December 13

I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. — John 15:5 BSB

The familiar image of the vine and the branches illustrates a profound truth: the branches and the vine are one. Jesus doesn’t say, “I am the trunk, and you are mere branches.” Instead, He sees us as fully part of Him, sharers in His nature. He teaches that apart from Him, we can do nothing. This union between Christ and His people is unlike any other, and it requires us to abandon all reliance on ourselves so that we can fully partake in His life.

Lord, help me this day to abide in You.

Oh, what a wonderful place
Jesus has given to me!
Saved by His glorious grace,
I may be even as He.