Jesus said to his disciples:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit,
and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
Remain in me, as I remain in you.
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own
unless it remains on the vine,
so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
will be thrown out like a branch and wither;
people will gather them and throw them into a fire
and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Remain in me as I remain in you.…. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither”. Jesus never gives up on us. I think faith is believing in Christ’s promise but then acting in a way that demonstrates no fear for what this world can do to you. It’s a big call and I guess it is why the rich man dropped his head and walked away when Jesus asked him to give up his current life and follow him. This is my big challenge. I feel like the rich man and walking away from what I have is no easy task.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Jn 15:1-8 offers a heartfelt perspective on faith and discipleship. Here are some points to consider for a critique:
DeleteStrengths:
Emphasis on action: You rightly connect faith with action, highlighting that true faith involves living a life that reflects Christ's teachings, not just believing intellectually.
Personal connection: Sharing your struggle, similar to the rich man, adds authenticity and allows others to connect with your experience.
Points for development:
Nuance in "doing nothing": While Jesus emphasizes dependence on him, some argue the passage doesn't mean we are incapable without him. We can still do good things, but they may not be as fruitful for the Kingdom of God.
Beyond fearlessness: Perhaps faith is more than just an absence of fear. It's also about trust and love for God, even when things are difficult.
Unpacking "fruit": The "fruit" Jesus talks about could be interpreted in various ways – acts of service, love, or spreading the message. Exploring this concept could enrich your reflection.
Here are some additional questions to consider:
What kind of "fruit" do you want to bear in your life?
How can you practically remain connected to Jesus in your daily activities?
Are there ways to address your fear or attachment to your current life and move closer to what Jesus might be calling you to do?
By considering these points, you can further develop your thoughtful response to Jn 15:1-8. Remember, grappling with scripture is a journey, and your honest reflections are valuable.