John 15:5

I read the entire chapter of John 15 in order to get the context of Jesus' words "I am the vine, you are the branches, whoever abides in me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without me you can do nothing."
I wound up going back through chapters 13 and 14 to get the whole scenario of Jesus' last time with the disciples before the final events that led to His crucifixion.
I saw that as Jesus sat with His closest companions He was telling them the things He wanted them to know before He left them.

I wondered, what would I say to my closest companions, and family members if I knew I was going to die, soon.
"Remember...."
Just considering that conversation I am flooded with emotion.  I no longer care about vacuuming or raking the yard, but I do care about trusting that God is always good!  That He will never let us go and...and....and...well, it would be tough to keep my heartfelt exhortations brief.

On a much lighter scale, it reminds me of the times I would be leaving my family behind as Caleb and I would go out on a date.  "Don't open the door to strangers.  Eat at the table.  If you have a disagreement, just give each other space... do NOT fight.  Etc. etc...."


Here in John, Jesus is saying, I'm leaving, so listen...and He goes on to tell them many important things to remember, such as
~  Love one another as I have loved you, then others will know that you are my disciples.
~Be glad, because when I go to the Father, it will be better, because I will send my Holy Spirit who will remind you of all these things.
~ If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
And, our memory verse
~ "I am the vine, you are the branches; whoever abides in me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without me you can do nothing."

Jesus intentionally chose what was important, to remind His disciples, before He left.  He says by abiding in Him, fruit will be produced. On the other hand, without abiding - we can do nothing.
Similar to my loving desire that my children follow and trust my my words,  Jesus lovingly desires that we follow and trust His Words.
To abide is to stay, live, remain or continue somewhere.  Stay in Jesus.  Live with Him, remain in Him.

May we all continue to stay near Him today, and be amazed by the fruit He produces.