Our scripture this morning is John 15:1-5.
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
Jesus describes our relationship with Him as the vine and its branches, an indicator of how close we should be. Like the branch, we are part of the whole, and if separated we will wither and die. In our connection we receive life and growth, being nurtured by God, the master gardener.
As part of the vine, we are called to be fruitful, to produce good things to be shared with others. As each branch may grow differently, so we each are unique, but still part of the whole. Jesus wants us all to know God’s love that enables everything we do.
Paul writes “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:7), speaking about the development of the early church. Like the vine, we as the church are called to spread and grow, bringing God’s love to every corner of the earth. Our relationship to God through Jesus enables us to go in His name.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the love and care You give us. Help us to share the Good News that Your church may grow and flourish. Amen.