I Am the True Vine

Read

John 15:1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”

Think

Have you ever seen a branch lying on the ground, disconnected from its tree? It withers. No matter how much potential it had, it can’t produce fruit on its own. That’s exactly what Jesus was saying when he declared, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

We live in a world that tells us we can thrive on our own—chase success, build a life, find purpose within ourselves. But no matter how hard we try, we end up exhausted, running on empty, wondering why our efforts never seem to satisfy. Jon Tyson put it this way: “Our world celebrates independence, but the kingdom of God is built on dependence.”

Jesus invites us to something better—connection. A branch doesn’t have to strive to produce fruit; it simply stays connected to the vine, and life naturally flows through it. The same is true for us. The more we remain in Jesus—through prayer, reading his Word, and obeying his commands—the more his life flows through us, producing love, joy, peace, and purpose that lasts.

Maybe today, you feel disconnected. You’re trying, striving, doing all the right things, but something still feels off. Jesus isn’t calling you to work harder—he’s calling you to stay closer. Let go of self-reliance and lean into him. Stay connected, and you will thrive.

Apply

Surround yourself with others who stay connected. Just like vines grow together, your faith grows stronger when you’re around other believers. Join a small group, have real conversations about faith, and encourage one another to stay rooted in Christ.

Pray

Heavenly Father, you are the true vine, and I don’t want to live disconnected from you. Help me to remain in you—not just in moments of crisis, but in the everyday details of my life. Teach me to rely on you, to trust your Word, and to stay close to you so that my life bears fruit that glorifies you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.