The Security of the Vine: Abiding, Not Striving
Written By Emily Gorski
“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 15:3-4
Life-giving communion with the Vine.
This verse and the whole section on the Vine and the Branches from John 15 is a pretty well-known part of the Bible, but for some reason, it was only recently that I realized these words were from the account of Maundy Thursday.
Maundy Thursday is the night that preceded the most important weekend of Jesus’ life. The culmination of his earthly ministry, the end to the war of sin, death, and the Devil. The disciples, however, do not yet quite have the full understanding of what Jesus has told them would happen. While the scenes of Maundy Thursday unfold, the insecurity of the human flesh is revealed as the disciples’ hearts and minds are overcome with fear and uncertainty that all was not well.
In the Upper Room, after Jesus announces that one of them would betray him, the conversation among the disciples quickly dissolves into an argument about which of them is considered the greatest. (Luke 22:24) The human insecurity of needing to prove that I measure up.
When Jesus offers his humble service of washing his disciples’ feet, Peter indignantly replies, “You shall never wash my feet!” (John 13:8) The human insecurity of feeling too unworthy to receive God’s love.
When Judas and the entourage of soldiers and officials arrive to arrest Jesus, Peter impulsively draws his sword and cuts off the ear of one of the high priest’s servants. (John 18:10) The human tendency of thinking that I need to help God.
As Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin, the disciples scatter, deserting Jesus. The human tendency to run from Jesus, instead of to Jesus, when things don’t go the way I thought they would.
When asked if he was a friend of Jesus three different times, Peter urgently denies knowing Jesus at all. (Luke 18:27) The human insecurity of feeling exposed to the opinions and actions of others.
The disciples’ reactions of alarm to these events reveal the natural posture of the human heart and mind, which respond to external circumstances through the limited lens of what I see, what I understand, and what I think should be happening. The disciples did not expect the coming of God’s kingdom to look like defeat or failure. So when it did, any trace of trust and peace slipped through their fingers and they began to operate out of the emotional impulses of anxiety and insecurity.
Jesus’ actions on Maundy Thursday reflect a different heart. He washes the feet of a friend who he knew would hand him over to be killed. He willingly rises to meet his betrayer. He heals the servant’s ear that Peter cut off. He allows himself to be arrested, mocked, and misunderstood without a fight. The Father’s mission. The Father’s heart. This is security even in the face of pain, sorrow, and death.
Because security is found through abiding.
Abiding in the One who provides a firm foundation and a perfect plan to rely on and rest in. Jesus’ perfect and constant surrender to the Father’s will fueled his life led with love and pursuit for the Kingdom, all the way to the cross.
Praise God for the events of this weekend. Where our communion is restored with the Father through Jesus’ body and blood. Where we get to experience intimate connection as a branch on His Vine that continuously sustains new life in us, that provides security, strength, and renewal. Where there is no striving in fear, only abiding in love. Where the Father’s will fuels our lives with love and pursuit for His Kingdom.
Life-giving communion with the Vine.
Prayer:
God, we thank you for the Vine,
where you gently hold our hearts and minds.
Through your son we are secure,
as we abide in your love that casts out fear.
At times it may seem that all is not well,
but in the safety of your presence I still dwell.
Help me see I am free to love and let the Spirit grow fruit,
as you lead me in the grace of your Kingdom pursuit. Amen.