Abiding in Christ

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:4-5 ESV) In John 15:1-17, Jesus gives his disciples one of their most foundational lessons, highlighting their utter dependence on him. This discourse is a continuation of his farewell address to his followers, leading up to Calvary. He continues to lovingly encourage them while preparing them for the trial. To drive the point home, Jesus uses the familiar imagery of a vine and its branches. The disciples would be quite familiar with the basics of agriculture: without a vine, the branches cannot bear fruit and they wither and die. Thus, Jesus implores them to stay united to the True Vine, Christ himself. He is the source of life, and