I suggested at the beginning of this week that Jesus’ tough talk to his new recruits may have been a way of pruning them, or helping them do the kind of pruning of themselves that would make them more fruitful. At the end of his time with them in earthly form, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine to tell his disciples about staying connected to him and to each other. He isn’t just talking about the vine. He is also talking about grapes, and how a healthy system can produce much fruit. He tells them he has chosen them for a purpose:
“You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.”
Chosen. Let's dwell on that word for a moment; let's claim that identity. Jesus has just said, “I no longer call you servants, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends…”
His followers received a big status upgrade, and we’re grafted into their apostleship as Christ-followers ourselves. At those times when we might question our value or our reach, we can remember, “Oh yeah, I was chosen by Jesus, who calls me friend.” How might carrying that knowledge change the way we move and interact with the world?
And appointed. Jesus says he appointed us to bear fruit that will last. Our identity comes with a purpose, a purpose which the Holy Spirit helps us fulfill. What do you think your life's purpose is? Some think it’s to care for their family, or make a good living, or stand for justice… What is yours?
Does it change anything to be reminded that Jesus has a purpose for you beyond what you may have for yourself? And that it is simply to bear fruit? That means participating in God’s mission to reclaim, restore and renew all of creation to wholeness – whenever and however the opportunity arises to do that. When we are about the ministry of justice and compassion, exercising healing and peace-making in the power of the Holy Spirit, there will be fruit, and it is fruit that will last, whether or not we get to see the full outcome. We need to hang on to that promise in times when it may feel like two steps forward, three steps back. If we’re moving with God in the power of the Spirit, the fruit will last.
The most visible fruit, Jesus suggest, is our love for one another. Whether or not we like his language, Jesus was talking about how to love well in those harsh teachings we’ve looked at this week. He was talking about faithfulness and generosity in relationships. If we can learn to love with such integrity as Jesus both commends and commands, that could change the course of the whole world.
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