You know, sometimes we read a verse, and it just… sits there. Like a beautiful, polished stone. John 15:16 is one of those for me. "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last." It’s powerful, no doubt, but what does it really mean for us, day to day?
When Jesus says, "I chose you," it’s not just a casual selection. Think about it – he was deliberately picking individuals, not based on their resumes or their popularity, but with a specific purpose in mind. It’s a profound reminder that our faith isn't accidental; it's a divine invitation, a calling. This isn't about us finding God; it's about God finding us, reaching out, and saying, "You. I have something for you to do."
And that something? "To go and bear fruit—fruit that will last." This is where it gets really interesting. What kind of fruit are we talking about? It’s not about accumulating possessions or achieving worldly accolades. The context of John's Gospel, and Jesus' teachings throughout, points to a fruit that reflects the character of God: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). It’s about the transformation that happens within us, and how that transformation then spills out into the world around us.
This fruit isn't fleeting. "Fruit that will last" suggests something enduring, something that has a lasting impact. It’s about making a difference that echoes beyond our own lifespan, touching lives and leaving a legacy of faith and love. It’s about living a life that, by its very nature, points others towards the source of that fruit – Jesus himself.
So, when you encounter John 15:16, don't just see it as a theological statement. See it as a personal commission. It’s Jesus looking at you, right now, and saying, "I chose you. Now, go and be the embodiment of my love, my truth, my hope in the world. Go and bear fruit that truly matters."
