How does John 15:8 connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene • John 15:8: “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.” • Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Fruitfulness Defines Discipleship • Jesus links “much fruit” with authentic discipleship (John 15:8). • The Great Commission defines that same authentic discipleship as reproducing disciples who obey Jesus. • In other words, bearing fruit = making obedient followers of Christ. Making Disciples Is the Primary Fruit • The word “fruit” in John 15 includes character (Galatians 5:22-23) but also influence—lives transformed through the gospel (Colossians 1:6). • Matthew 28 specifies what that outward fruit looks like: – Going to people who don’t yet know Christ. – Baptizing them—public identification with Jesus. – Teaching them to obey everything He commanded—lifelong growth. • When those steps happen, the branch (believer) has produced visible, lasting fruit. Glorifying the Father Through Multiplication • John 15:8 says the Father is glorified when fruit is borne. • The Commission shows that the Father’s glory expands “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) as disciples multiply. • Every new disciple is another life praising the Father—exactly what Jesus said brings glory. Abiding and Going—Two Sides of One Coin • John 15 centers on abiding in Christ; Matthew 28 centers on going for Christ. • We cannot go effectively unless we first abide (John 15:5, “apart from Me you can do nothing”). • Conversely, true abiding inevitably sends us out, because the life of the Vine flows outward in mission. Practical Takeaways • Stay connected: prioritize daily fellowship with Jesus so the Vine’s life can produce fruit. • See people differently: every relationship becomes soil where gospel fruit can grow. • Aim for obedience: disciple-making is not complete until learners obey all Jesus commanded. • Trust His presence: the Commission’s “I am with you always” echoes the Vine’s constant supply. • Measure success biblically: evaluate ministry not by numbers alone but by the quality of disciples who bear more fruit in turn. |
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