“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” John 15:4
The night on which Jesus was betrayed, he taught his disciples some final lessons. In John 15:1-10, Jesus gives us a blueprint for discipleship. Discipleship can be summarized by the word “abide.” The word “abide” appears ten times in these ten verses. Discipleship is about abiding in Christ. Staying connected to Christ throughout your day and your life is the essence of being a disciple.
What does Jesus mean when he tells he disciples to abide in him?
- Worship the Lord and study his word (Colossians 3:16)
- Obey God’s word (John 15:10)
- Selflessly serve others (John 13:14-18)
- Love one another as Jesus loves you (i.e., radically and sacrificially, see John 13:34)
- Remember Jesus in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11)
Jesus also makes some promises to those who abide in Christ.
When believers abide in Christ, we experience more of God in their lives. We are blessed. We experience more of God’s presence, power, peace, purpose, and even more answered prayers. (John 14:15, John 14:27, John 15:7-8)
As we begin a new year together as a mission, it is mission critical that we abide in Christ. Apart from him, we can do nothing.