Sunday – The Living Vine: John 15:1-3
The four key elements in this parable are the true Vine (Jesus), the branches (His disciples), the Vinedresser (the Father), and the Word of truth (Greek = logos). The importance of each element is clearly seen in their purpose in the vineyard: the Vine to supply life to the branches; the branches to bear fruit; the Vinedresser to remove unfruitful vines and maximize the fruit of producing vines, and the Word to cleanse and purify.
Monday – Abiding in Christ: John 15:4-8
What is the only way for a believer to lead a fruitful life? We must abide (remain, or endure) in the Vine. There is a danger that, even with the right motive, we will try to produce fruit by relying on programs and strategies, or by trusting in talent and material resources. We may think in terms of “doing something for God,” and have the best of intentions, but if we aren’t infused by the life flowing from the vine into the branches, and we aren’t being divinely directed in our work, we will never have fruitful lives. Our focus must be upon abiding in Christ. Our relationship with the Lord is not the primary thing, it’s the only thing! Under God’s direction, we can utilize talent and material resources, and we can plan out strategies and organize programs, but these must never be a substitute for “abiding in the Vine.”
Tuesday – Continue in Love: John 15:9-11
“Continuing in Christ’s love” is identical to “abiding in the Vine.” Jesus defined this activity simply: keep (hold fast) His commandments. He even exhorted His disciples that their obedience to His commandments should be identical to His own obedience to the Father’s commandments. Not only does this make us fruitful, and thereby bring honor to God, but it produces abundant joy in our lives. Do we want to be fruitful for God? Do we desire true joy in our lives? Obey His commandments!
Wednesday – “This Is My Commandment”: John 15:12-13
Reminiscent of His teaching in Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus links love and the Law of God together. When a man loves the Lord, he strives diligently to please Him. Many people have a warped view of God’s Law, because on Mt. Sinai it was worded mostly in the negative (“Thou shalt not… “) because it was being delivered to a rebellious, stubborn people. It designated the boundaries of righteous living to the disobedient Israelites. Conversely, when we are motivated by love, the Law of God will be a delight to us. When we know who we are in Christ, and we serve God and other people in love, doing what is right becomes natural.
Thursday – Friends: John 15:14-17
There is no contradiction when Jesus calls those who obey Him, “friends.” This Greek word for friend means “a friend at court.” Just as a king’s trusted inner circle of advisers and ambassadors can also be his friends, so all who show their loving obedience to Christ are lifted to this cherished status. (James 4:10)
Friday – Hated by the World: John 15:18-20
Jesus revealed two reasons here that His followers are hated by the world: (1) we are identified with Christ (vv. 18, 20), and the world first hated Him; (2) we no longer belong to the world (v. 19), and our desire is now for God. The world hates us because they love the darkness, but we are children of light. (John 3:19-20)
Saturday – Sin Exposed: John 15:21-25
Jesus identified two more reasons why the world rejects His disciples: (3) the world is spiritually blind and ignorant (v. 21) because they don’t know Christ; (4) the world won’t be honest about its own sin and failure (vv. 22-24). Jesus Christ did nothing against people, but came to “…bear witness to the truth…” (John 18:37). Will we let our light shine despite the world’s hatred?