disciples – Be Still…

Read Mark 10:32-34

Jesus gives his disciples a little more detail about what is going to happen to him. Jesus is doing his best to prepare them so that when the time comes, they aren’t blindsided or overtaken by fear.

What did you notice about this passion prediction? Jesus was walking ahead of them, leading the way to Jerusalem. I’m sure all of them knew the way, but the text lets us know that Jesus is out front. Jesus knows exactly what he is walking into when they get to Jerusalem, and this is his third attempt to get his followers to understand, too.

Matthew 4:18-22 – Follow Me

Read Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus said, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” What if he said that to you? Have you ever fished for people? You may recall another translation, becoming “fishers of men.” Still, the notion of fishing for people seems out of the ordinary. What was happening here is Jesus was offering these fishermen an invitation to follow him.

What was their response? “Not today, I’m too busy.” “I can’t follow you right now, I can’t leave my father.” No! They dropped everything and followed Jesus. That may seem a little crazy to us. For me, I would want to tie up some loose ends or at least know where I was going. But these men did not hesitate.

Luke 8:1-21 – Good Soil

Read Luke 8:1-21

There are several things going on in today’s reading. While my focus will be mainly on the parable, I wanted to also point out a couple other observations.

The reference to women following Jesus seems to be just sort of stuck in between things. But the message should be huge. In the culture and day, women were not allowed to learn from rabbis. Because Jesus welcomed them and allowed them in his close circle of followers, that shows all people are equal in God’s eyes. Women are still today asserting their strength and voice after feeling second class to men. We should all only worry about the most important relationship of all, with our Creator, Savior and Guide. If we hear and obey, we are all part of God’s family. Jesus offers us all an intimate relationship with him.

Did the “good soil” parable speak to you differently today? Jesus does a very good job of using this parable to separate the different people who hear his word. We have the “path” people, the “rock” people, the “thorn” people and the “good soil” people. Which one describes you the best? Continue reading “Luke 8:1-21 – Good Soil”

Luke 6:12-19 – Apostles & Disciples

Read Luke 6:12-19

Here’s Luke’s account of Jesus’ big reveal of those twelve chosen to be the closest to him. These twelve would see it all, up close and personal. What an honor to be chosen. Many are following and coming to know Jesus, but these twelve, apostles, would be the inner circle.

But how did he do it? How did Jesus know who to select? He prayed. His prayer could have been something like, “Father, help me discern your will. Who are those followers of mine who will withstand the persecution and will stay faithful no matter what? Who do you want me to select, Father?

Powerful. Over the years being part of ministry teams and groups, it was always our practice to pray before a meeting, a rehearsal, or before any sort of planning session. Why? We wanted God to be part of our plan. We needed God’s input for our plan to work.

Looking back, I see many plans of man that failed. We prayed, but in some instances, it wasn’t God’s timing. We’d encounter roadblocks that could only be moved by the hand of God. It just didn’t happen. In those times, we often wonder where is God, and why isn’t he blessing “our” plans. While it’s hard to admit “our” plans are not always God’s plans, the sooner we can accept that, the easier it is to move on and find God’s perfect will for us.

There is a distinction here between apostles and disciples. We always talk about Jesus’ 12 disciples, and then name them off. Technically speaking, we are ALL disciples or followers of Jesus. The twelve that he chose are those specifically called “apostles.” The word, apostle, has a more general sense of those being called or sent, as ambassadors or missionaries. It is common for Christians to distinguish the twelve as apostles, also to include Paul, the author of many of the epistles in the New Testament.

What is important for us to realize is that WE are disciples. So long as we are followers of Jesus, we are his disciples. However, with that comes the responsibility to proclaim the gospel. A true disciple will not hide or feel any sort of shame. A disciple may question and wrestle with God, and a disciple may face adversity. There is evil in this world trying to take control, and disciples tend to be the first target. A disciple of Jesus will stand in faith.

So how do we stay strong? Grow. We need to continue to fill our minds with thoughts of God and his positive, life transforming truth. Staying connected to other believers and devoting time daily to the consumption of Biblical truth will give us superhuman strength when we need it.

As Jesus showed us in the wilderness a couple readings ago, he called upon the truths of Scripture to keep him strong. We have that, too. We just need to make that a priority so we can be the best disciples ever.

Let’s pray. Father God, forgive me for not always relying on you and your strength. Fill me with a new passion to seek you, learn from your truth, and be fearless to stand up for you and to promote you to the world. Help me be a disciple of integrity and grace. Speak through me so that others will hear and be moved to follow you. May my words be your words to give hope. Clear away the garbage of my past that often invades my head and heart. Cleanse me and use me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Luke 5:1-11 – Follow Me

Read Luke 5:1-11

Does it take a miracle to follow Jesus? For some it may, and for others they will buy in because of the love and acceptance. Here in today’s story, we see a miracle, probably witnessed by many.

Picture the scene. Jesus had been teaching a huge crowd down by the lake. They were probably closing in, trying to hear better. Jesus sees an empty boat and all but “escapes” out into the water to preach to them from there. Perhaps his voice would also carry well.

Jesus used this then as a teachable moment for Peter, James and John. It is obvious from Simon’s words that he was familiar with Jesus as he called him “Master” and later “Lord.” Continue reading “Luke 5:1-11 – Follow Me”