+DEV+ The Big Picture

Date: March 29, 2011 2:55 AM
Topic: +DEV+ The Big Picture

The Big Picture

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
Scripture Focus: John 15:1-8

The main difference between education and discipleship is perspective. In education, we start with the pieces and assemble the big picture. In discipleship, we start with the big picture and then apply it to the parts.

For example, children start with arithmetic. We wouldn't expect them to study physics first. They must understand the pieces of the universe before they can see the big picture. But in discipleship we start with a big concept like this: Our Redeemer Jesus is the source of everything we need. Then we learn how that bathes each part of our lives.

Discipleship (being students of the Word) develops habits which we can use when problems arise. Instead of starting with the parts of the problem and trying to sort them out, our habit should be to start with the big picture. As Jesus put it, "I am the vine; you are the branches." No one tries to grow grapes by assembling the fruit first. We know that grapes come out of a healthy vine. Start with His perspective and then approach the details.

Insight: Jesus is the source of everything we need. Our nourishment and growth come out of His vibrant love for us.