You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit . . .1
What fruit is referred to in this metaphor? Is it the fruit of the Spirit or disciples? Scrutinize what the fruit of the Spirit is. The fruit of the Spirit is love . . .2 It is simply being; a result of the sanctifying work of the Spirit. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.3 A healthy tree that is nourished by rich soil simply produces fruit. In contrast, observe how John repeatedly writes the phrase bear more fruit and bears much fruit;4 likewise, note the operative verbs abide, do, and go—If you abide in me . . .By this my Father is glorified that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.5 You are my friends if you do what I command you.6 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and your fruit should abide, . . .7
It helps to know what a disciple does. [Jesus] said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets and followed him,8 Also, what Jesus commanded. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . . , teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”9
As leaders, trickier is whom do you empower to disciple others? Not everyone will respond as it is God that calls. Fortunately, there are telltale signs. Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”10
What is the message? And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.11 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. . .12 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things and in him all things hold together. . . .13 Jesus is our high priest.14 . . . let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross . . .15 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.16
Another telltale sign of life is hunger. Thus, traditionally, we empower those who are faithful, available, involved, teachable, and hungry. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, . . .17
Notes:
1. John 15:16
2. Galatians 5:22-23
3. John 17:17
4. John 15:2, 5, 8
5. John 15:7-8
6. John 15:14
7. John 15:16
8. Matthew 4:19-20
9. Matthew 28:18-20
10. John 8:47
11. John 17:3
12. Hebrews 1:1-3
13. Colossians 1:15-20
14. Hebrews 4:14-16
15. Hebrews 12:1-2
16. John 14:6
17. Colossians 1:21-23
