Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.”
NL Daily Devotion for Tuesday, March 22, 2022
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
The word “abide” appears nine times in verses 1-11. It bears exploring what the word actually means. Across six definitions in Merriam Webster’s online dictionary, the general sense is of waiting in place, whether enduring or tolerating challenges, being accepting of another decision, or sojourning in a particular location. A branch upon which grapes will develop from flowers to fruits must be fixed to the vine for water and nutrients to pass through. Cut the branch from the vine and: no grapes.
It makes sense that we need to abide in Jesus in order to “bear fruit” in the world. The analogy is crystal clear there. But Jesus also abides in us, which is interesting. He needs nothing from us directly, yet chooses to stay intimately connected to us, not only supplying our needs (as we abide in him) but acting through us to facilitate the inbreaking of God’s reign into the world (as he abides in us). How unbelievably cool is that? And notice how Jesus calls us to abide in him as he already abides in us, whether or not we’ve made any effort to abide in him. That’s just plain grace right there, you know?
Also notice that I just used “abide” six times in the last paragraph, which makes me think maybe John did need to use it as many times as he did…
How do I abide in Jesus? Where do I see evidence of Jesus abiding in me?
