John 15:1-8

The True Vine

Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

(John 15:1-8, NKJV) “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Observation

• I notice the "I AM" statements in these verses. Jesus says two times, “I am the vine”, or “true vine.”

• The Father is the vinedresser or gardener. Jesus is the vine. We are the branches, who are connected to the vine. As we stay connected to the vine, we will bear much fruit. If we don’t stay connected (or abide), we will not bear fruit.

• The branch that is cut off is cast out, withers, and ultimately thrown in the fire and burned.

• The phrase "prune" is used to indicate that the Father is always pruning connected branches so that they can bear more fruit.

• I notice the repeating of the term “abide” in these verses. As long as we abide or remain, we will bear much fruit. The Message translation uses the phrase “make our home in” instead of abiding.

• We can do nothing without being connected to the vine. 

• Ask for what you desire, and it will be done for you.

Application

• Abiding is the only way to produce fruit.

• Pruning is a part of growing.

• When we are connected to the vine, we can ask for what we desire.

• Getting disconnected from the vine is deadly for the branch.

Prayer

Father God, I give you all honor and worship today. You are the one who created all things. You prune your creation, so it is healthy. I believe Jesus is the vine, and I am a branch connected to that vine. Help me to remain connected at all times. I realize that I am not able to produce any real fruit without. Empower me with your Holy Spirit for the Kingdom work you have for me today. In Jesus' name, amen!

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