In John 15, Jesus invites us into a life of deep, intentional connection with Him. “I am the vine; you are the branches,” He says in verse 5. “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This call to “abide” is not just a suggestion; it’s a reminder that real, lasting growth only happens when we intentionally make space for His presence and draw from His strength.
Abiding is about intentionally taking time each day to be in His presence, to sit with Him and let Him speak to us through His Word, and to listen for His still, small voice. Imagine a branch connected to the vine on which it grows. It doesn’t produce fruit through its own effort; instead, it draws everything it needs—nourishment, strength, and life—from the vine itself. In the same way, our spiritual growth and fruitfulness come from abiding in the Lord.
We live in a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, where productivity and busyness often take center stage. But Jesus reminds us that without Him, we can do nothing. When we pause to abide in His presence and seek Him, we receive His strength, and that strength becomes the foundation from which we live, work, and love others.
Most of us are probably familiar with the story of Mary and Martha found in Luke 10. Martha busied herself with serving, while Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and simply be with Him. When Martha became frustrated, Jesus gently reminded her that “only one thing is needed” (Luke 10:42). He was reminding her—and us—that the most important choice we can make is to take time to be with Him. Our strength and ability to love others grows as we remain connected to Him.
So the question is: Are we taking time to intentionally abide in Jesus? Are we making time to be still in His presence, to pray, or to read His Word? Are we asking Him to fill us with His strength, to guide us, and to produce His fruit in us? Are we asking Him to show us what He’s up to, so that we can partner with Him in the work of His kingdom?
When we prioritize abiding in Him, we experience His love and His life in greater ways, and our connection with Him becomes the foundation from which we live our lives. And this call to abide isn’t about achieving or proving anything—it’s about resting in the presence of the One who is the true source of life.
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