The Vine: July 7, 2025

“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”

— John 15:4-5

This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)

“25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

— John 14:25-27

Our scripture this week is from a section of the Gospel of John known as the Farewell Discourse, which is Jesus' parting words to the eleven disciples after the Last Supper before his crucifixion. He tells the disciples he is leaving them with peace. He could have left them with courage, the ability to walk on water, or his sandals, but instead, he passed along peace.

Peace comes from the Greek word, irini. It simply means to join or to bind together that which has been separated. Those parts that belong to the whole, but for whatever reason, have been scattered. Peace can bring wholeness to our lives.

Jesus says the peace he is giving is different from the rest of the world. It is a difference of absence and presence. The world seems to say that if we get rid of everything in our lives that stresses us or brings anxiety, then we will have peace. If we keep on this track, we will be left all alone. Jesus is saying his peace in our lives will give us peace. When we recognize Christ in our lives, we can hold two truths: there will be problems, and yet Jesus is with us. Jesus reiterated this later in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Peace is right now. We can't project our peace onto the world around us. However, we project our problems onto God and say, God, you've promised us, you've willed us your peace. It's not the elimination of problems. The 23rd Psalm says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me”. Well, what happened to the valley? Guess what? It's still there. And it's still dark, still rocky, and still problematic. But Godly peace is the presence of Christ, which enables you to walk through it nonetheless. It's about taking the hand of God through the spirit, and letting God lead you and walk with you

Prayer:

Gracious and Loving God,

We come before you with hearts that yearn for the peace that only you can provide. A peace that meets us not in the absence of our struggles, but in the very midst of them. It is the calming presence of Christ in the storms of our lives. You do not promise a life free from the "valley of the shadow of death," but you promise to walk with us through it. The path may be dark and rocky, but you are there, a constant companion, our comfort and our guide. Amen

DISCUSS:

1) There is a difference between the world's definition of peace (the absence of stress) with the peace Jesus gives (the presence of Christ amidst trouble). Can you share a time when you tried to create peace by eliminating problems, and how that compared to finding peace by sensing God's presence in a difficult situation?

2) Peace, from the Greek word irini, is described as the act of "joining or binding together that which has been separated." What parts of your life—your relationships, your work, your inner self—feel scattered or separated? How does thinking of peace as a "binding together" change how you might pray for or seek wholeness in those areas?

3) Jesus chose to leave his disciples peace, rather than courage, miraculous powers, or a tangible item. Why do you think he chose peace as his ultimate parting gift, especially knowing the persecution and trouble they were about to face?

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