Joel M Bradshaw

 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide…–John 15 (with emphasis)

Jesus told the 12 that day that they were not the choosers, but instead were the chosen. Their existence as followers of Jesus was because Jesus chose them before they ever chose him. Paul later used similar chronology with the Ephesian Christians using a form of the Greek word in John.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight… (Ephesians 1:3-4a, with emphasis)

Jesus chooses people intentionally for a purpose. He appoints them. This Greek word was later used by Paul, as well. I underlined the translation.

For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. (1 Corinthians 3:9-10)

1. You are a follower of Jesus because Jesus first chose you as His follower. You are chosen and loved on purpose. Your life has a grand story that began in the choice of God.
2. You have a unique purpose in life centered in Jesus. In this chapter, Jesus talked about remaining in the vine and bearing fruit. Your bearing fruit for Jesus is the central way you give Him glory as His follower.–JMB