Read John 15:1-17

What does a branch receive from the vine it’s attached to in order to bear fruit?

Jesus repeated the word “remain” 11 times in this short passage. This word is often translated as “abide” or “dwell”. What do you think it means to “remain” in Jesus as a branch remains on a vine?

List out all of the things that Jesus says we receive as we “remain” in him.

Go and do

Following Jesus does not happen by accident. In the same way that a branch remains in the vine, we must also remain in Jesus. When we don’t remain in him, we wither away spiritually like a branch that has been cut from its source of nutrients. What rhythm of “remaining” in Jesus can you put into practice this week?

Open up your schedule and make a plan to set aside 20-30 minutes each day for the next week to intentionally rest in Jesus’ love and spend time “abiding” in his Word.

Picking the same time each day could help you build this practice into a habit, but just doing it is what really counts! Consider what obstacles might keep you from following through with your plan. Anticipating these challenges can help you overcome them.

Remember, abiding in Jesus doesn’t have to be complicated. Spending time with Jesus can look a lot like our times together in Bible study. Read a passage in the Bible, spend some time paying attention to what Jesus might be saying to you through it, and then respond by talking to Jesus about what you’re seeing and telling him what you want to do in response.

Reflect on what you learned

• How was your experience of abiding in Jesus this week? What was challenging about keeping that rhythm?
• Did you have a preference between choosing your own scripture passages or using a devotional?
• How would our experience of God be different if we committed ourselves to doing this every day?
• In what ways does Jesus’ grapevine imagery make more sense now?