Embracing the Cost and Call of Discipleship
Summary
In our exploration of the Gospel of Matthew, we delve into the essence of being a disciple of Jesus Christ, focusing on the cost, call, and commissioning of discipleship. A disciple is a follower of a particular teaching or person, and today, we reflect on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. We begin by examining the calling of the first disciples, Andrew and Simon Peter, as depicted in John 1:35-41. Andrew, initially a disciple of John the Baptist, recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and brings his brother Simon to Him. This moment marks the beginning of their journey as followers of Christ.
The call to discipleship is profound, requiring individuals to leave behind their previous lives and embrace a new path. In Matthew 4:18-22, we see the disciples leaving their livelihoods to follow Jesus, a decision rooted in the Jewish tradition of selecting the best young men to become disciples of a rabbi. This tradition underscores the significance of being chosen by Jesus, who saw potential in those considered ordinary by societal standards.
The cost of discipleship is not without its challenges. Jesus warns that His followers will face persecution and must be willing to set aside personal pride and comfort. The story of the rich young man in Matthew 19:16-22 illustrates the difficulty of letting go of worldly possessions and priorities to fully embrace the kingdom of God. True discipleship requires a willingness to deny oneself, take up one's cross, and follow Jesus, as stated in Matthew 16:24-26.
Finally, the commissioning of discipleship involves spreading the good news of the kingdom of God. Jesus sends His disciples out to heal, preach, and make more disciples, emphasizing the importance of being shrewd yet innocent in their mission. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 calls us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. Our mission field extends from our local communities to the ends of the earth, and we are called to follow Jesus so closely that we are covered in His dust.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Call to Follow Jesus: Being a disciple of Jesus means leaving behind our old lives and embracing a new path. This call is rooted in the tradition of being chosen by a rabbi, signifying that Jesus sees potential in each of us, regardless of our societal status. [03:19]
2. The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus comes with challenges, including persecution and the need to set aside personal pride and comfort. True discipleship requires a willingness to deny oneself and take up one's cross, prioritizing the kingdom of God over worldly possessions. [12:07]
3. The Importance of Diversity in Discipleship: Jesus chose a diverse group of disciples, each with unique personalities and strengths. This diversity reflects the many parts of one body, as described in 1 Corinthians 12, emphasizing that every individual has a valuable role in God's plan. [05:41]
4. The Commissioning of Disciples: Jesus sends His disciples to preach, heal, and make more disciples, highlighting the importance of being shrewd yet innocent in their mission. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations, extending our mission field from local communities to the world. [16:30]
5. Living with an Open Hand: True discipleship involves holding our possessions and lives with an open hand, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. This perspective allows us to use our resources for the kingdom of God, rather than clinging to them as idols. [14:18]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Introduction to Discipleship
[01:43] - The Calling of Andrew and Simon Peter
[03:19] - Jewish Tradition and Discipleship
[04:05] - The Role of a Rabbi
[05:41] - Diversity Among Disciples
[10:27] - The Cost of Discipleship
[11:04] - Challenges of Following Jesus
[12:07] - The Rich Young Man
[13:05] - Wealth and the Kingdom of God
[14:18] - Living with an Open Hand
[16:30] - The Commissioning of Disciples
[18:39] - The Great Commission and Our Mission Field
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 1:35-41
2. Matthew 4:18-22
3. Matthew 16:24-26
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the initial reaction of Andrew and Simon Peter when they encountered Jesus, and how did it signify the beginning of their discipleship journey? [01:43]
2. How does the Jewish tradition of selecting disciples relate to the calling of Andrew and Simon Peter by Jesus? [03:19]
3. What does the story of the rich young man in Matthew 19:16-22 illustrate about the challenges of discipleship? [12:07]
4. How does the diversity among Jesus' disciples reflect the concept of one body with many parts as described in 1 Corinthians 12? [05:41]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to leave behind one's old life to follow Jesus, and how does this relate to the concept of being chosen by a rabbi? [04:05]
2. In what ways does the cost of discipleship challenge personal pride and comfort, and how can this be seen in the story of the rich young man? [13:05]
3. How does the commissioning of disciples to preach and heal reflect the broader mission of the church today? [16:30]
4. What role does diversity play in the body of Christ, and how can this be applied to modern church communities? [05:41]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. What might you need to leave behind to fully embrace the call to follow Jesus? How can you take a step towards this change this week? [04:05]
2. Consider a time when you faced challenges or persecution for your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to align more closely with Jesus' teachings? [11:04]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where personal pride or comfort might be hindering your discipleship. What practical steps can you take to address this? [13:05]
4. Think about the diversity within your own church or community. How can you contribute to fostering an environment where everyone's unique gifts are valued and utilized? [05:41]
5. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. Who in your local community or network might you reach out to this week to share the love of Christ? [18:39]
6. Reflect on your current possessions and resources. How can you hold them with an open hand, using them for God's kingdom rather than clinging to them as idols? [14:18]
7. How can you follow Jesus so closely that you are metaphorically "covered in His dust"? What daily practices or habits can help you achieve this closeness? [18:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Call to Follow Jesus
The call to follow Jesus is an invitation to leave behind our old lives and embrace a new path. This call is deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition of being chosen by a rabbi, which signifies that Jesus sees potential in each of us, regardless of our societal status. When Andrew and Simon Peter were called, they left their livelihoods to follow Jesus, demonstrating the profound nature of this call. It is a call that requires trust and faith, as it often means stepping into the unknown and leaving behind what is familiar. Jesus' choice of His disciples reflects His ability to see beyond societal norms and recognize the unique potential within each individual. [03:19]
Matthew 4:18-20 (ESV): "While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him."
Reflection: What is one aspect of your life that you feel called to leave behind in order to follow Jesus more closely? How can you take a step towards that today?
Day 2: Counting the Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus comes with challenges, including persecution and the need to set aside personal pride and comfort. True discipleship requires a willingness to deny oneself and take up one's cross, prioritizing the kingdom of God over worldly possessions. The story of the rich young man in Matthew 19:16-22 illustrates the difficulty of letting go of worldly priorities to fully embrace the kingdom of God. Jesus calls His followers to a life of sacrifice and self-denial, where the pursuit of His kingdom takes precedence over personal gain. This cost is not without reward, as it leads to a deeper relationship with God and a life that reflects His love and purpose. [12:07]
Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Celebrating Diversity in Discipleship
Jesus chose a diverse group of disciples, each with unique personalities and strengths. This diversity reflects the many parts of one body, as described in 1 Corinthians 12, emphasizing that every individual has a valuable role in God's plan. The disciples came from various backgrounds and walks of life, yet they were united in their mission to follow Jesus and spread His teachings. This diversity is a testament to the inclusive nature of God's kingdom, where everyone is valued and has a purpose. Embracing diversity in discipleship means recognizing and celebrating the unique gifts and perspectives that each person brings to the body of Christ. [05:41]
1 Corinthians 12:14-18 (ESV): "For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose."
Reflection: How can you celebrate and encourage the unique gifts and perspectives of those around you in your community or church?
Day 4: The Commissioning of Disciples
Jesus sends His disciples to preach, heal, and make more disciples, highlighting the importance of being shrewd yet innocent in their mission. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations, extending our mission field from local communities to the world. This commissioning is a call to action, where followers of Jesus are empowered to share the good news and demonstrate His love through their actions. It is a reminder that discipleship is not just about personal growth but also about impacting the world around us. As disciples, we are called to be ambassadors of Christ, bringing His message of hope and salvation to all people. [16:30]
Matthew 10:16 (ESV): "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can share the love and message of Jesus with this week? What practical steps can you take to reach out to them?
Day 5: Living with an Open Hand
True discipleship involves holding our possessions and lives with an open hand, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. This perspective allows us to use our resources for the kingdom of God, rather than clinging to them as idols. Living with an open hand means being willing to let go of what we have for the sake of others and the advancement of God's kingdom. It is a mindset that prioritizes generosity and stewardship, understanding that our lives and possessions are not our own but are entrusted to us by God. This approach to life leads to freedom and joy, as we align our hearts with God's purposes and trust in His provision. [14:18]
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV): "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
Reflection: What is one possession or resource you feel God is calling you to use for His kingdom? How can you take a step towards using it for His purposes this week?
Quotes
"As a follower of Jesus, you're part of one body and you have an important role to play. But what is the cost of discipleship? I was talking about the cost. I thought that salvation was a free gift and you're right. Jesus paid it all and to those who receive him, he is given the right to be called children of God. But there is a natural cost of discipleship." [00:10:27] (25 seconds)
"Jesus warns that his followers will be persecuted simply for following him. And when you follow Jesus, your whole life will begin to change. You will act differently, you will think differently, and you will talk differently. When you begin to think and talk and look like the things that matter to Jesus, it's going to make people uncomfortable." [00:10:53] (27 seconds)
"Looking and sounding different from the world, just doesn't sit well with them. It's like shining a flashlight on bugs that prefer the darkness. Has anybody ever flipped over a rock and seen the bugs just kind of scatter? Or I was on a mission trip down south and I opened up a bathroom door and the sunlight went in and all these things scurried away? Our light will make things of darkness uncomfortable." [00:11:19] (30 seconds)
"So, are we willing to give up or set aside some personal pride or discomfort in serving Jesus? A young rich man asks Jesus, What must I do to enter eternal life? Jesus says, You know the commandments. Honor your father and mother. Don't steal or murder. And, he says, I've kept all of these from my youth. I'm good to go. No." [00:11:50] (29 seconds)
"And Jesus says, well, there's one thing you do still lack. Go and sell everything that you have, give it to the poor, and follow me, as we read this morning. And he went away sad because of his great wealth. Now, great wealth doesn't make you unfit for the kingdom, okay? Well, we'll get there in a second." [00:12:22] (21 seconds)
"He went away sad because of his great possessions. Jesus casually says, it is more difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom than it is for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. And astonished at this, his disciples say, well, who then can enter? And Jesus says, well, with man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible." [00:12:43] (22 seconds)
"And what he was doing with this young rich man is he had this sense of pride, like, I've done it all, I deserve to enter the kingdom. And Jesus says, well, there's actually two commandments that you kind of missed, and that's the first two. You shall have no other gods, and you shall have no idols." [00:13:05] (20 seconds)
"And his possessions and his great wealth had become a god and an idol to him. Now, I do know, personally, some people with great wealth who do a great deal for the kingdom of God. There's a guy who I know helps people who have difficulty with cars, and he gives a stipend. to many of the churches in the area." [00:13:25] (26 seconds)
"I know other guys who are just straight -up generous. They say, God has given this to me, and so I am giving it back to you. When my father -in -law was at the end of his days and my wife's car was broken, a friend of ours said, take our car. It doesn't belong to us anyways. I'm like, what do you mean it doesn't belong to you?" [00:13:56] (27 seconds)
"So there's so many things that hold us back from being productive in the kingdom of God, and we need to let these things go. In Matthew chapter 16, 24 through 26, Jesus said to his disciples, whoever would be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me, will find it." [00:15:44] (32 seconds)
"What good will it do someone to gain the whole world and yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? So Jesus is saying, when somebody says, I have a cross to bear, sometimes they're thinking, well, I have a burden, or I have this relationship, or I have a parent, or a child, or somebody. This is my burden. This is my cross to bear. This is not what Jesus is talking about." [00:16:27] (36 seconds)
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