You did not choose me, but I chose you…
-John 15:16 (NIV)
I’ll never forget the days of playing kickball in elementary school. The actual game was fun of course, but in a way the ultimate moment was when one of the team captains scans the crowd, points at you, and says, “I choose… You.” In that instant, it’s as if they’re saying, “I want you on my team. I believe we can do this together.”
There’s just something special about being chosen.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus reminds his disciples that despite what they may think, he actually chose them. To be clear, he’s not saying that we don’t play a role in following Christ. In the end, the final choice is ours to make. Jesus’ point though was that if he didn’t choose us first — choose to love us, choose to die for us, choose to invite us to live with him eternally — then we wouldn’t have a choice to make in the first place. His decision opens the door for our decision.
So Jesus has chosen us today too, calling us to follow his example, live for him, and show his love to the whole world. Well, that sounds good on paper, but living the Christian life is tough. There are temptations and distractions and annoying people. And what if he’s calling us to do the scary stuff? Quitting our job and going into ministry… Going on a mission trip to a country who doesn’t speak English… Sharing with our co-worker/family member/neighbor about the life-changing story of Christ. Honestly, is it really possible?
Jesus thinks so.
The fact of the matter is you don’t choose someone that you don’t believe in. Whether it’s kickball or discipleship, it just doesn’t make sense.
Jesus has hand-selected you. He wants you on his team. Jesus believes we can do this together.
