Enjoy Deep Koinonia With Jesus And Others
LENT 2025 DEVOTIONAL:
John 15:1-27 (NIV)
(Nijendra Mahendra, LCEC Vice Chairperson; Chairperson, Prayer & Praise)
The last 2 years, the 2 main messages that the Lord has been speaking to me through John 15 are:
1. What kind of branch am I? Am I a branch that has leaves and fruit? Am I a branch that is supporting other branches? Am I the main branch that supports the large branches that support branches that are bearing fruit? What does it mean to be different types of branches?
2. Jesus highlights the deepest form of koinonia (Greek word for fellowship) from verses 9-17. As I reflect upon this form of koinonia, I ask myself, how am I expressing this with others? Do I set aside time to build and develop deeper spiritual friendships with those that I am connected to? Do I slow down sufficiently to listen, care and love, the way Jesus wants me to?
During my long walks in nature, observing various types of trees with their many unique branch systems has helped me understand how important it is that branches remain connected with each other for the entire tree to flourish. This has helped me renew my perspective that as I serve in various roles at church, home and work, there are times I just need to cheer on and support 2-3 others. There are times when I need to receive encouragement and support from others. And there are times I need to do more leg work to accomplish a task within the team. But no matter the type of branch I am, I am reminded to always remain and abide in Jesus as my vine, being clear minded of the type of branch He wants me to be for the various roles I play.
The koinonia experienced by Jesus here reminds me to slow down and build deeper spiritual friendships with others, especially those that I serve with. There is such beauty in having deep koinonia with others that I try to prioritise and cherish this koinonia even while accomplishing the tasks that the Lord has set for me.
Going forward, I will be faithful to be the type of branch that Jesus calls me to be. It could mean being different types of branches for different purposes, but to always put my focus and trust only in my vine, my Jesus.
I will also intentionally slow down, be more present with others and enjoy deep koinonia with Jesus and others.
Reflection Questions:
1. What type of branch has Jesus called you to be?
2. How are you supporting or being supported by others to bear fruit?
3. Where and how can you grow in spiritual friendships with others?
