|
|
 
Disciples to Apostles
Disciple: a committed follower
or student of a teacher (or teachings)
After Jesus was baptized, he spent approximately three years
teaching, preaching, and healing. People gathered to hear this man
who taught with authority, unlike any others. Jesus invited people
to follow him and apply his teachings. Jesus said, “Come to me, all
you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give
you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle
and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
(Matthew 11:28)
Jesus taught his followers to keep their priorities straight and to
be obedient to God. He kept his teachings simple so each disciple
could remember them. Jesus taught, “‘You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your
mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is
like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:
37-40) It sounds simple, but it is challenging to live these
commandments in daily life.
Jesus did more than speak words. He lived his teachings and embodied
love. He continues to invite people to follow him, to become his
students and to invest time to learn to apply his teachings.
What does it mean for you to
follow Jesus?
How much time do you invest each week to learn and apply the
teachings of Jesus?
Apostle: one who is sent on a
mission; commissioned
Jesus began with listeners, those intrigued, inspired, and convicted
by his teachings. Then, Jesus invited them to follow him, learning
more each day. This was part of a greater plan to send his followers
on a mission.
The mission began with the twelve disciples. They were sent in teams
of two to heal and to preach about the reign of God. After the death
and resurrection of Jesus, these twelve were commissioned for a
greater mission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have
commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the
age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) That commission extends to disciples of
Christ in every time and place.
Jesus teaches us to be disciples and then sends us to teach others.
We are given the privilege to teach others about the love of God
made known through Jesus Christ. We bear witness to the Good News of
Christ, encouraging others to follow Jesus.
Where and to whom is God sending
you?
Who are you discipling?
Do you consider yourself a disciple more than an apostle? How so?
How might God be equipping you to be an apostle, sent on God’s
mission into the world?
Disciples of Jesus become
apostles – people sent on God’s mission.
Writer: Robin McCullough-Bade
Copyright © 2004 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided the above
copyright notice is included.
E-Tips, Division for Congregational Ministries - Evangelism.
www.elca.org/dcm/evangelism
|
Adobe
Acrobat Reader
