Female Disciples?

Female disciples of Jesus? Did Jesus have female disciples? Well, this week's lesson explores this idea. The first item of note and interest, in this regards, is the statement in Luke 8:1-3 that says women accompanied Jesus on his missionary tour. It even names them. Yet, Luke is not alone in this admission. Both Matthew and Mark do the same thing, though they tuck theirs away in the events that transpired while Jesus was on the way to the cross, giving it only a passing reference. See Matthew 27:55-56 and Mark 15:40-41. One must remember that following implies discipleship.

Second, contemporary disciples can learn much from Mary, the mother of Jesus. As a matter of fact, she can be a model for contemporary discipleship. Her Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55, makes powerful statements about social justice and identifies at least three revolutions--moral, social, and economic--that God's actions will bring about. Her words are instructive for discipleship. I would encourage us to study them and learn from them. She seemed to have understood some things that some of us still have not yet learned 2000 years later.

Luke 10:38-42 presents two more female disciples--Mary and Martha. Here we will only look at the former. She is said to have sat at the feet of Jesus. This is not an insignificant statement and must be understood against the background that in those days learners/disciples sat at the feet of their masters, either on the floor or on lower stools than his. When the text says Mary sat at Jesus' feet, it is inviting us to understand that she was a learner/disciple of Jesus. This notion is further reinforced by the fact that the text says she was listening to His words. Yet, the most powerful statement regarding the meaning of this text is found in Acts 22:3 where Paul says he sat at the feet of Gamaliel in Jerusalem. I am sure none of us have a problem accepting that he was a student/disciple of Gamaliel. Should we then doubt the discipleship of Mary?

One final note is helpful. The first proclaimer of the resurrection and therefore of the Gospel was a woman--Mary Magdalene. She discovered the empty tomb while the men were in hiding for fear of the Jews. She proclaimed it to the men who went to verify the information. Yet, the point is that the first Christian proclaimer of the gospel was a woman. Will we follow her in proclaiming the good news to those around us? God is depending on us. Walk good my friend!

Would Be disciples

Would be disciples are not disciples so why bother with then and what can they teach about discipleship? Well, it is true that they are not disciples but it is not true that we cannot learn anything from them. In fact, we can learn a lot. At the very least, we can see the obstacles that they had to their discipleship and avoid their mistakes. Also, we can see what it is that the Lord required of them and how that became obstacles to derail their discipleship journey.

One interesting thing about these stories is that they cause us to think. Some of us have felt that Jesus was very hard on some of these would be disciples, especially the unnamed one who wanted to first bury his father before committing to discipleship. Yet, we must not forget that these individuals volunteered. Why would they have done so if they were not willing to commit to discipleship? When we get to the root of the matter, it appears that these individuals had a problem that has become a bit issue in our age. They wanted to belong, but they did not want to commit. Lack of commitment is a curse of our age. Some young men want to say, "This is my girl, but they are not willing to make the commitment that would make that a reality. Even so, would be disciples wanted to belong to Jesus but were unwilling to make the commitment of belonging. What we must learn here is that there can be no discipleship without commitment to belong to Jesus and to follow His bidding.

Another interesting point is that when we look carefully at the cases involved, we see that there were no legitimate reasons why these individuals could not commit. They made excuses not in some cases were not even valid. Jesus read through them and saw their motives. This tells me that if we do not want to do something, we should be honest and upfront about it and not settle for excuses. Others can read through our excuses and God sees and knows everything. Do you agree? My final call here is for us to commit to Jesus all the way to become exceptional disciples for his cause who are also committed to making disciples.

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.

Was Judas Called

Over the last few days, I have received a number of questions regarding whether or not Jesus actually called Judas. According to Mark 3:13-19, he was in fact called. He was in the group Jesus called out of a larger group from which he appointed the twelve. He is also listed as one of those Jesus called to be one of the twelve. For a contrary view, see Desire of Ages 293-294. I cannot find any scriptural basis for this latter position or for linking him with the young lawyer.

Though discipleship has been a topic of interest to Christians for centuries, for the first followers of Jesus discipleship was so much more than just that. For them, discipleship was the experience of following the Lord Jesus. At its core, discipleship was a relationship; one that was transforming, liberating, and empowering. And, as it was for them, so must it be for us.