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| Discipleship
Introduction
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| INTRODUCTION Christian Discipleship 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. A disciple is a person who has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, committed himself or herself to a growing relationship with God, and by the Holy Spirit is integrating the Lordship of Jesus into every area of daily life. Disciples are committed to being responsible members of the church through active and consistent participation in mission, and they are moved by the internal motivation of God's Spirit.  Discipleship can be viewed from varying perspectives. First, it can be examined with respect to the historical situation in which the Master and His disciples interacted. Second, it can be judged from the viewpoint of the nature of the Christian life. In order for us to grasp the character and meaning of Christian discipleship, both these approaches must be captured.
The theme Christian discipleship implies a discipleship different from others. Though the first century had many disciple-gathering teachers who were revered and whose styles of instruction were venerated, Christian discipleship speaks to a specific mode of discipleship. Because a Christian is an imitator of Jesus, and because a disciple is a follower, Christian discipleship is, then, the kind of discipleship that involves following, even imitating, Jesus. Discipleship also can be viewed from two different levels: (1) that of the first disciples of Jesus, and (2) that of His subsequent ones. When one thinks of discipleship as it relates to Jesus and His followers, several questions arise. What must it have been like to have Jesus call, teach, and train you for discipleship? What must it have been like to watch Jesus in action and to learn from His example? On the other hand, and in some ways more relevant to us now, what does discipleship entail for Christians living so many centuries removed from the time when Jesus lived and taught? What does discipleship entail for Christ's disciples in the twenty-first century? What does discipleship involve for people who live in a society radically different from where Jesus and His first disciples lived? In this quarter's Bible study guide, we will look at discipleship as an experience between Jesus and those He called to apprenticeship with Him. We will explore what is involved in discipleship and who is truly a disciple. We will also examine the process of becoming a disciple and the major characteristics of discipleship. We will compare Jesus' discipleship with that of other disciple-gathering teachers. Additionally, we will look at such questions as would-be disciples, gender and discipleship, ethnicity and discipleship, instructions for discipleship, and discipleship under pressure. In short, we will consider what we need to be modern-day disciples living in what we believe is close to the second coming of Jesus. Betram Melbourne, our principal contributor, is a native of Jamaica. At the time of this writing, he was interim dean of the Howard University School of Divinity in Washington, DC. He is married and has three grown children.
Contents: (all lessons may not be posted)
Giardina Sabbath School Study Helps Jerry Giardina of Pecos, Texas, assisted by his wife, Cheryl, prepares a series of helps to accompany the Sabbath School lesson. He includes all related scripture and most EGW quotations. Jerry has chosen the "New King James Version" of the scriptures this quarter. It is used with permission. The study helps are provided in three wordprocessing versions Wordperfect; Microsoft Word; RTF for our MAC friends (this is now a zip file); and HTML (Web Pages).
Last updated on November 30, 2007 Editorial Office: 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
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An Overview of Discipleship
(John 1, Matthew 4, 16 & 20, Mark 8)
Discipleship: Lesson 1
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/484.php>
Introduction: Last week we finished our series of lessons on suffering. We ended with a call to reflect Jesus' love and sacrifice for us in our dealings with others. What could lead more naturally into our new series of lessons on discipleship? What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? What examples do we have? What should motivate us to be a disciple? Let's dive into this study on discipleship and begin to learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus!
The First Disciples
Read John 1:19-20. Who were the Jewish leaders anticipating? (They were looking for the Messiah to come. When John the Baptist created a stir in the nation, they sent representatives to determine whether he was the Christ, the Messiah.)
What does that suggest about the mood of the Jewish nation at that point in time?
Read John 1:23-27. What was John's relationship to the Messiah? (He was not the Messiah, he was preparing the way for the Messiah to come.)
Read John 1:29-31. Who did John the Baptist identify as the Messiah? (Jesus.)
Read John 1:35-37. With this background, tell me what you think motivated these two disciples to change allegiance from John to Jesus? (They heard John say Jesus was the "Lamb of God" - which meant He was the Messiah. They wanted to follow the Messiah, not the one who was preparing the way for the Messiah.)
Read John 1:40-41. Who seems to be motivating the switch of allegiance? Who is the moving force? (The disciples themselves.)
Read Matthew 4:18-20. What different light does Matthew put on this? (Jesus called Andrew and Peter to be disciples. It is clear from John's background that the two already believed that Jesus was the Messiah. Thus, this was not a blind agreement to follow just any fellow.)
What task did Jesus offer Andrew and Peter?
What do you think they thought this role would mean? If Jesus was the Messiah, what would it mean to be "fishers of men?"
Read Matthew 4:21-22. What did discipleship with Jesus require? (The text notes that they left their occupation without hesitation and they also left their father.)
Read Mark 1:20. Was their father, Zebedee, left helpless? (Mark adds the important point that Zebedee had help. Apparently, this was a successful fishing company.)
In the previous verses, we saw that Jesus clearly called James and John. What do you think motivated them to leave so readily? Even leave their father?
Read Matthew 20:20-22. What answer does this suggest?
Read Acts 1:1-6. Note that this text takes place after Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. What seems to have generally motivated the disciples to follow Jesus? (Self-glory.)
There is no doubt in my mind that the disciples followed Jesus in part (you decide how large a part) based on their belief that He was the Messiah and they would be getting in on the ground floor of the great new kingdom that Jesus would establish on earth. Do you think God intended to use that motivation to attract disciples?
If so, what do you think of such motivation?
How much of your motivation to do good works is based on hope of self-glory?
Read Mark 8:31-32. Why do you think Peter rebuked Jesus? (Peter did not want Jesus saying that Jesus would be killed. Jesus was the Messiah who would set up a grand kingdom on earth.)
Read Mark 8:33-35. Jesus now rebukes Peter. What is the reason why Jesus rebuked Peter? (Jesus says that self-sacrifice is the key to following Jesus.)
Stop and think carefully about this. Is this a bait and switch? Did Jesus appeal in His call for discipleship to self-promotion? Does He now deny that motivation?
Why does the Bible (Revelation 21) talk about all the gold and precious stones in the New Jerusalem?
What does the motivation of the disciples teach us, if anything?
Read Matthew 16:26-27. Is the explanation found here? If so, can you explain it? (It is a fact that Jesus appeals to our self-interest. However, the Christian disciple's approach to serving his own self-interest is different than the approach of the world. We advance our self-interest by advancing the interests of others.)
Read Luke 18:10-13. Is this a variation on what Peter said to Jesus? Do you see this kind of thing in your church? In the church down the road?
Is there a more subtle way of saying this that goes on in your church? That goes on with you?
What did Jesus think about this kind of behavior? (Read Luke 18:14.)
Wait a minute! Did Jesus prescribe a way to be exalted?
What should you conclude about the proper motivation for discipleship? (God appeals to us to follow Him based on a benefit to us. He appeals to our desire for self-glory. But, when we dig deeper into what it means to truly be a disciple, we find that self-sacrifice is the key to our ultimate benefit.)
Is this just a formula? Just a matter of getting the correct order to things? For example, if I say (like the Pharisee) "I'm great and the rest of you are slobs," that would be the wrong way to be exalted. But, if I'm smart I say, "You are great, I'm a slob and unworthy." That would be the correct thing to say to have Jesus exalt me. Is that the lesson here? (These are not mere words, not a mere formula. Jesus is looking for an attitude among His disciples of self-sacrifice. But it is self-sacrifice with the (permissible) goal of ultimate glory.)
The Nature of Discipleship
Read Luke 14:25-26. Jesus is teaching what it means to be a disciple. How does this sound to you?
Does Jesus literally mean what He is saying? If so, does this mean that denying ourselves is a call to denying our immediate family?
If it is, why did Mark (Mark 1:20) seem to explain that John and James did not hate their father?
Read Matthew 15:4. How do you explain this text? Was Jesus just having a "bad parent day" when He said what He did about hating parents in Luke 14:25-26?
Read Matthew 10:37. What does this add to our search for what Jesus meant about hating our family? (When Jesus tells us to "hate" our family, I think He means it in the sense of "loving them less." If not, then Matthew 15:4 and Matthew 10:37 are inconsistent.)
Let's look at the context of Luke 14:25-26 to get the bigger picture. Read Luke 14:16-20. How does this story introduce Jesus' discussion about "hating" our family? How would you now understand Jesus' statement about "hating" our family?
This story about the wedding feast sounds very much like the story Jesus told in Matthew 22:1-14. Let's read in detail the last part of that story. Read Matthew 22:10-14. I'm sure that almost everyone who reads this recognizes that the "point" of this story is that we enter heaven by accepting the invitation and wearing the robe of God's righteousness, not because we are good people. What should we conclude from considering all of this? Is there a difference between being a disciple and being saved?
Are we saved merely by acknowledging Jesus as Lord and accepting His life and sacrifice on our behalf, i.e., accepting His robe of righteousness? But, being a disciple is this hard business in which you have to "hate" those who you love the most in this world?
The Bible Exposition Commentary says that a "disciple" is "a learner, one who attaches himself or herself to a teacher in order to learn a trade or subject. Perhaps our nearest modern equivalent is 'apprentice.'" Is it fair to say that when we are saved we are called to be a disciple, one who learns the way of self-sacrifice?
Or, when Jesus talks about "hating" our family and denying yourself, is He merely talking about the initial decision for salvation? Is He saying "Don't let your family or your selfish plans stand between you and accepting the invitation to the wedding and choosing to put on the robe of righteousness?
Friend, will you decide to study with us the next several weeks to find out what, exactly, it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
Next week: Discipleship Then and Now. |
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Discipleship Then and Now
(Mark 16, John 3, Revelation 14)
Discipleship: Lesson 2
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/485.php>
Introduction: You have probably heard more than one Christian say "I want to follow Jesus." Likely, you have said that very thing. How does that work today? In Jesus' time, the disciples literally followed Him around. What are we to do today? We learned last week that the disciples' original goal in following Jesus was self-interest. It made the disciples seem more like us! In what other ways were they like us? What about rivalry among disciples? Did that exist in the time of Jesus? Let's jump into the Bible and explore how we can be a better disciple now!
Marching Orders
If you were to look in the Bible for instructions on how to be Jesus' disciple, would you look at what Jesus instructed the twelve disciples?
The disciples were physically with Jesus. How would you modify your search to make it more relevant? (I would look for Jesus' instructions to them for a time when He would be gone.)
Let's look at such an instruction. Read Mark 16:15. What are we called upon to do if we are Jesus' disciples? (To tell the whole world the good news about Jesus.)
Would you say this was the primary work of Jesus' twelve disciples?
We spoke about the problem of Jesus not being physically present. What was the primary work of the twelve disciples when Jesus was present with them? (Jesus was teaching them about the good news. Logically, they needed to learn the good news before they could share it.)
Does that mean that we need to learn the "good news" before we start to preach it to the world?
If so, is there some substitute today for the presence of Jesus? (Read John 14:25-26. The Holy Spirit teaches us today about the good news. The disciples also recorded Jesus' words to them and we can and should read and study the Bible - asking for the Holy Spirit to help us to understand.)
Read Revelation 14:6-7. Does this mean we are out of a job? We failed to share the gospel, so angels are required to do it in the end times? (No. Two things. First, this angel is to preach the gospel "to every nation, tribe language and people." That is not a new task. That parallels the Mark 16:15 task to "preach the good news to all creation." That job was given by Jesus to His original disciples (and to us) and it is repeated in Revelation. Second, Revelation is filled with symbols. Whether the angel represents us or is a literal angel who helps us is unclear. Bottom line: this message is the task of disciples today.)
Let's continue with Jesus' instructions recorded in Mark 16. Read Mark 16:16. After we share the good news with others, what should we look for? (A reaction! People will either believe and be baptized, or disbelieve and be condemned.)
What does this suggest about our work as disciples? (Our role is to share. We leave the decision to the listener.)
Is the listener alone in making this decision? (Read John 16:7-11. Again we see the important team work of the Holy Spirit when we share the good news. We share, the Holy Spirit convicts, and the listener decides.)
Read Revelation 14:7. How does this parallel Mark 16:16? (This repeats the need for humans to make a decision because judgment is upon us.)
Does this make our role in proclaiming a judgment clearer? (Revelation 14:7 emphasizes the judgment side of things more than Mark 16:16. As the time of Jesus' Second Coming comes nearer, sharing the outcome of this choice makes the message more urgent.)
What other issue is emphasized more fully in Revelation 14:7 than in Mark 16:15-16? (That Jesus is the Creator. Mark 16:15 refers to "all creation" suggesting that there is a Creator. But, Revelation 14:7 pins the basis for our worship on God's attribute as our Creator.)
As you look around you, do you see that God's role as Creator is a more important issue in our (end) times? (Yes! The evolution/creation debate rages as never before - even among supposed Bible believers. Second, Sabbath worship is a memorial to the Creation (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11). Weekly worship is now more closely tied to the resurrection than to the Creation. This is a shift in focus away from Revelation 14.)
Marching Signs
Read Mark 16:17-19. The last verse shows us that these were, indeed, Jesus' final instructions. How does your church score in the signs department? How do you score?
We have assumed that Jesus' last instructions to His disciples apply to us, too. Should we decide that part of the instructions apply and not all?
If you think they all apply, let's look at this more closely. Is Jesus telling us to pick up deadly snakes in our hands and drink poison?
What logical relationship would that have to sharing the gospel?
As you consider what you have read in the Bible about the early church, do you remember reading about snake-handling and poison-drinking? (No. The account of Paul being accidentally bitten by a snake (Acts 28:3-5) comes the closest.)
If we do not see this in the early church, what do you think that means? (If we reason from the one example we see (Paul being accidentally bitten and not dying) it seems that Jesus is saying that as we go out and share the gospel, we may find ourselves in danger. He will protect us.)
Should we handle dangerous snakes and drink poison to verify this promise? (No. Read Matthew 4:5-7. This seems to be an identical situation. Satan reminds Jesus of God's promises of protection, but Jesus responds that we should not deliberately put ourselves in the way of harm.)
John and Rivalry
Let's change gears and look at another aspect of discipleship then and now. Read John 3:22-23, 26. What complaint do the disciples of John the Baptist have about Jesus? (That the "competition" is winning. People are leaving John the Baptist and going over to Jesus.)
Why should that worry John's disciples? (Apparently not all the disciples of John got the message that he was preparing the way for Jesus. It is natural in life to be competitive with others. They wanted their master to remain more popular than any competitors.)
Why did John's disciples complain about Jesus baptizing? (Jesus was even "stealing" their methods! What could be more unfair?)
Read John 3:27. Which man is John talking about? (He is talking about himself and every other person. Everyone is given gifts from God.)
What is John's point? (There should be no competition for two reasons. First, all human gifts of talent come from God. Why would you claim credit for something given to you by someone else? Second, the amount of your gift is determined by God. If Jesus has more "gifts" then that is fine. John's disciples should not expect that he will have more gifts than are given to him by God.)
Let's think about this a minute. What does this say about pride over our "status" in life?
What does it say about envy? Covetousness?
Before we go too far down this road. Does everyone use all the gifts given to them by God?
If the answer is "no," then is it wrong to take pride in using more gifts than the slugs who are our competitors?
If the answer is "no," then should we not feel envy when we are the slug and our "competition" applied more faith and did better work because he used more of his gifts? (Envy and covetousness are wrong. Whether we are where we are in life based on being given limited gifts from God or based our failure to take advantage of God's gifts, we cannot change the past. All we can do is take advantage of the gifts and opportunities which God gives us now and leave the outcome to God.)
Friend, God has offered you the job of being His disciple. Will you accept it? Will you share the good news of salvation from judgment? Will you work without envy or competition?
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Called to Discipleship by Jesus
(John 1, Luke 5)
Discipleship: Lesson 3
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/486.php>
Introduction: What did it take for you to become a disciple of Jesus? What will it take on your part to convince others to be Jesus' disciples? If you are not a disciple, what will it take to convince you? Our lesson this week continues our exploration of how Jesus called His disciples and how they responded. Let's dive into the Bible and learn more!
Calling the Disciples
In our prior lessons in this series we looked at how Jesus called Andrew, Peter, James and John. Let's continue by reading John 1:43-45. How easy is it to convince Philip to follow Jesus? (Jesus simply says "Follow me" and he does.)
What motivates Philip to follow? (Philip believes that Jesus is the Messiah. We know that because he says that to Nathanael.)
Read John 1:46. Nathanael thinks he is getting a mixed message from Philip. What seems out of place? (Philip says this is the Messiah, but he also says this is the son of a guy named Joseph from a terrible town.)
Read Matthew 2:4-6. What does this say about the place of origin of the Messiah?
Read John 7:52. Nazareth is in the region of Galilee. Does Nathanael have a reasonable theological point? (If he had done the genealogical research, he would have found that Jesus was born in Bethlehem - which accorded with prophecy. (Compare Micah 5:2 with Luke 2:4-7.) I doubt that Philip is much on genealogical research, but he seems to know his prophecies!)
Read again John 1:46. How does Philip answer Nathanael's theological questions?
What lesson does this teach us in recruiting disciples?
How would you compare launching into a theological debate to telling a person what Jesus has done in your life? Which would be more comfortable for you? Which would be more compelling?
Read John 1:47. Nathanael is skeptical. How does Jesus approach him?
Is Jesus "buttering him up" by complimenting him?
When we face skeptics, should we tell them they look good, or have nice clothes or are obviously smart?
Read John 1:48-49. What does this add to our discussion about whether Jesus is "buttering up" Nathanael? (He is not complimenting Nathanael. Notice how Jesus changes the issue. Nathanael wants Jesus to prove He is the Messiah. Jesus turns the discussion to Nathanael's character - whether he is qualified to be a disciple. Jesus says, "I know your character." When Nathanael asks "How," Jesus shows that He is no mere man.)
How convincing a proof is it that Jesus saw Nathanael under the fig tree? Would that convince you?
Read John 1:50-51. Is Jesus merely a good man? What claim did He make for Himself? (He tells Nathanael that he will have much better evidence that Jesus is the Messiah.)
Read Luke 5:1-3. In our first lesson in this series we studied how Andrew and Simon Peter became disciples. We commented on how "at once" Simon and Andrew "left their nets and followed" Jesus (Matthew 4:18-20). When do you think this story (in Luke) took place? Before or after Jesus first called them? (The commentaries are divided on this. I consulted about twelve commentaries. A third of them say nothing about the timing. A third say Luke has a more detailed account of the Matthew 4 call. About a third say Luke's report is the last of a series of progressive calls to the disciples.)
Read Luke 5:4-5. What was wrong with Jesus' suggestion? (They had been fishing - all night - which was the logical time to find fish. Jesus, who was a "preacher" and not a "professional fisherman," gave Peter some professionally foolish advice. Peter notes that this is bad advice, but says he will follow it anyway.)
Notice that Simon Peter calls Jesus "Master," and has some reason to follow Jesus' advice over his own professional learning. What does this suggest about whether this was the original call to discipleship? (It suggests that this was a later call.)
Read John 21:1-6. What is the timing of this story? (After Jesus was crucified and resurrected.)
What does this tell us about these disciples and fishing? (They are back to fishing!)
What does this suggest about the order of the calls? (I like the idea of progressive calls to these disciples because it seems more consistent with my life and theirs. Jesus calls, and I stumble along (generally speaking) towards obedience. Leaving "at once" is the goal. But Jesus keeps knocking on the door to the heart.)
Read Luke 5:6-7. Why do you think Jesus performed a miracle to enhance the profits for the job Jesus wanted Peter to leave?
Read Luke 5:8-11. What answer does this suggest to my previous question? (When Jesus performed an amazing miracle in connection with Peter's profession, Peter knew this was the real thing. Nothing was faked here. That miracle changed his heart.)
What does this suggest about Jesus' call to you to be a disciple? What does it suggest about the direction of your life? (Jesus is pursuing Peter and the others! I think you can ask God to be clear on the direction to be taken in your life. If He is not clear, then follow the direction that your talents and your understanding of God's will (in general) take you.)
Did you notice who are Peter's "partners?" (The whole group - Peter, James and John have some sort of business relationship.)
What do you think about Peter and his partners leaving the financial rewards of the miracle? (It shows that they have finally gotten the message that their career is changing.)
Read Matthew 9:9. What do you know about the "tax collectors" in Jesus' time? (They were Jews who were collecting taxes for the Romans.)
What do you think Jews would think of that? (Rome was an occupying nation. As a result, they were looked on as traitors.)
As I understand it, Rome would "bid out" the taxes for a certain area. The person who won the bid, would pay Rome the tax bid, and have the authority of Rome to collect taxes in that area. What problems do you see in that scheme? (The idea for the bidder was to make a profit. The more taxes you could collect, the higher your profit.)
Normally we think making a profit for producing something valuable is reasonable and good. What product was the tax collector producing? (You can see why the tax collectors were not only considered traitors, but they were also looked on as dishonest and greedy.)
Why would Jesus call such a man to be His disciple? (Jesus saw something in him - and Jesus was right because this man wrote the gospel of Matthew. This also shows you that Jesus wants you for His disciple, whatever your background.)
What do we learn about Matthew from the way he described his call to be a disciple? (He was honest about his background. He did not add details to make himself look better. It gives you some idea about how he approached writing his gospel.)
Friend, how about you? Will you answer Jesus' call to be His disciple?
Next week: Lessons From Would-be-Disciples.
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Lessons From Would-be Disciples
(Matthew 8, John 3)
Discipleship: Lesson 4
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/487.php>
Introduction: Admit it. Sometimes you just feel lazy. Sometimes you feel comfortable and don't want to change. Sometimes change seems too complicated. Sometimes change seems not to be worthwhile. Recently, I have made some very big changes. After 30 years of litigation, I started as a new teacher in law school. After decades, the Holy Spirit broke through my logic to show an area of sin in my life. I repented and changed. My work change has been costly. It costs me much of my free time, it costs me a lot of money because I now have to rent a second home. It costs me time with my wife. As I write this I'm laying in bed with a physical injury that I doubt I would have had at my old office. Is the change worth it? Oh, yes! Jesus' call to us as disciples is a call to change. Let's jump into our lesson and study a group of men who were reluctant to change and follow Jesus.
The Scribe
Read Matthew 8:18-20. This man volunteers to be a disciple of Jesus. Why does Jesus respond by talking about animals? (Jesus informs the scribe that He does not have a home.)
What does Jesus' reply have to do with the scribe's offer? The scribe did not ask Jesus about living accommodations. (Jesus wants the man to see the full picture involved in this change. The scribe was probably delighted to hear the teachings of Jesus. But, before he impulsively changed to become a disciple, Jesus wants him to understand that this is not a luxury tour.)
The Bible does not record how the scribe responded. What do you think, did he follow Jesus? (I doubt it. Jesus knew his heart and knew the scribe would decide the change was not worth while.)
The Digger
Read Matthew 8:21-22. This fellow had already made some sort of decision to follow Jesus because he is referred to as "another disciple." Do you think Jesus is being a little harsh?
The IVP Bible Background Commentary on the New Testament notes that one of the eldest son's most basic responsibilities was to bury his father. Is Jesus telling this son not to honor his father by being sure the father is properly buried?
Read Ephesians 6:2-3. Is Jesus opposing one of the Ten Commandments and the writings of Paul? (We should not assume the father is dead. The Jewish culture buries its dead immediately. If this fellow's father had just died, he would not be hanging around listening to Jesus. Instead, the most likely story is that this disciple wants to wait to follow Jesus until after his father dies. This was an issue with Abraham. See Genesis 11:31-12:5)
Nicodemus
Read John 3:1. What does this tell you about the social status of Nicodemus? (He was a prominent fellow. A religious and political leader.)
Read John 3:2. Nicodemus says nice things about Jesus, but does not reveal why he wants to meet. Why do you think Nicodemus wanted to have a private meeting with Jesus? Was he considering becoming a disciple of Jesus?
Was Nicodemus considering a change in his life?
Look at John 3:2 again. Should Jesus have been insulted or complimented by Nicodemus' opening line? (This is a "damned by faint praise" problem. Nicodemus meant it as a compliment. But, it is a compliment for a prophet, not the Messiah.)
Read John 3:3. Wait a minute! This verse starts out, "In reply Jesus declared." How is this statement a reply to Nicodemus' statement Jesus was from God?
Step back from this just a moment. What reasons did you decide Nicodemus came to see Jesus? Did he show up to tell Jesus "we know you are a teacher from God?" (No. I doubt that handing out compliments to people he did not know was very high on Nicodemus' list of priorities. Nicodemus wanted to find out if Jesus was the Messiah. He wanted to find out if Jesus was the one to follow.)
Now, let me ask again, is Jesus' statement in verse 3 a "reply?" (Yes. Jesus is "cutting to the chase." He knows Nicodemus is there to find out more about the kingdom of God and Jesus' role in it. Jesus goes straight to the point by saying "You must change. You are not part of the Kingdom of God unless you are "born again." No need for us to be discussing the finer points of the Kingdom if you are not part of it.")
Let's continue and add verse 4. Read John 3:3-4. Put yourself in Nicodemus' place again. Would you be insulted by Jesus' reply? (Irritated, if not insulted. Certainly, the conversation is not going the right way. You are a very important person. Jesus should be delighted to have a conference with you. Instead, Jesus seems to be questioning your adequacy. He says change is needed for salvation and discipleship.)
Do you think Nicodemus is serious in his question? (It is so obvious that a person could not literally be born again. I think Nicodemus is being defensive. According to several commentaries, Nicodemus would have understood the need for a "new birth" for Gentiles who wanted to be converted to Judaism, but it would not make any sense for Jews. The suggestion would be particularly inappropriate for an important Jewish leader like him. He did not see that he needed to change.)
Read John 3:5. Jesus now makes plain what He means by being "born again." What is it? (To be "born of water and the Spirit.")
Do you think Nicodemus understood what Jesus was saying? (Read John 4:1-2. Since Nicodemus had been keeping up with Jesus' miracles, he surely kept up with the reports of Jesus' conversions. My bet is that Nicodemus knew that being "born of water" meant baptism.)
Read John 3:6. Would Nicodemus want to be baptized? (No. This would seem to be a huge admission he was unworthy. He was a religious leader, not part of the rabble. His proud heart would resist this. This is why "flesh gives birth to flesh." Human hearts naturally resist the gospel.)
Let's touch base with the theme of this series - discipleship. Nicodemus believes he is on the right course, he is just looking for more information to determine if Jesus is the Messiah. Nicodemus wants to refine his Godly life. Instead, Jesus tells him he needs to change! This is not what Nicodemus expected to hear.
Read John 3:7. What does this tell us about the way Nicodemus was looking at the moment? (He must have looked shocked, or Jesus would not have commented on his surprise.)
Read John 3:8. Is the Holy Spirit logical? (In God's great Creation we see order. Therefore, I'm reluctant to say that part of the Godhead is not logical. However, this text at least says the Holy Spirit is not predictable by humans. The Holy Spirit does what it wants, humans can sense the Spirit's presence, but they cannot tell if the Spirit is coming or going.)
Read John 3:9-10. Can you sympathize with Nicodemus? He wants to know why logic and obedience are insufficient!
Israel's teacher did not understand this idea of being "born again" into discipleship involves baptism and regeneration(rebirth)by the Holy Spirit. Do you understand this? (Simply knowing the Bible and following the rules is not enough. It is the Holy Spirit that brings us to repentance. Forgiveness comes from the unmerited grace of God. We cannot earn these things. Pride is a barrier to accepting these gifts.)
What new approach to making disciples do we find in this encounter with Nicodemus?(All the logic in the world and all the insight into human behavior, will simply not convert the heart. It is all "flesh." The essential ingredient is the Holy Spirit.)
Read John 3:14-16. Why would Jesus compare Himself to a snake - the first symbol of evil (see Genesis 3)? Except for the "lifting up" analogy to the cross, doesn't this comparison seem all wrong? (Just like the people needed to look at the serpent, so we need to face our sins. We need to face the fact that we need to change. In Luke 13:3 Jesus tells us that unless we repent we will perish.)
Friend, even if you are an honored religious leader you may not understand discipleship. You may not understand the change that needs to come in your life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we come face to face with our sins, acknowledge them, repent of them and change. Will you?
Next week: Gender and Discipleship.
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Gender and Discipleship
(Luke 1 & 10, John 4)
Discipleship: Lesson 5
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/488.php>
Introduction: Relax. We are not going to be plowing any new ground with this lesson. Instead, we are going to study how women responded to the call of discipleship to see what we (of both sexes) can learn about being disciples today. The good news, ladies, is that the women look pretty good in comparison to the men we are studying this week. Let's dive right into our study!
Mary
Read Luke 1:8-9,11-13. Did the angel give Zechariah good news or bad news? Did he want a son or not? (Verse 13 says, "your prayer has been heard." He had been praying for a son!)
Read Luke 1:14, 17-18. Put Zechariah's words into today's language. ("How do I know you are not lying to me?")
Read Luke 1:19. Was Gabriel insulted? (It sure sounds like it. Gabriel seems to say, "Do you know who you are talking to? Do you understand where I got this message?")
Is Zechariah already a disciple? (Yes. He was not only a follower of God, but he held a special role as a priest.)
Is God calling Zechariah to a larger role as a disciple? (Yes! He is called to father (thus disciple) a son who is part of a special plan to prepare the way for the Messiah!)
Will this call take Zechariah out of his comfort zone? Will it embarrass him? (No. Having a son will bring honor to him. There is simply no downside to this promise - other than the need to follow God's directions. (Which is not supposed to be a "downside."))
Does Zechariah doubt the answer to his prayers?
Do we sometimes doubt that our prayers have been answered?
Was this an understandable reaction for a priest? (No. He had been praying for this. This is something he wants! He is a priest, someone who is supposed to have a closer relationship with God. And, he had the example of Abraham and Sarah who had a son late in life. Yet, Zechariah doubted.)
Just a few months later Gabriel has a similar mission. Read Luke 1:26-29. When verse 26 says "the sixth month," what is it talking about? (The sixth month of the pregnancy of Zechariah's wife, Elizabeth.)
Mary was troubled by Gabriel's words. Why? (It would be unusual for an ordinary person, especially a woman in those days, to expect to be called "highly favored" by God.)
Would this greeting make Mary more or less likely to believe the rest of Gabriel's message?
Read Luke 1:30-33. Is this a credible message? How did it compare in credibility with the message Gabriel gave to Zechariah a few months before? (It had never happened in the history of the world!)
Read Luke 1:34. Did Mary doubt the words of Gabriel? (No. She simply asked "how will this work?" That seems like a reasonable question given the nature of the message.)
Read Luke 1:35-38. What is Mary's response to this incredible message? (Go ahead, God.)
What was the downside to having God do as Gabriel said He would? (Joseph might refuse to marry her. Her reputation would be ruined. There was even the danger of stoning (see John 8:3-5).)
How would you compare Mary's response to this call to special discipleship with the response of the priest Zachariah?
Who is the one who reasonably could have said to Gabriel, "How do I know you aren't lying to me?" (Zachariah was given a completely plausible message that fit into his life (he was married) and was in answer to his prayer. Mary was given a completely implausible (up to then) story, that could have serious negative consequences for her life, and she said, "Okay, Lord. Use me just as you said.")
Does this give us an insight into why God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus?
Obviously, God was not going to call Zachariah to be the mother of Jesus. That would take an even more outrageous, implausible miracle. But we get as close to a male vs. female comparison as we can. Why does Mary react so much more favorably to the call? Do women make better disciples?
Has this anything to do with gender? (It might - especially in that culture. Last week we discussed Nicodemus, a guy who had all sorts of power and authority. When you have a power base, when you have a set of "tools" that you have used to get things done in the past, it is more difficult to accept the idea of giving everything up and following Jesus. Mary said, "Help me understand." When she understood, she said, "Alright." Zechariah said, "I understand, but how can I be sure you are not lying about this?")
Mary Magdalene
Read Luke 8:1-3. We see in these verses that Jesus had women who followed Him in His ministry. How does this suggest they were helping? (They were supporting His efforts. "By their own means" refers to "possessions." They were probably using their money and food to keep the evangelistic effort going along.)
Read John 19:25, Mark 15:46-47, Mark 16:1. What do these texts teach us about the discipleship of Mary Magdalene? (That she stayed with Jesus throughout the worst times.)
Read John 20:11-16. What is Mary's reward for sticking with Jesus through the bitter end? (She was the first to see Him as the risen Lord!)
What lesson does this teach us about being disciples today? (You do not have to be leading the band. God loves (and rewards) those who faithfully toil in the background - even when no one but God sees what they are doing.)
Mary and Martha
So far, we have seen women disciples in a "supporting" role. Let's look more closely at that issue by reading Luke 10:38-40. Is this a problem in the church? Some people are pitching in and helping out, and others are just talking (or listening)?
Is Martha's complaint a fair one? (Why should one person do all the work?)
Read Luke 10:41-42. Jesus says that "only one thing is needed?" What is that one thing? (Listening to Him!)
How would they eat if Martha did not do the other things?
How would they have a place to sit (or recline), something to drink and eating utensils without someone worrying about those details? (If someone did not sweat those details, they would not have something to eat - short of a miracle from Jesus. I don't think Jesus says "don't do these essential things." Instead, He says, "don't get lost in the details. Remember the main goal is to share the gospel. Learning the gospel is more important than cooking and cleaning.)
What does this teach disciples (of either gender) today?
My home church has a troubling situation. On those days in which we have "fellowship dinner" members are working away in the church kitchen while the sermon is being preached. They don't hear the sermon. How would you apply the story of Martha and Mary to this situation?
Remember that Jesus did not condemn Martha. He just said Mary had chosen "what was better." (I think the "better" thing is not preparing lunch during the sermon.)
Samaritan Woman
If you are not familiar with this story, read John 4:3-42. If you are familiar, let's focus on a few verses. Read John 4:6-9. What was wrong with Jesus asking this woman for a drink?
If Jews looked down on Samaritans (and women), then why should she be complaining? (Jesus was crossing several cultural taboos. Jewish males had nothing to do with Samaritans, much less Samaritan women. Worse, Jesus was asking to drink out of her container. Worse, Jesus would be indebted to this woman. The violation of cultural norms was so extreme that she was making a point of it.)
Read John 4:10, 25-26. Why does Jesus say these things to this woman? (He is seeking to make her His disciple.)
Read John 4:39-42. Why did Jesus pick a woman to promote the gospel in Samaria?
Read Matthew 10:5-7. How can you reconcile this with Jesus' work with the Samaritan woman? (At some point Jesus seems to observe cultural norms. At other points He does not. We need to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in these things.)
Is there an underlying moral issue with cultural issues? (Read Galatians 3:26-29.)
Friend, God calls you to follow Him regardless of your gender. Even though the culture might make things more difficult, God has given the most important tasks to disciples who are women!
Next week: Ethnicity and Discipleship.
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Ethnicity and Discipleship
(Luke 17, Mark 7, Acts 10)
Discipleship: Lesson 6
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/489.php>
Introduction: Solomon said that there is nothing new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9) Racial problems are an old story. They existed in Jesus' time and they exist now - although in America they are at an all time low. When I first moved to this area I was a member of a church with serious racial issues. The one race predicted that the other race would take over the church. After I left that church, I came back to visit and preach. One time I recall walking in and they had two racially segregated classes studying in the sanctuary. I sat in the "wrong" class for my race. I recall preaching a racial reconciliation sermon in that church. Afterwards, members from each of the races came up to me and said, "I hope THEY were listening." It was quite distressing. Today, as predicted, the church is no longer bi-racial. That is one answer to the problem, but it does not seem to be the Bible's answer to the problem. Let's dive into our study and see what the Bible says about race and discipleship!
Samaritans
Read Luke 17:11-14. This is a "long distance" miracle. Do you get the feeling that Jesus is traveling, has a destination in mind, and these guys will slow Him down? (Yes. It seems that Jesus calls out as He is moving along towards His destination.)
Does it matter that Jesus does not stop and take a little time with them? Are they short-changed on their miracle? (No. As they leave to follow Jesus' instructions, they are healed.)
Is there a lesson in this for us? (We have a great God who can do anything for us. He does not need to study the matter.)
Why does Jesus tell them to show themselves to the priests? (You had to go to a priest to be certified that you no longer had an infectious skin disease. Leviticus 14:1-7.)
Read Luke 17:15-16. Why point out this fellow's race?
Does this prove that Luke is a racist?
How does it add to the story? (Luke is certainly "race conscious" here. I think this story is told because of the race factor. God is pointing out that the "disfavored" race is showing better discipleship traits than the favored race.)
Read Luke 17:17-19. How would you characterize Jesus' approach to racial issues? (He doesn't sound too politically correct to me. He calls him a "foreigner." This time Jesus makes the point about the foreigner doing what is right.)
Look again at Luke 17:19. What do you think this means?
Would leprosy return to the rest?
Are some people healed without faith?
Is this Samaritan's healing superior to the rest? (I don't think Jesus means the others are not healed, or will be diseased again. Instead, I think Jesus means this fellow has healing for both his mind and his body. His faith has been rewarded.)
Nelson's Bible Dictionary, under the topic "Samaritans," says "Samaritans were a 'mixed race' contaminated by foreign blood and false worship." If they had "false worship," how can Jesus say this fellow has "faith?"
What does this teach us about members of other churches? (This fellow obviously had faith in Jesus. The idea that members of a specific denomination, created by humans, are automatically superior to other Christians is an idea contrary to Scripture. Faith is an individual matter.)
Greeks
Read Mark 7:24. Why do you think Jesus wanted to keep secret that He was in Tyre? (Read Matthew 15:24. This is Matthew's account of this same story. Jesus had not come to minister to the people of Tyre. He was just looking for rest.)
Read Mark 7:25-26. Was this woman a believer? (Read Matthew 15:22. The fact that she calls Jesus "Lord, Son of David," shows that she believes Him to be the Messiah.)
Read Mark 7:27. Why is Jesus talking about eating?
How do you understand His message to this woman?
Is He calling her a "dog" because she was a Greek and not Jewish? (Yes! Worse, He seems to be calling her daughter a dog.)
Read Mark 7:28-30. Do you think Jesus was testing her faith or do you think He was serious? (Both. I think He was serious for two reasons. He entered the town secretly so He would not have to be bothered by these people. He specifically said His mission was not to these people.)
Recall the church I mentioned in the introduction? To my knowledge, they never called the other race "dogs" or said they would not help them. What is the lesson that we learn here? People of disfavored races can come to Jesus if they show great faith and shrug off insult? (I think this story is much better than it appears on the surface. First, it is right to have a focused mission. Jesus had about three years of mission here and His mission focus for that time was the Jews. That is an argument for efficiency, not racism. Second, Jesus (then and now) tests our faith. Jesus tested the faith of this woman by telling her things she already knew - that Jews looked down on non-Jews. Her faith would not be deterred by that. Jesus, having tested her faith and found it strong, healed her daughter.)
Italians
Read Acts 10:1-2. What do we learn about Cornelius? (He was commander of a Roman division. He appears to have been an Italian. (The text refers to the "Italian Regiment" and he has a Latin name.) He believed in the true God and was devote. However, he could not have been a "full" Jewish convert because he is later referred to as an "uncircumcised" man. See Acts 11:1-17.)
Read Acts 10:3-5. What does this tell us about the ability of non-Jews to be disciples? (God has a special message to someone who is not Jewish! God has some sort of plan for Cornelius.)
What problems do you see with this message? (Read Acts 10:27-28. God directs Cornelius to bring a Jewish man to his home. The problem, as Peter later explains, is that observant Jews would not want to visit the home of a Gentile.)
Read Acts 10:9-17. The text says that Peter was "wondering about the vision." What is there to wonder about? Isn't the message pretty clear - all meat is now clean meat? (That is precisely what the vision means at first glance. However, Peter could not believe that was what the vision really meant.)
Read Acts 10:17-19. Has this story changed to another topic? Why does the text tell us that Peter is still contemplating the vision while these three guys are at the house? (This tells us that the mission of the men from Cornelius and Peter's vision are linked.)
Read Acts 10:23-29. Is the vision about unclean meat? (No. Whatever your view about the Levitical prohibition on eating unclean meat (see Leviticus 11), this story is clearly not about what you can eat. It is about who can be God's disciples.)
Read Acts 10:30-33. On a scale of 1-10, how certain are you that God was behind this meeting of Jewish Peter and Italian Cornelius? (Both were directed by God to have this meeting.)
Read Acts 10:34-38 and Acts 10:44-47. What does this teach us about racism in the church?
What lesson do we learn about whether God makes any ethnic distinctions when it comes to discipleship?
On what basis does God discriminate? (Acts 10:34-35. God's basis for "discrimination" is those who fear Him and do what is right.)
Friend, if God does not discriminate on the basis of race, what right do you or I have to discriminate on that basis? If you think you are a victim of racism, remember that the Bible commends those who shrug off racial slurs in their pursuit of God.
Next week: Preparation for Discipleship.
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Preparation for Discipleship
(Mark 3, Acts 1, Romans 12, Matthew 10)
Discipleship: Lesson 7
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/490.php>
Introduction: In the last two lessons we learned that everyone is eligible to be a disciple. What do we need to learn next to prepare to be disciples? To prepare to lead? Let's dive into the Bible and find out!
The Chosen Twelve
Read Mark 3:13-15. Can you imagine the scene in your mind? Put it in today's terms. ("The Boss" calls your name and you come out of the crowd and walk into His office. He explains that He wants to promote you. This is exactly what you think you want, so you agree to be an apostle.)
What is the job description for being an apostle? (1. Be with Jesus. 2. Be available to preach. 3. Have authority to drive out demons.)
Let's focus on this last aspect of the job for a minute. Do you have to be authorized to do this kind of work? (It is hard to read the text any other way.)
What lesson do we learn for today from this account of choosing the twelve disciples? (Many were following Jesus, but He chose only a few to be in positions of authority.)
Choosing You
It was pretty "black and white" how the twelve were chosen. How are we chosen today by Jesus?
A good place to start looking is Acts 1:21-26. Jesus has returned to heaven, and the early church is in the process of replacing Judas. Let's read this account. What are the essential elements of the choice? (The church uses its wisdom. It looks for someone with the necessary experience. It chooses two men. It prays for divine guidance and casts lots - so that God will have the final say.)
Should you be able to choose yourself for leadership? I recall one man who studied so that he could be the "Head Elder." He was ready and waiting to be chosen by the church. When he was not, he dropped out of church. Clearly, the church made the right choice. We can (and should) all choose to be disciples of Jesus. But, leadership positions should not be "self-chosen.")
Read Romans 12:3-5. What does this teach us about our role in the church? (We all have something to do. But, we do not all have the same function. That is, we do not all have the same job.)
Do we have any role in choosing our function? (We have a role in being realistic about our job. When the Bible says "think of yourself with sober judgment," it means be realistic about what you are best fitted to do.)
Aside from us being realistic, how are these functions determined? (Read Romans 12:6-8. The "grace given us" seems to refer to the blessings of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Consider what gifts God has given to you. Where do you excel in His work? That is your place in the church.)
Considering what we have studied so far, what is the first step in preparation for discipleship? (Figuring out your role in the work. Your role may change over time, but the essentials are the same: 1) Look for God's leading. This can come through the gifts God has given you and the leadership opportunities presented by the church. 2) Be realistic about your gifts and talents.)
The Job
Read Matthew 10:1, 5-6. Are these instructions for us? (Yes and no. We know the limitation on mission is not an instruction for us because last week we learned that Peter and Cornelius were clearly led by God to come together so that gentiles would receive the gospel message. However, the underlying principle is that we should be focused in our mission.)
What lesson should we learn from Jesus calling His disciples "to Him?" (Preparation for being a disciple requires that we draw close to Jesus. We do this by Bible study and prayer.)
What lesson is there in being given specific authority to "drive out evil spirits and heal every disease and sickness?"
Adam Clarke's commentary says this: "He whose ministry is not accompanied with healing to diseased souls, was never called of God." Do you agree? (I'm not sure whether Clarke means exorcisms or conversions. If a minister never converts anyone, that would be a problem. Going down the "authority list" in verse one, most ministers I know do not perform instantaneous, miraculous healing.)
Read Ephesians 4:11-12. In this list "apostles" (which are the twelve in Matthew 10:1) are different than "evangelists" and "pastors." What does this say about pastors having the same authority as apostles? What does it say about the necessity of them exorcizing and healing?
Read Matthew 10:7-8. Which of these instructions do you think applies to our preparation for discipleship? (The message should be the same. If we are authorized to do the rest, we should.)
What does it mean "freely you have received, freely give." (If God has given you a gift. If He has authorized you with certain divine power, then use it freely to help others.)
Read Matthew 10:9-10. What does this mean? Is poverty part of the preparation for discipleship? (Just the opposite. Notice that they are leaving their money, suitcase, extra suits, shoes and ties at home.)
How does that make any sense? (Jesus says that those who benefit from hearing the gospel should provide those things for you!)
What happened to "freely you received, freely give?"
For at least the first five years of these lessons, I bankrolled all of the expenses myself. All of the translators volunteer their time and expenses. About five years ago my son started running Google ads on the web site with our lessons so that we could recoup our costs. Should I be getting the money from you instead of Google advertisers? (Not everyone followed this rule. Paul supported himself. Acts 20:34.)
Read Matthew 10:11-13. Let's start with verse 11. What lesson for discipleship do you learn in this verse? (Your base for mission depends in part on your work ("search"), the willingness of a local to help ("some worthy person"), and a continued partnership between the two of you ("stay at his house until you leave"). I would not leave the guidance of the Holy Spirit out of this, because Jesus, another of the Godhead, is the one giving the instructions.)
What lesson do you find in verse 12? (Be respectful and kind to the local family who is working with you.)
What lesson do you find in verses 13? (If they are helpful, bless them.)
Read Matthew 10:14-16. What should you do if people do not listen to you? (Walk away.)
Should this instruction about walking away guide our evangelistic work today? How about our work for former church members?
If former members say "no," should we never try again?
Or, is this just an instruction for the twelve disciples who have a huge task and limited time?
Why do you think Matthew 10:15 is true? Just refusing to listen is worse than being a rapist(Genesis 19:4-5)? How can that be? (Read Matthew 11:23-24. Barnes' Notes suggests this has to do with the "light" available to you. Apparently Lot, God's follower in Sodom, was not a very good evangelist. The Sodomites did not have a very good vision of God. On the other hand, the people being sent out in Matthew 10 are the twelve disciples! Who could better explain the gospel than one of them? (Actually, as we studied at the beginning of this series, the disciples understanding of their mission at this point was not very good. Apparently, it was much better than Lot's work!)
When Jesus says "be shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" what lesson does He want His disciples to learn? (Use your common sense! Use your brains! Some Christians complain about "seeker" services, about using commercial techniques to market the church and make it attractive to the world. Their view is that the dusty, boring service they have is more spiritual -- God will bring the right people in (never mind that few, if any, have come in during the last few years). Our Lord says when it comes to evangelizing the world, be as "shrewd snakes.")
Friend, will you take the steps to find your role as an effective disciple?
Next week: Experiencing Discipleship.
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Experiencing Discipleship
(Matthew 16 & 24, Mark 8, Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 9)
Discipleship: Lesson 8
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/491.php>
Introduction: I love to learn new things. Bet you do too. The great thing about the Bible is that it is a bottomless source of new insights. You can look at the same simple story dozens of times and still discover something new. Our lesson this week suggests the joy of Bible learning is not enough. We are supposed to actually put this learning into practical use. It needs to change the way we live. We might even have to refuse to do something we really want to do! Does this idea apply to all of us? Would it be okay if I just kept learning new Bible things and shared them with you? Can I leave this "experience" stuff to someone else? Let's jump into our study of the Bible and find out!
Self Denial
Read Matthew 16:15-19. What size is Peter's head at this moment? (Very large! Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah and Jesus tells Peter that God gave him that revelation and "the gates of Hades will not overcome it." I'm sure Peter looked around triumphantly at the other disciples and started to strut a bit. Peter is a messenger from God!)
Read Mark 8:31-33 to continue this story from another gospel. Can you hear the air rushing out of Peter's large head? He goes from being a messenger of God the Father to a messenger of Satan. What, specifically, is the problem? (Mark 8:33 tells us that Peter has in mind "the things of men" rather than the "things of God.")
How is Peter speaking of "man things" when he said Jesus would not be killed? (We all want to succeed. We want things to go well. Peter was looking forward to Jesus setting up a glorious kingdom on earth which (as he just heard) could resist even the gates of hell. Jesus now seems to say that hell is going to do some considerable damage. It will kill Jesus.)
Read Mark 8:34-35. What is it they have to deny themselves? Money, earthly power, glory? (It turns out that when you compare what the disciples had in mind (see Acts 1:6 & Matthew 20:20-21), with what they got, they lost out on all of these things during their life on earth.)
What about us? Do we have to reject money, pleasure and glory to follow Jesus? (I do not recall any story in which the disciples said, "Don't give me money, don't give me glory, give me pain." But, following the mission set out for them by Jesus ended up with that result. The contrast between what they expected and what they got was huge.)
When Jesus calls us to "take up His cross" and follow Him, what is He asking you and me to do? (Read John 3:14-15 and Numbers 21:8-9. Jesus links His crucifixion to this odd story in Numbers 21. If you put those two texts together, looking at the snake means to face your sins. Jesus faced our sins and paid the penalty for them by dying on our behalf. When Jesus tells us to take up our cross, I think He is telling us to face our sins. Admit them. Die to sin.)
Do you feel the pain of self-denial in your life when it comes to sin? (Friend, there is no sin in my life that is hard to commit! (Compare Romans 7:14-25.) The sin may end up being a train-wreck. No doubt I will ultimately wish I never even heard of this sin, but even the Bible acknowledges the "pleasures of sin for a short time." Hebrews 11:25. I think this is where the great battle for self-denial takes place. This is where self-denial is difficult.)
How does Jesus' command that we take up our cross and deny self fit with the idea of righteousness by faith? (This is where so many Christians miss the mark. I recall one Christian, when he was describing the joy of righteousness by faith, said "a great load lifted from my shoulder. I'm free now." I understood him to mean he was free from rules. It certainly is true that he was freed from the load of earning his own salvation. But following Christ means denying self. Thankfully, Paul teaches us in Romans 8 that the Holy Spirit aids us in this struggle. But it is not always easy. "Indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory." Romans 8:17.)
Read Mark 8:35-37. What argument is Jesus making in favor of self-denial? (Look at the big picture. You may enjoy sin for a fleeting period of time, but you will lose eternity. That trade is not worthwhile. To deny self is to gain eternity.)
When Jesus says in Mark 8:35 that self-denial will save our life, do you think He could also be referring to our life on earth? (That is my observation. Punch beneath the surface pleasure of sin and you see all sorts of heartache.)
Critical Judgment
Read Matthew 24:1-2. We have been talking about self-denial. Are these verses about self-denial? (The disciples are told that their world, as they know it, will completely change.)
Read Matthew 24:3. Why would the disciples come to Jesus privately? (Jesus has just given them the most incredible, astonishing news. Between the explosive nature of the news and the "this is hard to believe" aspect, this is something to be worked out privately.)
Read Matthew 24:4-5. Why would anyone even be tempted to follow some other Christ? (There must be something about them that makes you want to follow. )
Read Matthew 24:6-8. Instead of getting something good, Jesus says that something bad is coming. Why does Jesus tell us not to be alarmed? (This is a parallel to Mark 8:35. Self-denial here gets you eternal life. Before Jesus comes and gives us eternal life, we are going to go through wars, famines, earthquakes and those who attract us with false claims. Jesus says be faithful and you will get your reward.)
Read Matthew 24:9-11. How bad will it get? (Death, persecution, hate and betrayal. This is not self-denial in the usual sense. However, our decision to follow Jesus results in harm to self.)
Let's skip down a few verses. Read Matthew 24:37-39. Is there anything wrong with eating, drinking and marrying? (No. The problem is that they "knew nothing." Noah was preaching to them. See 2 Peter 2:5. The problem was they were focused on the things of life rather than the things of God.)
Read Matthew 24:40-41. What point about self-denial is being made in these verses? What point about critical thinking is made in these verses? Aren't these people doing exactly the same thing, yet one is saved and the other lost? (You can have the same kind of job as an unbeliever. The question is what is the course of your life? Are you denying self? Are you facing your sin? Are you trusting in Jesus? Are you paying attention to the gospel, rather than to television, so that you are not deceived?)
The Attitude
Read Matthew 24:42-43. We are told to watch. What are we to be watching? If someone sent me to be a look out on a boat, my first question would be "What am I watching for? Dolphins? Icebergs? Submarines? Fish jumping?
If you say, "Watching for Jesus," why does Jesus compare His coming to a thief trying to steal our stuff?
Jesus is coming to give us eternal life! Why throw in the idea of us losing something? (This is a powerful argument against the "once saved always saved" view. It is unlikely Jesus would compare Himself to a thief. Instead, the thief is Satan who wants to break into "your house" and steal your salvation. If you doubt this, read Matthew 24:50-51.)
Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Paul compares the Christian life to a training for a race. I have a friend who, as far as I can tell, has no relationship with any group of believers. He attended a Christian college. His attitude is that all he needed to learn about God he learned when he was in college. Is my friend in constant training? Are you in constant training?
Notice 1 Corinthians 9:27. What is the downside to not training? (Being disqualified for the prize of eternal life!)
Friend, I confess I do not know where God draws the line when it comes to assurance of salvation. My belief is that salvation is not something you slide in or out of on a minute by minute, day by day or even week by week basis. On the other hand, I think the Bible is clear that it is not a "once for all times" thing either. Instead, the life of the disciple is a constant effort to understand and do the will of God. We are called to put our understanding of God into practical use. This means facing our sins. Denying self. Turning away from the pleasures of sin. As Paul says (1 Corinthians 9:27), we are to beat our body to make it our slave, and not the other way around. Will you commit to getting into spiritual training - starting today?
Next week: Following the Master: Discipleship in Action.
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Following the Master: Discipleship in Action
(Luke 5 & 12, Matthew 28)
Discipleship: Lesson 9
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/492.php>
Introduction: Every morning we begin a new day during which we can advance the Kingdom of God. Are you thinking of the possibilities for "disciple work" each morning? What kinds of opportunities are present? Is it enough to keep our eyes open to see what we can do to promote God's work? Or, should we be more active and search out opportunities? Is it possible that if we are already doing something, it is the wrong thing? Let's dive into our lesson to observe some disciples in action!
The Paralytic and His Friends
Read Luke 5:17. If this were you instead of Jesus, would you be nervous? (All these important leaders from all over had come to observe Jesus.)
Why were they present? (Some commentaries I read said they were present to be critical and to catch Jesus doing something wrong. Another commentary said that they had the right and obligation to be sure that blasphemy and false teaching did not take place, so they were just doing their jobs.)
Whichever of the commentaries are correct, what is the common element on which they agree? (That these leaders were there to pay close attention to what Jesus said. It was not a social visit.)
How about you? Should you be alert to those who want to do you harm because you promote the gospel? (Yes. You should ask God to give you wisdom and common sense in your work.)
We discussed two weeks ago the issue of having "authority" to perform miracles. When the text says "the power of the Lord was present for Him to heal the sick," does that mean that Jesus had to be given "authority" to perform miracles and He did not have that authority all the time? (The commentary "Word Pictures in the New Testament" says the Greek is hard to translate into English. The text does not mean the power of Jesus to heal was intermittent. Instead, it puts the terms "Jehovah" and "dynamite" together. My thought is "Dynamite Jesus" was there in the face of all of these powerful leaders. Jesus was "packing" power!)
Read Mark 2:2. Let's see what Mark adds to this story. What do you think was Jesus' first priority: preaching or healing? (Preaching. My feeling is that His healing arose from this: 1)His heart for suffering people; 2)His desire to attract people to His preaching; and, 3) The "proof" of His authority as the Messiah to skeptical outsiders like the Jewish leaders. His preaching of the gospel must have been His first priority.)
How about your work? Should you start with preaching? Or, is helping those around you the best way to start? (Imagine the harm done to the gospel if you are a mean, grasping, unpleasant person and you decide to share the gospel.)
Read Luke 5:18-19. How do you like it when you are interrupted in your speaking? How do you like it when your first priority is interrupted by others?
Imagine preaching and all of a sudden there is this big noise of digging and scraping in the roof. This is followed by junk falling down on the crowd and on you. Then all of a sudden everyone is distracted by this fellow being let down right between you and your audience. Would you consider the people who were breaking up the roof to be inconsiderate and rude?
Put yourself in the place of the friends of the paralyzed guy. Would you take one look at the crowd and decide to come back tomorrow?
What motivated them to persist?
Do you consider them to be inconsiderate and rude? Or, loving, caring and resourceful in helping their friend?
Read Luke 5:20. How did Jesus react? Was He irritated by their rudeness?
Step back a minute and consider the digging and Jesus' preaching. Is the digging a good thing for what happens next? (Yes. It focused the attention of the people on what Jesus said and did to the paralyzed guy. The digging was an unexpected blessing to Jesus' ministry. We should look for the positive side of interruptions.)
On what did Jesus base His conclusion about"their" faith (Luke 5:20)? (Their persistent faith was manifest in digging - it was shown by their works! Want to show your faith today? Do something!)
Who is referred to when the Bible says "their" faith?
Put yourself in the place of the paralyzed guy. You can think, see and talk, but you have some major limitation on your ability to move. So, you are about to get lowered down through a roof. If someone makes a mistake in rope-handling you could get dropped on your head from the rafters. Would you vote for this?
What if they dropped you? Would you have faith Jesus could heal you anyway?
Perhaps Jesus' faith experience for you today requires you to step outside your comfort zone, expose yourself to getting "dropped on your head."
Let's look at Luke 5:20 again. Wait a minute! The problem is that this fellow is paralyzed. Put yourself in the place of the friends. You just got through the work and embarrassment of digging through the roof in front of this big crowd. Instead of healing your friend, Jesus says "Your sins are forgiven." How do you feel?
Why would Jesus be talking about sins? (Read John 9:1-3. The common perception was that sickness was caused by sin. Some, obviously, was. Whether the paralytic's sickness was caused by sin or whether he merely thought it came from his sin, apparently his sin was his first concern. Jesus addressed his first concern.)
Read Luke 5:21. The authorities are paying attention to this! Are their thoughts correct? (Yes. Only God can forgive sins.)
What point is Luke making to us? (Jesus is God.)
Read Luke 5:22-23. What is the answer to Jesus' question? Which is easier to say?
If you answered "Your sins are forgiven," are you sure?
Read Luke 5:24-25. If the teachers of the law had not been thinking critical thoughts, would this paralyzed guy have been healed? (Don't miss the fact that Jesus knows your thoughts.)
Compare what the teachers of the law are doing to promote the gospel compared to the friends of the paralyzed guy? Which are you more like in your daily discipleship?
If you were in the crowd, would you be convinced by Jesus' logic? Is it logical to believe that everyone who heals can also forgive sins? (It is true that healing comes from the power of God. But not everyone who heals is God. I think Jesus was making a different argument. The critics were saying, "This is just hot (and blasphemous) air. Anyone can say anything." Jesus shows that His words have power. When He says I can forgive sins, they need to take His words seriously.)
Read Luke 5:26. Notice the people praised God. Why didn't they praise Jesus? (They believed that Jesus was the Messiah. They believed Jesus was God.)
Is praising God part of our work as disciples?
Fire and Friends
Read Luke 12:47-48. Aren't you glad that you are reading this lesson? Now, if you do nothing, you get more badly beaten up! Is that Jesus' point? (That is part of it. I think Jesus has something deeper in mind. How many of us look around and feel good about ourselves because of the pagan slugs around us? Jesus is warning us against that kind of attitude. The true disciple is working to advance the kingdom and not smirking at the less faithful.)
Read Luke 12:49-51. And here I am singing about the "Prince of Peace!" Is this an example for us? To bring about division wherever we go?
Compare John 14:27. How can Jesus say that He is bringing division and peace?
Compare Matthew 17:27. Why would Jesus want to avoid offending people that He wants to divide?
Let's continue reading Luke 12:52-53. Why will Jesus bring division within families?
Let's go back and look again at Luke 12:49-50. Why should Jesus talk about His own "baptism" in this context? (I think what Jesus faced is an example for us. Jesus was not trying to create enemies. His goal was peace. But, he had a difficult road ahead of Him in His goal of bringing peace (with God) to us and bringing peace (in the triumph against sin) to the universe. We are not to try to create division. But until our goal is reached, the gospel creates division. I have a co-worker who I do not know well. He is Jewish and he converted to Christianity. His father recently died and I saw the service was in a synagogue. That told me a great deal about the division issue in his life.)
Final Instructions
Read Matthew 28:18-20. Why does Jesus begin this instruction by saying that all authority has been given to Him? (The disciples have something astonishing to talk about. Jesus won the victory over sin. He now has all authority. He is worthy of being followed.)
What are we to do in response to Jesus' victory? (Make other disciples.)
What do we do with these disciples? (Baptize them and then teach them.)
What assurance do we have in this mission? (That Jesus will be with us until His Second Coming when He takes us home with Him.)
Friend, I started out asking you how you should approach each day. It seems we should keep our eyes open for what we can do, but we should also be deliberate in promoting the gospel. We should be like the friends helping the paralyzed guy rather than the leaders looking for faults in Jesus. We should make disciples, not critique them. Will you commit to doing that today?
Next week: Discipleship Under Pressure.
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Discipleship Under Pressure
(Acts 1, John 12 & 21, Luke 9)
Discipleship: Lesson 10
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/493.php>
Introduction: You think you have it bad? Last week I heard a speaker who was a 14 year-old boy in Rwanda in 1994. His father was from one rival tribe and his mother from the other. His mother died of cancer and his father left the country taking him along. When other tribe refugees noticed that the boy looked like his mother's tribe, they told the father they would kill his son. Sent back to Rwanda, the boy was robbed of all his possessions. His family home taken by strangers. Did I mention that he thought he would be killed about six times? He is now 27 and a citizen of France. This boy was the victim of more crimes than a small town in America would experience in a year! When I was a kid my most traumatic event was acne. Let's jump into our lesson and discover disciples who experienced pressure and disappointment.
Crushed Hope
Read Acts 1:1-3. Imagine that you were one of the disciples who had left your business and followed Jesus for more than three years. When Jesus is killed, what are your feelings?
When Jesus rises from the dead, how have your feelings changed?
Look carefully at verse 3. What does Jesus have in mind? (He is making sure the disciples believe that He has really been resurrected. He is giving them what should (now) be clear instructions about the Kingdom of God.)
Read Acts 1:6. Why would Jesus' disciples ask Him such a thing?
How did they miss the point of the 40 days of proof and teaching?
How about you? Is it possible that you have plans and dreams that resist the clearest teachings of the Bible?
Read Acts 1:7-8. Is Jesus answering part of the desire of their hearts? (The disciples' desire was for power. Jesus says that they will receive real power from the Holy Spirit, not from an earthly kingdom.)
When you are under pressure, is it because you have the wrong goals?
Do you consider the power available to you from the Holy Spirit? Or, are you mostly depending on your own power?
This week I received an e-mail from a very highly educated man who I have represented for decades in a series of cases. His cases are finally coming to an end and we were reminiscing about the past. I attributed my success in litigation to God's working in my life. He firmly denied that and said the credit belonged to me. I thought "How wrong he is." God has much work to do on my attitude, but at least (I hope!) I understand my place.
Do these verses in Acts teach us we should avoid trying to obtain political power in a modern democracy? (Read Psalms 75:6-7 and Romans 13:6. Any competent Bible student understands the importance of context. Jesus and His disciples had no ability to vote. Any earthly power for them would come by force, by revolution. Jesus' goal was to change hearts, and hearts are not changed by governments. Nevertheless, the Bible teaches that God is interested and involved in who governs. Voters in a democracy fail to use one of their available talents, they fail in their partnership with God, if they do not use their informed vote to install moral men and women in government office.)
Insulted Love
Read John 12:1-2. Imagine the feelings of Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, towards Jesus. How much do you think they loved Him?
What was Martha doing to show that she loved Jesus? (Serving.)
Read John 12:3-5. How much do you earn in a year? Take that amount and tell me whether you would spend it on foot and hair perfume?
If your answer is "no," (as it surely is, unless you have rocks for brains), is Judas right?
Read John 12:6. Now do you think Judas was wrong? (This has to do with his corrupt morals. He had the wrong motive.)
Let's change things a bit. Assume James complained - James who had no interest in this other than the poor? Would James be right in complaining?
You know the "starving orphan" pictures? Imagine that you could feed 100 starving orphans for a year if you just donated your annual income to them. So choose, hair and foot perfume or 100 starving orphans?
Now imagine you are Mary, who just killed 100 starving orphans for hair and foot perfume. You never thought about this when you bought the perfume, and now James/Judas has pointed this out in front of everyone. How do you feel now?
Read John 12:7-8. I'm getting to be an old man. I won't be around forever. I would love to purchase a Bentley Continental GT. Am I authorized by Jesus (I assure you I'm not authorized by my wife) to buy that car? It seems more practical to me than hair and foot perfume, and should last longer. What do you say? (What motive would I have to buy the Bentley? Because I love me (just like Judas). People would be impressed by my Bentley. They would know I was "somebody." Mary loved Jesus. This gift was selfless. If you are doing something because you love Jesus, even if it is foolish (and I think this perfume purchase is), Jesus will intervene on your behalf.)
What lesson has Mary taught us about friends and family? (Do good things for them now, while they are alive to realize it.)
Insulted Master
Read Luke 9:51-52. Jesus may not have had a home, but He had advance men to make the proper overnight arrangements. Why? (Because this was Samaria. Those people did not welcome Jews. Probably Jesus would have to pay something to stay.)
Read Luke 9:53. Why would the people care about Jesus' destination? (He was not coming to see them. He was just passing through. Worse, He was heading towards the Jewish capital.)
Read Luke 9:54. Isn't this the standard remedy? Reject Jesus and get destroyed by fire?
What do you think about this suggestion?
Read Luke 9:55-56. What did Jesus think of this suggestion?
Let's skip ahead to the next chapter. Read Luke 10:10-12. This is Jesus speaking. Why should He rebuke James and John for suggesting that fire burn up a city that rejected Jesus when Jesus says that is the fate of places that reject the disciples? (Look again at Luke 9:54. The disciples wanted to know if they should be the agents of revenge. God will punish sin with fire. The difference between these two texts is timing and roles. This is God's work in God's time.)
What lesson do we learn when we are under pressure in life? When we want to get revenge? (Leave the punishment to God.)
Failure Under Pressure
Probably the most difficult time in Peter's life surrounded the arrest and trial of Jesus. Peter had promised Jesus that he was willing die rather than disown Jesus (Mark 14:31), and that he would remain faithful to Jesus even if all others left (Matthew 26:33). In that context, when Peter thought he was in danger of being arrested, he denied Jesus three times, denying even that he knew Jesus. (Matthew 26:69-75). Read John 21:15. What do you think is important about Jesus' question? (He does not show anger towards Peter. But, He does cover the same ground. Will Peter still contend that He is more faithful than others?)
What kind of answer does Peter give? (He gives the right answer. No bragging. Just a love response.)
Peter has miserably failed Jesus. Is he now outside the ministry? (No. Jesus gives him the commission to "feed My lambs.")
What about you? Have you failed Jesus when pressure came? Have you denied Him? Jesus forgives and loves and accepts into His work those who have previously failed under pressure.
Would Jesus have told Peter to "feed My lambs" if Peter had answered "Yes, I love you more than these?"
Friend, pressure comes from all kinds of sources. Sometimes it comes because we have the wrong goals, sometimes it comes from insults, sometimes it comes when we are doing the right thing and sometimes when we miserably fail. Jesus is there to carry our burden in every case. Will you let Him?
Next week: More Lessons in Discipleship.
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More Lessons in Discipleship
(Mark 4 & 6, Matthew 12)
Discipleship: Lesson 11
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/494.php>
Introduction: Where do you look when you are driving a car? The worst thing is looking down while fiddling inside the car with your radio, cell phone or navigation system. However, just keeping your eye on the road is not good enough. You need to be looking far enough down the road to anticipate problems. Is discipleship like driving? Does it matter where we have our focus? Let's jump into our study of the Bible and find out!
Sudden Storms
Read Mark 4:35-36. What do you think the text means when it tells us the disciples took Jesus "just as He was?" (Apparently, getting into the boat was not like getting into your car. Normally, some preparation is made. Whether this is a reference to a floatation device, food, or clothing, the text does not say. We know some preparation is lacking.)
Read Mark 4:37. One commentary (Barnes' Notes) includes a first hand report of the storms that hit Galilee. The lake is 600 feet below sea level. The ground around it is filled with ravines and gorges that lead up to much higher ground. These act like funnels for the cold wind coming down from the heights to the head of the lake. The result is sudden and violent storms. Were the disciples used to these storms? Were they experts in boat-handling on the lake? (Surely they must have been since many were commercial fishermen.)
What do the words "it was nearly swamped" mean? (So much water had gotten into the boat that it was about to sink.)
What parallels do you see between being in a boat and the Christian life? (I love the water. I love to sail. One of my favorite things in life is to sail catamarans. When the wind is blowing you use your skill and strength to set the sails to make the maximum speed. The boat skips over and through the waves. Although this is a pretty safe sport, you can drown. I think of water as being like the world. There is a thrill in it, but we think that by our skill we can handle it without being drowned. Unfortunately, that approach to life is much more dangerous than sailing.)
Read Mark 4:38. Were the disciples, with all of their skill and strength and youth, up to the challenge of the storm? (No. They thought they were in danger of drowning.)
Consider the question the disciples ask Jesus. What seems odd about it? Is this the way you would have asked for help? (The obvious plea is "Help us, or we are going to drown!" Instead, they challenge Jesus' concern and love for them. The good part is that it assumes Jesus is supposed to care about them. They bad part is that they suggest Jesus doesn't care.)
Read Mark 4:39-40. Jesus hints that the disciples would not have been afraid if they had faith. Should they have been fearless in the storm?
Put yourself in the middle of this wild storm; the boat is sinking and you have tried everything you know to keep it from sinking. How would you naturally feel? (I suspect Jesus is referring (at least in part) back to their question. Fear is natural in such a situation. The problem was that they doubted Jesus' concern for them. They had not set their sight on His love and care. Jesus rebukes them for fearing that He did not care.)
Read Mark 4:41. Have you heard the expression "Take a chill pill?" It means to calm down. The disciples were afraid during the storm and now that Jesus has calmed the storm they are "terrified." Why do they go from one terror to another?
If they weren't expecting Jesus to calm the storm, what did they have in mind when they woke Him up and asked "Don't you care if we drown?" (Perhaps they just wanted Jesus to hug them.)
When you are in deep trouble do you usually know exactly what you want?
Which do we want most: Someone to care or someone to fix the problem? (There are a couple of lessons here for disciples. First, we underestimate the power of God to help us. We need to have a firm view of His power. Second, if God lets us get into trouble, we begin to accuse Him of not caring. This story teaches us that through the eyes of faith we will have confidence that He cares. We will not doubt that. We then leave it to God to tend to the problem however He chooses.)
Mark recounts the story of the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 followed by another sea storm story. If you do not know the story of the feeding of the 5,000 (out of just five loaves and two fish) read it in Mark 6:34-44. Let's continue by reading Mark 6:45-46. What kind of an attitude would the disciples have after the feeding of the 5,000? (What a day! Jesus had shown His power to create food.)
Read Mark 6:47. What is different about this sea story? (Jesus is not in the boat.)
Read Mark 6:48. After this high day, in what kind of situation do the disciples find themselves? (Difficult. There was a storm and they were "straining" to make any progress. The fourth watch would be 3:00 in the morning. They had been rowing for eight or nine hours and made it only half way across the lake.)
Is your life like this sometimes? A very high spiritual experience followed by an experience in which you are straining?
What is Jesus doing? (He is watching them.)
Why doesn't He intervene? Why leave them straining for all this time?
Why don't they ask Him to intervene? Where is their "vision" focused?
Look at Mark 6:48 again. When Jesus finally appears to be doing something, we read that He was going to "pass them by." Why would Jesus walk past them? (Jesus is watching and concerned. He begins to act on the problem before He is asked for help. But, it appears He is not going to actually intervene without some sort of request.)
What lesson is there in this for us?
Read Mark 6:49-50. Do the disciples recognize Jesus? (No!)
Why would Jesus do this? Why would He come so close, but not close enough for the disciples to recognize Him? (I believe that Jesus was waiting for them to call upon Him. He probably delayed coming because He was sure they would not call on Him for a while - they would continue to depend on themselves. But even now, when they are tired and frightened, they still do not call on Jesus.)
On what basis does Jesus calm them? (He has compassion and He helps the disciples even though they have not specifically called for His help. They are still not looking in the right place for help.)
Bread Stories
Read Mark 6:51-52. The disciples "had not understood about the loaves." What did they fail to understand? (Notice the sequence here. Jesus calms the storm when He is in the boat. He then performs an extraordinary miracle (feeding the 5,000) in which they are coworkers. Immediately after, they get into some major trouble. Jesus is watching them, but they are simply straining through it. They do not call on Jesus, but He comes near anyway. Finally, they are completely terrified and He rescues them. They are amazed because they do not understand about the loaves.)
What is loaf understanding? (That Jesus can master any problem in your life. They should have called upon Him at the very beginning of the problem. They should not have been amazed that He was the solution to their problem.)
How about you? When do you call on Jesus to help? Only after you have been "straining" for eight or nine hours? Does it take you that long to look to Jesus?
Does Jesus wait to help you because He knows you will not look to Him earlier?
Let's consider at another bread analogy. Read Matthew 16:1-4. What is the sign of Jonah? (Read Matthew 12:39-41. Jesus is saying that they do not want to believe He is the Messiah, even though it is obvious from what He has done. They refuse to believe the evidence that they see. Their sign will be His death and resurrection.)
How about you? Do you resist Jesus' teaching? Do you resist the Holy Spirit? Are you looking in the wrong place?
Read Matthew 16:5-7. Aren't you glad the disciples put their collective intelligence together?
Read Matthew 16:8-11. Why does Jesus say "You of little faith" as opposed to "You of little intelligence?" (They thought Jesus was telling them to beware of purchasing bread with bad yeast from the Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus had fed thousands with nothing. They should never have to worry about buying bread when they were with Him. If they had faith, they would not have taken this first logical misstep.)
Read Matthew 16:12. Yeast (leaven) represents impurity or corruption. Compare Leviticus 2:11 with 1 Corinthians 5:6-8. The disciples finally got the point. What is the lesson for us today? (How many times we reach the wrong conclusion because we do not approach our problems through the eyes of faith. Instead of keeping our eye on God, we keep our eye on the mundane things that He will supply- like bread.)
Friend, will you determine to adjust your vision so that you look at every problem through the eyes of faith? Will you focus on the spiritual rather than the material?
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Mission and Commission
(Mark 16, Matthew 25, Ezekiel 24, Revelation 14)
Discipleship: Lesson 12
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/495.php>
Introduction: When I started reading the Bible texts for this week's lesson I became discouraged. Jesus seems to give a test for believers that I, frankly, flunk. Why don't you join me in the study this week and see how you do on the "test?" If you also flunk the test, I've got an explanation that seems to counter the plain language of the text. Let's dive into this study of the Bible and see what you think!
Believe and Do
Read Mark 16:14. Why did Jesus rebuke His disciples? (Because they would not believe those who had told them that Jesus was alive.)
Why would the disciples have such an attitude? Would this not be exactly what they hoped for? (Perhaps it is pride. If Jesus does not appear to them, they will not believe it. Compare John 20:24-25.)
Read Mark 16:15-16. What makes the difference between those who are saved and those who are condemned? (Believing in Jesus.)
Read Mark 16:17-18. Is there a test so you can tell whether someone sincerely believes? (Jesus says that those who believe show certain signs: driving out demons, speaking in new tongues, picking up snakes, drinking poison, and healing sick people.)
If that is the test, then I can tell you that I flunk the test. As far as I can tell, the Spanish class I took in college and eating at [an unnamed chain restaurant] come as close as I get to any of these tests.)
Whenever I want to argue that a text of the Bible does not mean what it plainly says, I get nervous. This test seems so illogical. Why would picking up snakes or drinking poison have anything to do with believing in Jesus? (They don't have any relationship that I can see.)
Are we told anywhere else in the Bible to pick up snakes or drink poison? Do we ever read about Jesus handling snakes or drinking poison? (No to both.)
No commentary I read suggested that we should actually drink poison to prove our faith. Barnes' Notes and Adam Clarke's commentary refer to these signs being given to those "in the primitive age" or in "primitive times." Is it fair to call Jesus and the disciples "primitive" people? (Whenever we start claiming that we are more sophisticated than those people in Bible times, that also makes me nervous. Seems like pride at work. We may have better technology, but I doubt we have more emotional intelligence.)
Look at Mark 16:17 again. Is there a common denominator among all of these signs? (They all deal with adversity. Demons, language barriers, snakes, poison, and sickness are all obstacles that face the disciples as they shared the gospel. I think Jesus is saying that a sign that you are a believer is that God will remove the serious obstacles to your witnessing.)
Read Acts 28:3-6. Is this an example of the understanding that I propose for these verses? (Yes. We read of Paul being bitten by a snake, not dying, and this being used as a method to promote the gospel.)
Belief and Judgment
Read Matthew 25:31-33. What do sheep and goats symbolize? (This is another description of those who believe and are saved and those who are condemned.)
Read Matthew 25:34-40. How do you fare on this test? (I'm feeling a lot better after reading this text than after reading Mark 16:17-18. I just finished filling out my tax return and I reported hundreds of dollars my wife and I donated in food and clothes.)
Does dropping off food and clothing at food pantries and charities count? I don't have a face-to-face encounter with whoever is eating or wearing my donations.
Would you like to have a face-to-face encounter with the homeless and destitute?
If the answer is "No," does that mean we flunk this test too?
The last two times I had a face-to-face encounter with the homeless/destitute, it was fine. But, the time before that it was ugly. A homeless person with a cell phone (!) called me and insisted that I purchase a certain type of inflatable mattress and deliver it to the homeless shelter because the mattress there was unsatisfactory. She kept calling me and yelling. It did not seem like this was the equivalent of helping Jesus.
Read Matthew 25:41-46. Should we write off this "righteousness by faith" nonsense? (No. I see this to be very much like our text in Mark. In Mark, Jesus described what would happen to His true followers when they met adversity in their gospel work. Here, Jesus describes the reaction of the true believers to those who are in need. If your attitude is to help, and you do help, then you reflect what is in your heart - a desire to follow Jesus.)
Belief and Witness
Read Luke 24:45-49. So far, we have seen some tests of discipleship which create some doubt in my mind about my level of discipleship. What does Jesus promise to us to allow us to meet the requirements of discipleship? (The Holy Spirit.)
Read Ezekiel 24:3-4. Do you think these people needed cooking lessons?
What hint to you find in these verses about the problem God is trying to address with His cooking story? (He calls them a "rebellious house." They have a spiritual problem.)
Read Ezekiel 24:5. What is the solution to their spiritual problem? (To put the pot over the fire and bring it to a boil.)
What do you think the fire symbolizes? (The Holy Spirit!)
How about you - is your "pot" over the fire and boiling? Or, are you a pot filled with cold water and rotting meat? (Perhaps if the "temperature" of the Holy Spirit was higher in our lives, we would do better on the discipleship tests.)
Theory of the Mission
So far we have been talking about the potential adversities faced in mission, we have been talking about the deeds of mission and we have been talking about the power for mission. What is the overarching theory for our mission - particularly if you believe we are in the last days before Jesus' Second Coming?
Read Revelation 14:6-7. How does the Bible characterize the message of this angel? (It is the "eternal gospel.")
What is the message? (Get ready for the final judgment!)
How do we do that? (Worship God, fear God, give Him glory.)
On what basis does God deserve our worship, fear and praise? (He is the Creator!)
Friend, do you understand the basic issue in the battle? Do you have the right message?
Timing is a very important thing. Is it possible that I (we) do not do very well on the snake-handling, poison drinking, demon driving, illness healing scale because that was the leading edge of the battle then and the leading edge of the battle now is creation/evolution and Saturday/Sunday worship?
Can we also consider the sheep/goats story to be mostly irrelevant based on timing? (No. That is a story about the judgment. God never lets us rest at a simple intellectual understanding of the gospel. That understanding must permeate our lives and change our attitudes and our conduct.)
Friend, do you understand the disciple's mission? Do you understand the issues of the last day? Is your understanding changing your life?
Next week: Patterns of Discipleship.
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Patterns of Discipleship
(1 Corinthians 12, Luke 17)
Discipleship: Lesson 13
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/496.php>
Introduction: We have come to the end of this series of lessons on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Let's finish up this series by looking at how we work together as disciples. What kind of model for our work does the Bible present? Should we be selective about our Christian "friends?" Should we "play well" with believers that might not have exactly the right vision? Let's jump into our study and find out!
Discerning Disciples.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-3. What kind of track record do these disciples have in being able to tell the good guys from the bad guys? (Not so good. In the past they have been led astray.)
Were their past errors understandable? (Paul says they were led astray by "mute idols." These guys could lose their way even without someone making a persuasive speech.)
What would you guess are their odds of getting it right in the future? How would you help them get it right? (Their chances look bleak. So, making the judgment as simple as possible would be important.)
What simple test does God give them (and us)? (A person operates through the Holy Spirit if they lead people to Jesus.)
Read Acts 20:28-30. Are these "wolves" easy to spot? (This text is more worrisome than 1 Corinthians 12. These wolves do not reject the truth, they distort the truth.)
If a person just distorts the truth, how can you apply the simple "Jesus be cursed," "Jesus is Lord" test? (Look again at Acts 20:30. The goal for "wolves" is to draw disciples "after them." The goal for true disciples is to make Jesus Lord. It seems that the true nature of the person (wolf or disciple) may take a while to become clear.)
What should we do in the meantime? (If they say "Jesus is Lord" we give them the benefit of the doubt and keep alert.)
Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. Why does this text stress the differences in the work of various disciples?
Look at the line of logic in the first verses of 1 Corinthians 12, what do you think is being said? (The logic is about true and false disciples. Those powered by the Holy Spirit and those powered by self-ambition. This is an argument that even if a disciple is doing something much different than you are doing, that does not mean that person is out of the Lord's will. You have to look at where the work of the person leads. If they are leading people to Jesus, they are working with the Holy Spirit to do His bidding.)
Would this apply to differences in music preferences?
Would this apply to differences in worship preferences?
Would this apply to an emphasis on certain spiritual gifts, for example speaking in tongues (or not)?
Working Together
Read 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. We are not going to go into the specific gifts. Instead, let's look at the overall message. What is the point of giving different Christians different gifts? (The first point is that we need to work together. Christians who "worship in the woods," Christians who listen to tapes, or television or the radio as their sole means of worship are missing a central theme of the Bible. God's church depends on teamwork.)
I recently heard a preacher say that out of 1.5 million people who live in the area, only about 2,000 had the gospel. Re-read 1 Corinthians 12:8. What do you think is the "message of knowledge?" (I think it can mean "knowledge of the Bible." What this preacher meant, and I think he was pointing out truth, is that a limited number have a good understanding of the gospel. This is a spiritual gift that should be shared with those who have other spiritual gifts. It does not mean that those with that gift are somehow superior, or the only ones who are saved.)
Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-16. What do you think is the likely attitude of the foot and ear? Are they saying they are too good to be part of the body? Do they feel inadequate to be part of the body? (It seems they feel inadequate because they want to be some other part.)
Read 1 Corinthians 12:21. What kind of attitude do the eye and head have? (They have a superiority complex.)
I run into many more "eye and head" Christians than I do "foot and ear" Christians. My church thinks it is superior to all other Christian churches. I assume members of other churches feel that way too. Is the message of 1 Corinthians 12 just for people within a specific denomination? Or, is this a message for all of the various denominations? (The "boundary lines" set by this chapter separates those who are led by the Holy Spirit and those who are not. My view is that this cuts across denominational lines. If your church has a special message, preach it. Don't arrogantly think you are better because of it - because some other group will have its own special gift and message that the world also needs.)
Playing Well Together
Read Luke 17:1-3. In working together with fellow disciples, we are not to close our eyes to truth. Who does Jesus say we should be watching? ("Watch yourselves.")
Why not watch the other guy? Afer all, he is the one leading people astray!
What does Jesus mean by "yourselves?" (It seems that I am not just watching me - although that is a full-time task! It seems the Christian community is watching itself.)
How is this supposed to work? Historically, I have been very upset when Christians attack fellow Christians. Am I wrong? Are we only to "attack" (watch) fellow Christians? (One of the gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:10 is "distinguishing between spirits." We are not to attack another Christian just because he has a different approach. However, true sin needs to be rebuked. It also needs to be forgiven.)
Read Luke 17:7-9. How would you answer the question in verse 9? (I would thank the servant, but I think we have a time and culture issue here. The correct answer is "no," he would not thank the servant.)
Read Luke 17:10. Why is a servant unworthy if he does his duty? (He has done only what he was paid to do. The "worth" was paid for. If the servant does more, he has uncompensated worth.)
You may protest that the servant (if he was a slave)had not been paid anything. What about you? Have you been paid to be a disciple of Jesus? (He paid for you with His life.)
What kind of attitude do you have towards your work as a disciple?
I hear others (and myself) saying three different kinds of things:
"I'm not being spiritually fed."
"This church does not appreciate me."
"What more can I do to help?"
According to Luke 17:10, which of these would a disciple with the right attitude say?
When Jesus recites this story, is He giving a lesson for masters or servants? (I don't think Jesus is teaching us as "masters" to work fellow believers and not thank them. He is speaking to us as disciples who serve. Don't think that you are entitled to praise when you do your work. Don't think you are entitled to have others do the work for you. God paid for you with His life, you owe Him a great deal.)
Friend, what kind of a disciple are you? Do you work with others? Do you realize the importance of the gifts given to others? Do you put away spiritual arrogance? Do you have the attitude that you are just grateful to be part of the work? If not, confess your sin and pray that the Holy Spirit will change your heart to make you a better disciple.
Next week we begin a new series of lessons on the ministry of Jesus.
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