciples this?
Then he explains why we must remain. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself. A Christian cannot bear fruit unless they remain in Jesus.
So what does this mean, to “remain” in Jesus?
Where is your head at right now? Are you in Jesus or somewhere else? Are you thinking about the day? Are you planning to do something interesting? Are you bored, tired, afraid or hungry?
There are little tell-tale signs that tell us where we are. In the Old Testament, we see stories of people like Joseph who always remembered that everything came from God. Job was accosted by every evil that can befall man and yet he remembered his God, his Redeemer. David, throughout his lifetime, turned to God for guidance on important decisions.
I think remaining in Jesus is something like that. I think it means that we remember to confess our sin to God, to ask God for his blessing and protection, and to turn to him when we are in need.
Let’s Discuss: Can you share an example of how you remain in Jesus?
One way is through meditating upon His word and seeking to obey it. Another is connecting by talking with Jesus and listening to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Fellowship with other believers, serving Jesus and worship are some more ways to remain in Jesus.
Ah : -) I love the descriptions of remaining, abiding, or walking with God. It brings me joy just thinking about it – I usually think about it in the context of the consistent faith of someone I know. I think about my Grandfather – with all of his very obvious flaws (he was reeeeally outgoing, type A so flaws are often visible – like Peter the Apostle). Not despite, but through his flaws he lived a life following Jesus.
One of the ways I try to remain/abide in Jesus is surrendering my worry to him and trusting him instead (worry has been the most consistent sin struggle in my life – an area I am still working on). I will often meditate on Jesus, using breathing relaxation, prayer, and making up verses of “In Christ Alone” to help me surrender my worry to Him.
The world pulls us in a hundred different directions. Our senses are assaulted on on every side. It’s no accident. I remember Peter in the storm-tossed boat. I look into the eyes of Jesus. I focus on those loving eyes and don’t drop my gaze for an instant.
Hi Dennis!!
Thank you for your comment! What a great point. Keeping our eyes on Jesus is the only way. Thank you for coming by and sharing your thoughts.