In the gospel of John 15 verse 5, Jesus says: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Nothing. Really? I mean, look at the people around you — whether they are believers of Christ or non-believers — aren’t we all able to live good, meaningful lives without consciously relying on Jesus? We find ourselves busy, active, fruitful even. We are able to build careers or enterprises, raise families, and overcome challenges. What did Jesus mean when He said, we can do nothing without Him?
Well, listen, I think that Jesus had something specific in mind. To do that, it’s good to remind ourselves that when God created you and I and all mankind, He created us for His glory. In this passage in John 15, Jesus refers to God, as the gardener, who plants a vineyard for specific fruit. And Jesus declares that He, Himself, is the vine from which we, as the branches, are to be able to bear fruit to the glory of God. And His warning is simple. If we are not connected to Him, if we do not abide in Jesus, it will be impossible for us to glorify God on our own. And our lives will be wasted.
Remember, Jesus is not referring to human pursuits where we all have become experts even without being connected to Him. But if we were to live out our purpose in life, namely to glorify God, then, apart from Jesus we simply cannot do it.
Now, may I pull out a related verse in the bible, this time from the letter of Paul to the Philippians 4:13? Paul, who had been going through many trials, imprisonments, and obstacles while proclaiming the good news, said very confidently, that despite all these trials and obstacles, he declares “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Here, when Paul refers to “all things” he does not refer to human pursuits, but the pursuit of the mission of glorifying God and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul declares that despite all the challenges that he faced, it was through the strength of Jesus in him, that he was confident that he could do all that he was called to do.
Fast forward to today. The challenge for us, my dear friends, is to remember what we were created for, and to examine our lives in light of that purpose. Specifically our use of time, talent and treasure, and let’s honestly assess how we are able to glorify God in the things that we do, and in the way that we live. Do we glorify ourselves? Or do we glorify God?
Now if we see that we have a long way to go in order to bear fruit that glorifies God, then, I urge you to consider the invitation of Jesus when He says, “Come, follow me, abide in me, and remain in me. Stay connected to me.” From a practical standpoint, this means that if you are distant from Jesus, if you don’t spend time listening to Him, if you ignore His instructions, if you don’t trust Him with your very life, then no matter what you do, you will be fruitless in the eyes of God. Yes, you may be the most popular in the eyes of man, but in God’s eyes, you are nothing.
I urge you now to allow the word of God to prune you. Allow Jesus to instruct you and guide you, and to help you make God-glorifying choices. And stay with Him. And I urge you to avoid living only for your glory, but instead for God’s glory.
I hope and pray that you choose wisely.
May 6, 2026
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