John 1-3: A 12-Day Reading Plan Sample

Jesus came to take away the sins of the world but seeking His forgiveness for our sins is the launching point and not the final destination. God intends for His people to abide in Jesus, and learn what it means to experience life to the fullest. 

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Abiding in Jesus doesn’t mean we don’t have problems—Jesus warned that we should expect them (John 16:33). But if we abide in Christ, we can anticipate His peace, provision, and joy regard- less of our circumstances. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). 

Jesus was a master teacher and He often communicated by using analogies that were well-known to His audience. In an agrarian society, it’s not surprising that He spoke about agriculture and used the example of a vine and branch. Jesus’ teaching style often included using familiar examples to teach unfamiliar spiritual truths. On its own, a branch doesn’t possess what it needs to survive—it relies on the vine to supply the resources it needs to grow and flourish. In the same way, apart from Christ, God’s people don’t have what it takes to live the Christian life— we must remain closely connected to Jesus—relying on Him to bear fruit. 

What does it look like to abide in Jesus on a daily basis?