Staying Connected to JesusNäide

How do we stay connected to Jesus?

‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned’ (John 15:5-6).

In John 15:1 Jesus says: I am the true Vine. The word ‘true’ emphasizes the fact that only Jesus can accomplish what God expects of man. Verse 5 speaks mainly about the relationship between Jesus and all His followers. Jesus, as the Vine, is the source, the strength, the trunk from which and through which the branches grow.

In our growth, Jesus is our source. This is why Jesus stresses the vital importance of staying connected to Him. Without Jesus, a believer can do nothing. Without a connection with Him, our spiritual life dries up like a branch that has been disconnected from the vine. In a living relationship with Jesus, you stay connected to Him by:

Believing that He is God's Son (1 John 4:15)

Accepting Him as your Savior (John 1:12)

Obeying His words (1 John 3:24)

To persevere in faith (1 John 2:24)

Connecting with fellow believers who encourage and help you grow.

You grow in faith and trust in Jesus by your willingness to receive everything you need from Him. In what ways have you experienced such growth in your life?