Today’s story from the Book of John includes a parable. A parable is a story that Jesus uses to teach us a lesson! This parable is a really good one. Let’s read it together!
Jesus’ parable is about a vine, some branches, and a gardener. When plants are growing (like vines), gardeners sometimes have to cut off some branches that are dead and making the plant grow more slowly. Even though they may not look dead on the outside, these branches are hurting the plant! The gardener knows that it may be hard for the plant to grow new branches, but the plant will grow so much faster after the bad branches are gone!
Sometimes, the gardener has to trim the branches, too. Even though the branches might not need to be completely cut off, they need to be trimmed so the fruit can grow and the plant can stay strong! If plants aren’t healthy and strong, they usually have to get thrown away.
Just like the gardener in this parable, God takes care of us and helps us to grow! He takes away the things in our life that hurt us and He makes room for more good things to come. We are like the plants in this story. Sometimes God has to take some things away from us that are hurting us, like sins, that make it harder for us to grow. Other times, God may have to teach us lessons so that we can be stronger and make good decisions. When we make good decisions and listen to God, we can make other people happy too, just like fruit from plants makes people happy!
Jesus tells this story because He wants us to trust God and always listen to Him. Even though it may not always be easy to obey God, and we may want to do what we think is best, keeping God’s commandments is always the best thing to do. He loves us so much, and wants us to be happy and healthy so we can grow strong! It’s our job to help others learn about God so they can be strong, too.
What are some things that God needs to take away so that you can grow (being angry, not obeying, being afraid, etc.)?
What are some good things that happen in your life when you obey God (peace, love, happiness, etc.)?
Who can you pray for this week that needs God to help them grow?
Prayer: God, thank You so much for being like the gardener in this parable. You always take care of me, and You know exactly what I need to grow big and strong. I know that it won’t always be easy to obey all of Your commandments, but I also know that You will help me. Thank You for sending Jesus to be a good example for me and teaching me how to love others. Help me to be a good example and tell others about You. I love you, God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.