The Vine: March 18, 2024
“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.)
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
In the passages preceding our text today Jesus has been teaching and explaining to His believing disciples aspects of His program, the first being His creation of the church. Secondly, He told them about His coming passion and then about His resurrection.
In this text, He covers the cost and reward of discipleship.
He explained what is involved in discipleship. In view of Jesus' death, His disciples, as well as He, would have to die to self and say yes to God. However, they could rejoice in the assurance that the earthly kingdom would come eventually. What Jesus said applies to anyone who really wants to follow Him. It is not all about denial, but rather turning to God and recognizing His authority versus our own authority in our lives. It’s making and keeping a daily commitment to God. There is no turning back once you are a believer.
“For what will it profit a man if he/she gains the whole world and forfeits his/her soul?”
This verse emphasizes the spiritual well-being over material success. In other words, our priorities should extend beyond earthly achievements. Thomas Merton, an American monk, added a thought-provoking twist to this concept. He observed that many of us often spend our lives climbing the ladder of success, striving for achievement, recognition, and wealth. However, when we finally reach the top, we might find that our ladder was leaning against the wrong wall. Imagine diligently climbing a ladder, only to find that it led us to a destination that doesn’t align with our true purpose or values. Merton encourages us to reflect on our goals, ensuring that our efforts are directed to meaningful and authentic pursuits. It’s about abundant life.
It's about daily commitment to being a disciple (student) of Jesus Christ.
If you want to run your own life, you’ll find that you lose the life you were looking for. But if you totally identify with Jesus and live according to his agenda you will find the abundant life you never knew was possible.
What good is it to gain worldly stuff while losing spiritual blessings and the Peace that makes life worthwhile?
Jesus doesn’t want you to simply have eternal life, but also possess the full experience of life.
Questions for Reflection
What does it mean to die to self?
How can one say yes to God daily?
When have you ever said yes to God?
Have you ever found your ladder of success on the wrong wall?
What would you do over in your life if you could?
What does this statement mean to you?
“Your Life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God”
Dietrich Bonhoffer.
Prayer:
“Gracious and loving God. Thank you for this opportunity to spend time with you. Thank you, Lord, for walking beside us and guiding us in our steps. Help us to walk this life embracing our true purpose and values. May we find authentic pursuits to try and realize and find abundance and the full experience in this life. Amen”
Peace and Grace,
Dave
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