Take time to pray and reflect on this passage. What stands out to you? What questions come to your mind?
When you hear the word “flourishing,” what kind of life do you picture? How has your understanding of flourishing been shaped by Jesus—or by the surrounding culture?
In Isaiah 5, God looked for justice and righteousness but found bloodshed and distress. When you examine the fruit of your own life, what do your relationships, priorities, and habits reveal?
Where are you most tempted to justify your choices because they feel right to you, even though they may not reflect God’s justice, righteousness, and love?
What is the difference between believing that Jesus existed and entrusting yourself to Jesus as the only one capable of rescuing and redeeming you?
Jesus says that a branch cannot bear fruit by itself. Where are you currently trying to produce change, meaning, or spiritual fruit through your own effort instead of abiding in Jesus?
What practices help you “be with Jesus” and allow his words to abide in you? What regularly distracts or pulls you away from that relationship?
Jesus connects abiding in his love with bearing fruit and experiencing fullness of joy. What might you never experience if you choose not to follow him fully? What is one step you can take this week to believe in Jesus, be with Jesus, and seek another person’s good?
