July 8, 2026 – Daily Devotional
“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 15:5
In the Gospel of John, Jesus describes himself with seven “I am” statements. Each of these seven statements highlights a particular attribute of Jesus. Among these statements, Jesus describes himself as the “Light of the World” (John 8:12) and the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). The “I am” language indicates that Jesus is God. This is the same language used in the book of Exodus when God offers Moses his name. God says to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14) When Jesus uses this language, the people who first heard it and the reader today understand this connection.
The final “I am” statement in the Gospel of John is found in John 15. This statement is in one of Jesus’s larger teachings, commonly known as the “Final Discourse.” All this takes place on the night before Jesus is put to death. The “Final Discourse” is intended to offer comfort to the world as Jesus is put on trial and executed. In this teaching, Jesus tells the disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” (John 14:1) Although Jesus will depart from this world, we will still be connected to him.
In his final “I am” statement, Jesus says, “I am the vine.” (John 15:1) He encourages the disciples, “Abide in me as I abide in you.” (15:4) This teaching is purposely repetitive. The word “abide” occurs multiple times in John 15:1-11. The fear for the early disciples was that they had been with Jesus, day and night, for over three years. If he leaves, what will they do? Who will lead them? How will they know joy and peace if Jesus is gone?
Although Jesus would not be physically present, the possibility of connection remains available. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we can remain connected. Through prayer, scripture study, worship, and intentional devotional time, we can abide in Christ. These practices keep us connected to “the vine.”
The word abide is translated from the Greek word, meno. This is an active word that implies we should cling to God. We hold on as tight as possible through our intentional work of faith. As we do, we not only experience the comfort that comes with a connection with God, but we grow the fruit of faith. As we abide in God’s love for us, we become the people who can share God’s love with the world.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
