John 15:1-8. 

On this day in 1901, Gustav Mahler performed his fourth symphony in Munich, Germany. On the same day in 1909, Sergei Rachmaninoff premiered his Piano Concerto No. 3 in New York. On this very day, November 28, 2025, the words of Jesus declaring himself as the Vine play for us as beautiful a tune as Mahler or Rachmaninoff could have ever hoped to produce.

This passage sings to us! It’s a melody of vines, branches, fruit, and abiding, reminding us that we are helpless without Christ. We hear the grand crescendo and decrescendo of “remaining and also of being cut off.” We hear the pianissimo woodwind tones of abiding and good fruit bearing. The deep tones of brass with fortissimo remind us that apart from Jesus we can do nothing.

The Master (Maestro) Gardener is conducting us into a strong assurance that He loves us and wants the best for us, but we must abide in His love. We then hear the grand finale, reminding us that we are utterly dependent on Jesus for the life He alone can and wants to provide so that His joy may be in us and that that joy may be complete! Just listen to that incredible tune today by the Grand Maestro.

Author: Matt Zimmer