John 15:1-17 (NIV)
Read by: Clayton
In the early days of Israel’s covenant with Yahweh, the image of a vine and a vineyard was used to describe Israel. God had brought a vine out of Egypt and planted it in the promised land. Israel’s psalmists used the image in their poetry and Israel’s prophets used this image as a way of calling out the sin and corruption of God’s people.
In today’s passage Jesus calls himself the “true vine.” He’s saying that he is the true Israel, the one in whom God’s covenant rests, and through whom God is extending his redemption as a blessing to all the nations. It’s in Jesus, this true vine that they must remain, if they are to belong to Yahweh.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What word or image stood out to you in the passage?
2. What about this passage encouraged you? What about it challenged you?
3. How is the LORD inviting you to respond to this passage today? How can you stay connected to the vine? How can you actively respond to Jesus call to love?
----------CONNECT----------
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