Choosing disciples
by Pastor Jim Strelan
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You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last (John 15:16b).
Read John 15:12–27
The usual thing in Jesus’ day was for would-be students to seek out a rabbi, but in Jesus’ case, he chose his students. And he chose them for a purpose – to make a difference in the world. There’s an interesting thing in the original Greek text here. Jesus says, ‘I chose you’. It is possible to translate what follows in two ways: 1) in order that you might bear fruit or 2) with the result that you might bear fruit. Both are true. The disciples are chosen to bear fruit. And because Jesus chose them, fruit-bearing will follow.
Yesterday’s devotion talked about being connected. When we are connected to Jesus (the Vine), fruit-bearing happens. It’s the nature of the connection. One of the fruits that follow is love. How will people know who Jesus’ disciples are? By the love that flows out of being chosen (John 13:35).
These words are, first of all, specifically for Jesus’ called disciples but then can also apply to us. A student would choose a rabbi because they had certain qualities the student thought would best fit their need. Jesus chooses disciples simply because that’s what he decides to do. But there is empowerment in that choice. An enabling. Fruit emanates. That means you. If everything depended on our choosing, we could never be sure whether we had been sincere enough, genuine enough or committed enough. But when we know that Jesus does the choosing, and accompanying that choosing is the outcome of fruit-bearing, that is something we can be sure of – and excited about. He chooses you. Yes, you. And the fruit will follow.
If you ever feel inadequate, like you just don’t have what it takes, know that there is One who is most adequate. And he chooses you to be his disciple.
Thank you, Jesus, for choosing me and enabling me to bear fruit. Help me to keep looking away from myself and my shortcomings and hold on to you. Amen.
Pastor Jim is a retired pastor living on Brisbane Northside. He served in Papua New Guinea and as school pastor in several schools and congregations with schools. Jim is married to Ruth, and they have three children and seven grandchildren, who Jim loves unconditionally. He loves to share the gospel as simply and clearly as he can.
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