Abiding

When Jesus talks about grapes and grapevines, he is tapping into the local experience of agriculture and of the celebratory nature of wine that became for him a symbol of the heavenly banquet, the reign of God. He takes that experience and he says, “I am the vine. You are the branches. Remain in me, as I remain in you.”

“Remain in me” means “abide in me” means “make your home in me,” which gives the passage a different feel. To be at home is to feel relaxed and safe, because we are loved and accepted for who we are.

And when we’re at home, we don’t have to be perfect. Jesus invites us to make our home in him, that we are loved for who we are. We don’t have to change. We don’t have to be perfect. God simply wants us to make some space in our life for God’s presence.

Pruning is important for fruit-bearing plants. It helps the growth to be fuller and more concentrated. Those of you who prune rose bushes know what I’m talking about. A little work in the spring leads to a better display in the summer.

“Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4)