09/24/2026
Tasty Tidbit # 3
Remain (and Produce Blueberries)
I was reminded again lately of how crucial it is for me to stay connected to Jesus. John 15:1-17 compares staying connected to Jesus with a branch staying connected to the vine. In verse 5 Jesus says “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.”
The word 'remain' in this verse can be used to communicate not leaving, continuing to live in a place, or not giving up but enduring. Continuing in close, dependent relationship with Jesus is so important!
This summer I had the joy of being in the bush and berry picking. As I thought about John 15, blueberry bushes came to mind. It made me consider the importance of the blueberry ‘branches’ being connected to the ‘vine’. They get so much from staying connected: nourishment, stability, purpose, and the ability to do what they are designed for – produce fruit. When they remain connected the branches display the greatness of the vine.
In the same way, when I stay close to Jesus, depending on Him, walking with Him, I am nourished, have stability, purpose, and my life bears fruit that will last (Jn 15:16). Blueberry branches wither and die if they don’t continue being connected to their source. I too wither when I don’t stay connected to my Source. Apart from Him my life quits producing good, lasting fruit; I lack stability, nourishment and identity.
The choice to remain in Him, to trust Him in all circumstances and live in obedience and dependence, is critical. It makes me think…
What does it look like to remain, or abide, in Jesus?
Where am I trying to produce what I need instead of resting in the Vine?
Also consider Matt 14:17-18, Rom 8:11-13, Phil 4:13