Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned: Disciple

Posted by Whiting on

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

Matthew 9:9

OUR HUMAN CONDITION

We are anxious, tied up in the status quo. We conform to our culture, knowing all the while that it is sick and riddled with brokenness and confusion. We walk in spiritual blindness.

Disciple

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Reflection (from Disciple)

  • The name Jesus, a derivative of Joshua, means “YWH is salvation.” Matthew wants us to know that Jesus is the Messiah, the culmination and climax of salvation history.
  • Jesus made an absolute demand. When he said, “Follow me,” he meant leaving something or someone or some place behind. To obey meant to walk into the unknown unencumbered–ready to listen, to learn, to witness, to serve. The word disciple means “learner.”
  • The first word in Jesus’ ministry was the word repent. Repent means not only to confess and be sorry for your sins but also, more importantly, to turn around. Repentance means to change directions, have a new way of thinking and living, lead a new life.
  • Receiving forgiveness and new direction, disciples then extend forgiveness to other daily and forever. So repentance speaks of new beginnings and of continually fresh commitments to the ways of God.
  • The disciples are not just “to be.” They are called “to do.” The community of faith is thrust into mission.
  • Jesus not only heals, cleanses, forgives, but guides and trains the disciples to follow his lead.
  • The kingdom of God, like Israel, is not a place of isolation. Bible religion is not solitary, between you and God only. Bible salvation is corporate. We live out our faith in community, not all by ourselves.
  • Relationships are more important than rituals.
  • Disciples accept Christ’s call to radical discipleship.

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Matthew 4:17

The kingdom of God is not just a place! It is a situation where God’s will is done! Repentance is turning around. Repentance is turning away from the dark and towards God.

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“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:15-16

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