Discipleship: Commitment Beyond Admiration

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the profound distinction between being a disciple of Jesus and merely being part of the crowd. This distinction is crucial as we explore the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, particularly in Matthew 6. The essence of discipleship is not about the glamour or the ease of the journey; rather, it is about the commitment and vulnerability required to truly follow Jesus. This is akin to the difference between auditing a class and taking it for credit. When you audit, you are merely a passive listener, but when you take it for credit, you engage deeply, committing to the learning process despite the challenges.

Jesus' teachings often involved strategic confusion, challenging his followers to think deeply and embrace paradoxes, such as the first being last and the need to die to truly live. This method was not always easy to understand, and many, including some disciples, turned away. Yet, the core of discipleship is captured in Peter's response to Jesus: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." This highlights the realization that despite the challenges, there is no better path than following Jesus.

The call to discipleship is not about mindless obedience but about a creative, responsible, and wholehearted engagement with Jesus' teachings. It is about becoming the kind of person who naturally desires to do what is loving and good. This journey requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to be vulnerable. It is about building one's life on the solid rock of Jesus' teachings rather than the shifting sands of mere admiration.

The story of Clarence Jordan serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of true discipleship. It challenges us to examine whether we are merely admirers of Jesus or true followers willing to put everything on the line. The question remains: are we auditing our faith, or are we taking it for credit, fully committing to the transformative journey of following Jesus?

Key Takeaways:

- Discipleship vs. Crowds: The distinction between being a disciple and part of the crowd is crucial. Disciples commit to following Jesus, embracing vulnerability and growth, while the crowd remains passive, often turning away when challenged. This commitment is akin to taking a class for credit rather than auditing it. [03:29]

- Strategic Confusion: Jesus often used strategic confusion in his teachings, challenging his followers to embrace paradoxes and think deeply. This method, though difficult, leads to profound growth and understanding, as seen in Peter's declaration of Jesus having the words of eternal life. [05:40]

- Creative Obedience: True obedience to Jesus is not about mindless rule-following but about creative, responsible, and wholehearted engagement with his teachings. It involves becoming the kind of person who naturally desires to do what is loving and good. [08:16]

- Cost of Discipleship: The story of Clarence Jordan highlights the cost of true discipleship, challenging us to examine whether we are merely admirers of Jesus or true followers willing to put everything on the line. This distinction is crucial for genuine spiritual growth. [11:25]

- Building on Solid Rock: The call to discipleship is about building one's life on the solid rock of Jesus' teachings rather than the shifting sands of mere admiration. This requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to be vulnerable, leading to a life of true fulfillment and purpose. [07:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:34] - Introduction to Matthew 6
- [00:49] - Jesus as Teacher
- [01:22] - Disciples vs. Crowds
- [02:23] - Auditing vs. Taking for Credit
- [03:29] - Commitment to Discipleship
- [04:20] - Strategic Confusion in Teaching
- [05:08] - Peter's Declaration
- [06:06] - Jesus' Disappointments
- [07:04] - Building on Rock or Sand
- [08:02] - Obedience A vs. Obedience B
- [09:01] - God's Goal for Our Lives
- [10:15] - Follower or Admirer
- [11:25] - Clarence Jordan's Story
- [12:07] - Call to Action and Conclusion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:1-34
2. John 6:66-68
3. Matthew 7:24-27

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 6, what are some of the key teachings Jesus gives about how to live a life of true discipleship? How do these teachings contrast with the behaviors of the crowds? [00:34]

2. According to John 6:66-68, what was Peter's response when Jesus asked if the disciples wanted to leave? What does this reveal about Peter's understanding of Jesus' teachings? [05:23]

3. How does Jesus use the metaphor of building a house on rock versus sand in Matthew 7:24-27 to illustrate the importance of obedience to his teachings? [07:19]

4. What is the significance of the distinction between auditing a class and taking it for credit in the context of discipleship, as discussed in the sermon? [02:23]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "strategic confusion" in Jesus' teachings challenge the disciples to think more deeply about their faith? What might be the purpose of this method? [04:20]

2. In what ways does the story of Clarence Jordan illustrate the cost of true discipleship? How does this story challenge the listener to evaluate their own commitment to following Jesus? [11:25]

3. What does it mean to build one's life on the "solid rock" of Jesus' teachings, and how does this differ from merely admiring Jesus? [07:19]

4. How does the sermon describe the difference between "obedience A" and "obedience B"? Why is this distinction important for understanding true discipleship? [08:02]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are you more like a disciple or part of the crowd when it comes to following Jesus? What steps can you take to deepen your commitment? [01:22]

2. Consider a time when you faced confusion or difficulty in understanding Jesus' teachings. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [04:20]

3. Think about the metaphor of building on rock versus sand. What are some practical ways you can ensure your life is built on the solid foundation of Jesus' teachings? [07:19]

4. How can you move from being an admirer of Jesus to a true follower? What specific actions or changes in mindset are necessary for this transformation? [11:25]

5. Reflect on the concept of "creative obedience." How can you apply this idea in your daily life to become more aligned with Jesus' teachings? [08:16]

6. Identify an area in your life where you might be "auditing" rather than "taking for credit." What changes can you make to fully commit to this aspect of your faith journey? [02:23]

7. How can you cultivate the courage, honesty, and vulnerability required for true discipleship in your relationships and community? [09:15]

Devotional

Day 1: Commitment Over Comfort
The distinction between being a disciple and merely part of the crowd is profound. Discipleship requires a commitment to follow Jesus, embracing vulnerability and growth, while the crowd often remains passive, turning away when challenged. This commitment is akin to taking a class for credit rather than auditing it. Disciples are those who engage deeply, willing to face the challenges and discomforts that come with true spiritual growth. They are not content with just being spectators but are active participants in their faith journey. [03:29]

"Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you merely auditing your faith instead of fully committing to the journey of discipleship? What steps can you take today to move from being a passive observer to an active participant in your spiritual growth?


Day 2: Embracing Paradox
Jesus often used strategic confusion in his teachings, challenging his followers to embrace paradoxes and think deeply. This method, though difficult, leads to profound growth and understanding. The paradoxes, such as the first being last and the need to die to truly live, invite believers to look beyond the surface and seek deeper truths. Peter's declaration that Jesus has the words of eternal life highlights the realization that despite the challenges, there is no better path than following Jesus. [05:40]

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8, ESV)

Reflection: What paradox in Jesus' teachings do you find most challenging to understand or accept? How can you embrace this paradox in your life to deepen your faith and understanding?


Day 3: Creative Obedience
True obedience to Jesus is not about mindless rule-following but about creative, responsible, and wholehearted engagement with his teachings. It involves becoming the kind of person who naturally desires to do what is loving and good. This journey requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to be vulnerable. It is about building one's life on the solid rock of Jesus' teachings rather than the shifting sands of mere admiration. [08:16]

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you creatively engage with Jesus' teachings today? How can you move beyond mere admiration to actively living out his teachings in your daily life?


Day 4: The Cost of True Discipleship
The story of Clarence Jordan serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of true discipleship. It challenges believers to examine whether they are merely admirers of Jesus or true followers willing to put everything on the line. This distinction is crucial for genuine spiritual growth. True discipleship often requires sacrifice and a willingness to stand firm in one's faith, even when it is difficult or unpopular. [11:25]

"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12, ESV)

Reflection: What sacrifices might true discipleship require of you today? Are you willing to put everything on the line to follow Jesus, even if it means facing challenges or opposition?


Day 5: Building on Solid Rock
The call to discipleship is about building one's life on the solid rock of Jesus' teachings rather than the shifting sands of mere admiration. This requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to be vulnerable, leading to a life of true fulfillment and purpose. Disciples are those who choose to anchor their lives in the teachings of Jesus, finding stability and strength in his words, even amidst life's storms. [07:19]

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." (Matthew 7:24, ESV)

Reflection: What areas of your life are built on shifting sands rather than the solid rock of Jesus' teachings? How can you begin to rebuild these areas on a more stable foundation today?

Quotes


There's Jesus and there's the crowds and there's disciples. This is the first time the word disciples occurs in the gospel of Matthew. He uses that word 65 times, a really important word, and those are people who have made a commitment to Jesus. They have entered into a relationship with him. [00:57:44]

When you audit a class, you're just present as a hearer. It's audible to you, you're just listening. You don't have to worry about homework, you don't have to mess with assignments, you're not going to be graded on this stuff, you don't have to take tests. You maximize freedom and minimize vulnerability. [02:31:20]

But if you take it for credit, then you promise to make a credible effort to seek to learn. You trust the credibility of the instructor, you make the commitment to say whatever it takes, these assignments, this homework, these tests, I will be vulnerable to it. [02:48:00]

We live in a world where we like to audit spirituality, but of course we all know deep down inside it's only when you place yourself on the line, when you become vulnerable, when you make that deep commitment, when you say I will do whatever it takes, that you know the thrill, the wonder, the discovery of true growth and learning. [03:11:20]

Jesus' pedagogical method with the disciples really involved quite a lot of strategic confusion. First to be last, you got to die if you really want to live. Children will be our little models here of how we're supposed to embrace God and pursue life. Go party with tax collectors, get a pedicure from a sinful woman. [04:30:68]

Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Now this is not a ringing endorsement. You know, been thinking about it, Jesus, the alternatives are just not promising. But then this wonderful statement: you have the words of eternal life. [05:26:31]

The calling for Jesus, what he ultimately gets to in Matthew chapter 7 here in the sermon on the mountain is, will you be just hearers of these words or will you do them? Going to build your house on sand or build it on rock? You going to audit or you going to put it on the line? [07:11:24]

Obedience A is the obedience of the scribes and the Pharisees, robotic, mindless, conforming, rule-following. You tell me what to do and I'll go ahead and do it, and there is no life in that. That's not what we're called to. That can actually be quite dangerous. [08:00:28]

Obedience B is creative, responsible, initiative, thoughtful, discerning, energized, wholehearted agency. Dallas would often say, you know, God's goal for your life is so for him to be able to set you free in the world to do whatever you want to do. [08:16:36]

God's goal for your life is for you to become the kind of person he can set free to say do whatever you want because you will want to do what is loving. Obedience begins with love, love my neighbor as myself, love my enemy, and then to be courageous and then to be honest and truthful. [08:57:59]

Clarence had started an interracial ministry community in the 1950s in the South when that was very controversial. Asked his brother who would later be a state senator and a Justice on the Supreme Court to represent Coria Farm legally and his brother said Clarence I can't do that, you know my political aspirations. [10:26:12]

I follow Jesus clearance up to a point. Could that point by any chance be the cross? That's right, I follow him to the cross but not on the cross. I'm not getting myself crucified. That I don't believe you're a disciple, you're an admirer of Jesus but not a disciple of his. [11:20:39]

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Transcript
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