What does it really mean to follow Jesus? This May, we’re diving into Abide, a four-week series rooted in John 15 where Jesus gives us a powerful image of discipleship: staying connected to Him like branches to a vine.

 

Remain in Me (May 4th) - Discipleship begins with abiding, not striving

John 15:1–2, 4–6
Jesus begins His teaching with a call to abide—“Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” This image of the vine and the branches sets the foundation for everything that follows. Before He speaks of pruning, obedience, or love, Jesus emphasizes the central truth of discipleship: apart from Him, we can do nothing. The life of a disciple is not about relentless spiritual effort but about ongoing spiritual connection. Fruitfulness is not achieved by trying harder, but by staying close to the source of life.

Abiding is not passive, though—it’s a daily posture of dependence, trust, and relationship. It means staying rooted in Christ through prayer, the Word, worship, and community. When we abide, we draw life from Jesus and become spiritually alive in ways we never could on our own. This first week is an invitation to rest in Him—to make our home in His presence. Before any pruning, before any obedience, before any call to love, we are first and foremost called to remain in Him.

Pruned to Flourish (May 11th) - Pruning is not punishment—it’s preparation

John 15:1–4
Jesus begins this section by declaring, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” It’s a picture of care, connection, and cultivation. Every branch that bears fruit, the Father prunes—not because it’s failing, but because it’s succeeding. This idea is counterintuitive to many of us. When hardship comes, we often assume we’ve made a wrong turn or that God has withdrawn. But Jesus reframes our understanding. He teaches that pruning is not a sign of failure but of fruitfulness. God lovingly removes what is unnecessary, unhelpful, or unhealthy—not to harm us, but to help us grow. The gardener knows what He’s doing. He sees not only what we are but what we can become.

For disciples, this means we must expect and even embrace seasons of pruning. It may be the loss of comfort, a shift in relationships, or a spiritual dry spell. But those very seasons are where God does some of His deepest work in us. He cuts away distractions, attachments, and attitudes that prevent us from bearing the fruit of the Spirit. When we abide in Jesus and trust the Father’s hand, we begin to see that even in our discomfort, God is near. Pruning may hurt, but it’s not rejection—it’s refinement. It’s how we are shaped to look more like Jesus and to bear lasting fruit that glorifies the Father.

Obedience Rooted in Love (May 18th) - Obedience is the fruit of love, not the price for it

John 15:7–11
Jesus says, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love,” and at first glance, that sounds like a conditional statement—as if His love hinges on our performance. But He immediately clarifies: “Just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love.” In other words, obedience is how love expresses itself, not how love is earned. Jesus obeys because He loves the Father, and He invites us to follow His example. The commands of Jesus aren’t arbitrary or oppressive—they’re an extension of His deep care for us. To abide in Him is to trust that His will is good, His Word is true, and His way is life-giving.

Many Christians wrestle with obedience, fearing it will lead them back into a works-based mindset. But Jesus turns that fear on its head. He assures us that His commandments are meant to lead to joy, not guilt. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” In Christ, obedience becomes a response to love, not a prerequisite for it. As we remain in His Word and walk in His ways, we discover a joy that the world cannot give and a freedom that comes from alignment with His heart. True discipleship means learning to trust that the One who commands us also cherishes us.

Friends Who Love Like Jesus (May 25th) - Love is the defining mark of mature discipleship

John 15:13–17

Jesus’ final words in this section shift the tone from command to invitation—from servant to friend. He says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” and then He adds, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” The command He’s speaking of is love. This is not about blind compliance; it’s about shared intimacy. Jesus invites His disciples into a relationship of radical love—a love that lays itself down for others. And then He tells them that this is the mark of friendship with Him: to love one another the way He has loved them.

In the church, we often measure maturity by knowledge, leadership, or spiritual gifts. But Jesus redefines the standard: maturity is measured by love. Love that forgives, serves, sacrifices, and seeks reconciliation. In a divided world, the church is called to be a community of relentless love, bearing witness to the One who laid down His life for us. This week is a call to examine our relationships within the body of Christ. Are we loving well? Are we reconciling when wounded? Are we serving without seeking recognition? Discipleship is not lived out in isolation—it’s lived in community. And in that community, love must lead the way.

About Trinity

ONE CHURCH - MANY LOCATIONS

Trinity is a multi-site church: one church with many locations, serving the greater Chicago area. At Trinity, everything we do revolves around Worship, Connect, and Serve. We believe these three paths are key to helping us all grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

All of our worship sites focus on the same Big Idea each week and provide similar creative elements. The difference between the sites and worship settings is the style.

The Church Center App

Looking for some resources to help you go further in your study of Ecciesiates?  There are some helpful videos and book recommendations in the Church Center App for this series.