Our Gospel this week is John 15:9-17, taken today from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).
Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another.
Jesus has a mission for us. He tells the disciples “I chose you and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit” (v. 16). He has called us to carry on the work He started, sharing God’s love and His desire for us to be connected to Him.
It is amazing that He would trust us to continue the work of the kingdom in His name. We may feel we are unworthy or incapable of doing what Jesus does, but He calls us friends and reminds us He has shared the Father’s will with us. Later, He promises God’s Holy Spirit will come to strengthen and encourage us.
What an awesome responsibility we have been given! While it may seem overwhelming, God has gifted us that we may be able to accomplish the call we receive. We are not alone in this work, Christ is with us in all we do.
Heavenly Father, we find it hard to believe You want us as part of Your plan. Bless us to go in Your name, sharing the love You give and the joy of our eternal connection. Amen.