Unlike the Synoptic Gospels that report the mission of the twelve (Matthew 10:5-15; Mark 3:14-15; 6:6b-13; Luke 9:2), the Gospel of John does not include the account of their actual mission to preach the good news of Jesus performing healing ministries in his name. Instead, his eleven-chosen disciples except Judas Iscariot continue to engage in a process of hearing, learning, and believing in preparation for their appointment to go and bear fruit under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 14:17, 26-27; 16:13; 20:22). In a larger context, the process of their preparation may be seen as a reflection of God’s recreation that is to restore all to the fullness of an abiding, love-relationship which Adam and Eve had enjoyed until they fell from it (Genesis 3:6).
In their preparation, the disciples come across seven personal encounters with Jesus and observe how each person or group of people responds to his invitational teaching and healing. First, seeing Jesus walking toward him, the Baptist said “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ … here is the Lamb of God!” (John 1:23, 29, 36). This appears to be the first example of “go and bear fruit” (15:16) for which Jesus appointed his disciples to carry on. Second, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was invited to stay with Jesus and to hear and learn his words. Staying with Jesus, Andrew probably listened to the words of life from Jesus that day. Then he went to Peter, made a heartfelt confession to him, and brought him to Jesus (1:41-42). Third, the next day, Jesus invited Philip to hear his words; then Philip went out and brought Nathanael to Jesus. A little later, Nathanael confessed to Jesus, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the king of Israel!” (1:49). Fourth, the story of a Samaritan woman at Sychar is a stellar example of going and bearing fruit. Jesus demonstrated his foreknowledge about her life and revealed his identity to her. She was amazed by his foreknowledge about her life, went out to meet her fellow townspeople, spread good words about Jesus, and invited them to “come and see” (4:29-30). Then what happened? With the woman, her town people came to Jesus, heard his words by themselves, and believed in Jesus. Fifth, in the meantime, Jesus’ disciples came back to Jesus and saw what was done through the woman. The disciples heard and learned how a Samaritan woman participated in the work of bearing fruit in the fields that are ripe for the harvest. Jesus said to his disciples, “Look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. … I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor” (4:35b-38). Jesus was preparing his disciples to go out and bear fruit. Sixth, a man born blind is a courageous man who testified to Jesus for the glory of God (9:1-12). The man obeyed Jesus’ words “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” and then received his sight on a Sabbath day. The man was brought in twice before the Pharisees, and they reviled him against how he was healed. But he said, “God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will” (9:31). Seventh, Peter finds himself challenged by three consecutive questions of Jesus yet to restore an undivided, unbeatable love-relationship with Jesus. These encounters may be seen as the signs of God’s recreation in which the ultimate love relationship is to be recreated and embraced in all those who abide in Jesus and whom he calls his friends.
Would you find yourself in one of the seven individual encounters? Does your life reflect on some of what they have demonstrated? These individuals are only a few examples of going and bearing fruit which the Evangelist presented in his gospel to invite others to Jesus and to help them live a life in his name” (20:30-31). Figure 15.3 shows a symbolic diagram that describes how the work of God’s recreation expands in the response of every branch through personal encounters or personal testimony to Jesus; each branch abides in the true vine abides and connects with other branches while they love one another. Refer to Fig. 10.3 for a schematic presentation of the expansion of the true light overcoming the darkness (1:5, 9).
Every branch is to connect mutually with other branches that abide in the true vine just as believers are to love one another in their abiding love-relationship with Jesus. Years ago, a church had a special evening musical event to raise funds and help the less fortunate children in the community followed by a fellowship meal. The fellowship hall was filled with church families and visitors who attended this Christmas event. Everyone seemed to have a great time, talking, sharing their stories, and celebrating the good cause of the event. Later, most people left for home; their empty plates and trash remained behind. When the pastor went to the kitchen area, a lady was washing dishes piled up high in and around the kitchen sink. He said to her, “Thank you so much for doing this.” She replied immediately, “This is my ministry! I have done this before.” It was an unexpected response and yet a memorable experience that accompanies the significance of her willing service. Her statement affirms that every place and time can be an opportunity to serve God by serving others.
(John: Loving Jesus and Keeping His Word, pp. 560-561)