“Remain in me, as I also remain in you." ~ John 15:4-5

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” ~ John 15:4-5

Jesus always used images that were familiar to His listeners - one being the vine and branches. They would have known how important the vine was in supplying water and nutrients to the branches in order to produce fruit.  No vine, no fruit. He was teaching that we need Him in order to really live life. Sure, we can muddle through, but it's not enough. We need Him as much as the branches need the vine. 

Jesus compared Himself to living bread and living water.  The “air we breathe” is often used as a metaphor for the life‑giving presence of God and the Holy Spirit, and Jesus is seen as the ultimate embodiment of that breath.- all the things that are critical and necessary. All day, Every day. 

We can survive 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food. We need Jesus that same way.  He is the way, the truth and the life. [i love how all these things come in threes. The “number of divine perfection”].

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!

Written by: Bonnie Chovanec, 2026