As you read today’s passage, count how many times the words “remain in” are used.  Sometimes the phrase is translated as “abide in,” as Jesus says that he is going to make his home inside of us and our spiritual home inside of God.  

Jesus offers the image of a vine and its branches as a way to understand the very great closeness that Jesus wants us to have with him, the Father and the Holy Spirit. As close as are the branches to a vine, that is how close we are to be to Jesus.  In fact, a whole bunch of branches IS the vine, isn’t it?  All of us together in our love and trust of Jesus, make up the risen body of Jesus, the true vine.

Today, look about you and find plants that are all connected together.  You might begin by simply looking at trees!  As you look, think of yourself as part of the very Body of the Risen Jesus. 

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example from today’s reading:

John 15:1-17
“You in me and I in You” v. 4

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This year, we generally read from the Gospel of Mark,
except during most of Lent and Easter when we read from the Gospel of John.

These Firestarters are for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet! Check the menu options at the site for more information.