The Vine: March 17 ,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”
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.)
“At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus. They said to him, “Leave this place. Go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”
He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons. I will keep on healing people today and tomorrow. And on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day. Certainly, no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!
“Jerusalem! Jerusalem! You kill the prophets and throw stones in order to kill those who are sent to you. Many times, I have wanted to gather your people together. I have wanted to be like a hen who gathers her chicks under her wings. And you would not let me. Look, your house is left empty. I tell you; you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 118:26)”
We continue our Lenten journey by following Jesus as he turns his face to Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51) No sooner than had he set out he was met with opposition.
In today’s scripture we see the Pharisees inform Jesus he should flee to escape Herod. Whether this was a sincere warning or an attempt to get Jesus out of their territory is irrelevant. What is relevant is that Jesus was steadfast in reaching his goal of arriving in Jerusalem to “complete” his mission. This completion could mean his arrival or his death.
Regardless the next statement that today, tomorrow and the day “I must be on my way” is most significant.
Jesus journeys to Jerusalem as a prophet obedient to God’s direction. Both his journey to Jerusalem and his death there will be controlled by his faithfulness to God’s redemptive love and purposes and not by Herod or the Pharisees.
This leads to the question What is worthy of a “Must?” People really can’t make one do something it is something one decides in the mind and heart to do as a choice.
Prayer:
Gracious and Loving God,
We come before you today, humbled by the immensity of your redemptive power. A power that only you possess. May we in our hearts discern the difference between something we have to do (or should do) and a MUST DO.
May we as a Christian embrace your divine will and live accordingly. May we live our lives by loving you with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind and with all your strength. May our actions meet your expectations and translate to loving our neighbors as well.
In the name of Jesus, Amen
Questions for Reflection:
1.) What is the difference between “I have to do” something or I Must do something?
2.) What are some things we must do in our lives and what are the implications of this difference for Christian living?
3.) Does a must require suffering.
4.) In the story of “The Good Samaritan” how did this translate to a must do?
5.) Why did the others not stop?
6.) Where are you in the story?
7.) When have you recognized and acted on a must do situation?
8.) This week, look through the lens of MUST do in this scripture. How does this apply to you as a follower of Jesus?
PREVIOUS WEEKS
To view all previous devotions go to https://fumc-rr.org/the-vine