Connecting to the Source – John 15:5 ESV

⁵"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in Him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." – John 15:5 ESV

If you were to ask most people what they can’t live without on a daily basis, chances are they’d say their cell phone. Over time, phones have become one of the most essential items we carry. They’re no longer just for calls—they’ve become our calendars, cameras, GPS systems, entertainment, and more. But here’s the catch: as useful as a phone is, it becomes useless when the battery hits zero. No matter how many features it has, without power it can’t fulfill its purpose.

That’s exactly how we are as sons and daughters of God. We were created with gifts, talents, and a high calling—but without staying connected to our source, Jesus, we run on empty. A high call with a low charge will always leave us drained, frustrated, and unfulfilled.

In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” He makes it clear that He alone is our source of strength and life. The world will tell us that we have to rely on ourselves, hustle harder, or dig deep to find strength within. But the truth is, real strength doesn’t come from within—it comes from above.

Then Jesus goes deeper with a condition: “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” To abide means to remain, to stay, to dwell. Abiding in Jesus means making Him more than just a part of your life—it means centering your life around Him, depending on Him daily, and letting His presence shape your actions. And here’s the promise: when you remain in Him, fruit—love, joy, peace, endurance, impact—will naturally grow in your life.

Finally, Jesus closes with a sobering truth: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” Just like a phone without power, we can’t fulfill our God-given purpose apart from Him. Staying connected to Jesus isn’t optional—it’s essential. And by aligning our lives with God's good and perfect will, as well as obeying His Words, we will find peace and joy like no other.  

Application

• Rely on the strength of God to get you through your challenges. Even when we can't sense it, God is at work; and this work will continue on until it is completely finished (Phil. 1:6). Think of some things you need to allow God to fully take over in your life.
• Remain committed to carrying out the good Will of God for true peace and fulfillment. By doing this, you will grow closer to God and become a reflection of Him. Write down your goals for this week, and find supporting verses for each goal that can be used to show how they can be used to glorify God.
• Receive the fruit, life, and power that naturally flow when you stay connected. For this, make it a mission to read at least one Bible chapter a day and pray at least once everyday this week. By doing this, you will have learned more about God and talked to Him in order to open your heart to receive His teachings.

Prayer

Lord,
Thank You for being the true vine and the source of my life. Teach me to rely on You instead of myself, knowing that apart from You I can do nothing. Help me to remain in Your presence daily, making space for You in my thoughts, decisions, and actions. And as I stay connected, allow me to receive the fruit that only You can produce—love, joy, peace, and the strength to live out my purpose. Keep me from running on empty, and remind me that my power, my growth, and my impact all flow from You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.