Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. – John 15:4–5 (NIV)
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of watching The Thorn, a live performance depicting the passion of Christ. Told from the perspective of John—the beloved apostle, now an old exile on the island of Patmos—we were transported back in time as the elder John speaks tenderly to his younger self:
“If I could tell you what I know now, it would be this: stick with Jesus, John. Stick with Jesus, no matter what.”
At that moment, I wasn’t just nodding in agreement—I had tears streaming down my face.
As we grow older, life doesn’t necessarily get easier. In fact, we become more aware of our own humanity and frailty. Yet one truth remains unshakeable: Jesus never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He sticks with us through every season, every trial, and every tear.
Reflecting on the advice of the older John to his younger self, I’m reminded to do the same—to stick with Jesus until the end. Because in the words of one of the wisest people I know:
“The worst day of your life, with Jesus by your side, is better than your best day without Him.”
So if there’s one thing I could leave you with today, it’s this: stick with Jesus—no matter what.
Rising with the Son 