Friday, January 18, 2008
Requirements for Discipleship
Some have felt that they cannot enter discipleship since they cannot preach, give Bible studies or do some great feat for the Master. This is not so. Any one who is willing and who answers the call can do discipleship. Jesus references giving just a cup of cold water in His name or visiting the sick or those in prison. Your discipleship might involve living a consistent life that makes an impression on someone for Jesus. Don't forget that all Jael had was a nail that she used for the Master. Samson had the jawbone of an ass; Dorcas had a needle; Moses had a rod; David had a sling and some stones; the widow had a mite. What do you have? It is not the big things that matter most. It is your willingness to be used by the Master in whatever way He chooses to do whatever He wants. We should also not forget God's biddings are enabling. When God calls, God equips. So willing surrender to be used by God and you are on your way of discipleship.
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2 comments:
What an interesting lesson study we are having this quarter. I however am finding it very difficult to understand what you mean by discipleship. Here are my few questions: Is everyone called to be a disciple or is it a special calling to a specific people? Jesus had 12 disciples ONLY - does it mean these were the only people who were following Jesus? (we also read of the 70; that makes them 82).
I am an ordinary Christian (Adventist ofcourse), not a pastor or schooler - can I be a disciple or am I a disciple? But I have not left my job. I am still fixing computers (thats my profession). I read about Peter and Andrew leaving their nets to follow Jesus. Matthew left the tax booth. Zacheas after repenting we don't read of him being one of the disciples but I am sure he became one of the strong followers of Jesus. There are many other examples including Mary Magdalene whom we read even after the death of Jesus as being one of those who witnessed the resurrected Christ - but never as a disciple. May be I am reading too much into what it means to be a disciple but I tend to differ with the perception that EVERYONE can be a disciple. Yes we all ought to be Christians but to be a disciple NO. Just like during Jesus' time there were many people who followed him but not all were CALLED to be disciples. Remember one of the attributes of discipleship is to be CALLED. We read of quite a few who refused to follow and become disciples.
Visiting the sick and feeding the hungry does not make one a disciple; it makes one Christian.
Let me know whats your take.
Hi Lloyd:
I am happy that you are enjoying the lessons. The definition for discipleship that we are using is that a disciple is a learner from and a follower of Jesus. The task of discipleship is for those who are called to follow Jesus and learn from Him.
There were more than 12 disciples and more than 70. The Bible refers to the 120 (Acts 1:15). Paul makes reference to 500 in 1 Cor 15:6).
If you look carefully at Mark 3:13-19, you will see the layers of disciples surrounding Jesus. On the mountain, he called to Him those whom He would. They had to have been called from a larger group. From this group that He called, He chose the twelve whom He ordained and named Apostles (Mark 3:13-14). The Gospel writers called them the 12 disciples or they are referred to as the 12 Apostles but there were more than 12 who followed Jesus.
Those who followed Jesus back then were ordinary people. Jesus is not seeking extra-ordinary people. He is seeking committed followers who now, like then, are willing to follow Him, learn from Him, and follow His bidding. Please note that the Bible does not give us details on all the disciples but that does not mean they were not faithful.
The lessons are predicated on the idea that many, perhaps too many, are comfortable with membership and are not giving attention to discipleship. The Gospel commission in Matthew 28 involves all of us and to that extent we all can be on the way of disciple-ship fulfilling that commission. All those on the way of discipleship are not required to preach or give Bible studies. We can fulfill our discipleship by doing the little things Jesus spoke about--the giving a cup of cold water, visiting the sick or those in hospitals or prisons, clothing the naked, writing a note to cheer someone, writing a letter, studying with someone who cannot read or who has lost their sight, etc. These qualify for discipleship
If you are near an Adventist Book Center and you can get one of the companion books, Called To Discipleship, you will find it very helpful. It gives more that you have in the Bible Study Guide.
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