The Narrow Way

In John 15:16, Jesus imparts a profound truth to His disciples, revealing that they have been chosen and appointed to bear lasting fruit.

This verse encapsulates the essence of our divine calling and underscores the purposeful nature of our lives as followers of Christ. Let us delve into the depth of this verse and explore its profound implications for our walk with God.

Context:

John 15 records Jesus’ discourse with His disciples during the Last Supper, where He uses the analogy of the vine and branches to illustrate the intimate connection believers have with Him. In this chapter, Jesus emphasizes the importance of abiding in Him and the fruitful outcomes that result from this abiding relationship.

John 15:16:

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

This verse highlights the sovereign initiative of Jesus in selecting His disciples and entrusting them with a significant task: to bear fruit that endures. It emphasizes the purposeful nature of their calling and the divine enablement provided by Jesus Himself.

Application to Our Daily Lives:

1. Embracing Our Identity in Christ: We embrace our identity as chosen and appointed by Christ, recognizing that our lives have been uniquely ordained for the purpose of bearing fruit for God’s kingdom.

2. Pursuing Fruitfulness in Every Area: We pursue fruitfulness in every area of our lives, seeking to reflect the character of Christ and manifest His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

3. Abiding in Christ through Prayer and Scripture: We abide in Christ through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and cultivating a deep, intimate relationship with Him, knowing that apart from Him, we can do nothing.

4. Engaging in Kingdom Work: We engage in kingdom work, actively participating in God’s redemptive mission by sharing the Gospel, making disciples, and serving others with humility and love.

5. Trusting in God’s Provision: We trust in God’s provision and guidance as we fulfill our calling, knowing that He equips and empowers us to accomplish His purposes according to His will.

6. Persevering in Faithfulness: We persevere in faithfulness, remaining steadfast and obedient to Christ’s commands, even in the face of trials, opposition, and adversity.

7. Praying with Confidence: We pray with confidence, knowing that our requests aligned with God’s will, and motivated by a desire to bear fruit for His glory, will be granted according to His abundant grace and mercy.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on John 15:16, let us embrace the reality of being chosen and appointed by Christ for the purpose of bearing lasting fruit.

May we walk in the fullness of our divine calling, abiding in Christ, and yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, so that our lives may bring glory to God and advance His kingdom on earth.