3R THURSDAY

Pruning fruitful branches

3-R Thursday

Rumination

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.

Abide in me, and I in you.

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.

Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.

Abide in my love.

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Jesus speaking to his disciples (John 15:1-11 (ESV))

Reflection

  • What is the difference between “taking away” a branch that does not bear fruit (Action X) and a “pruning” a branch that does bear fruit (Action Y)?

  • Is Action X mutually exclusive from Action Y? Is Action X necessary for Action Y?

  • What does it look like for a fruitful branch to abide in the vine?

    • What does it look like to abide in Jesus?

    • What does it look like for Jesus’ words to abide in us?

    • What does it look like to abide in Jesus’ love?

  • Where have you seen fruit in your life?

  • Where have you seen joy—full joy—in you?

Reading

The Law of Christ: A Theological Proposal by A. Blake White

The Five Solas: The Deliberatively Protestant Church by A. Blake White

Exploration

AI rendition of:

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.