Living as Disciples: Embracing Jesus in Every Moment
Summary
In our journey of discipleship, we are called to a profound and transformative relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship is not confined to the walls of a church or to a specific day of the week; it is a continuous, living experience that permeates every aspect of our lives. As we delve into the essence of discipleship, we recognize that it is not merely about acquiring knowledge or performing religious duties, but about embodying the life and lifestyle of Jesus Himself.
To experience the life of Jesus, we must adopt His lifestyle. This means that our desire to feel God's presence, to delight in prayer, and to discern His will must be coupled with disciplined living in the way of Jesus. We cannot expect to hear God's voice or to be transformed overnight without committing ourselves to the practices that Jesus Himself modeled.
The Word of God is life-giving, and it is through the Scriptures that we encounter Jesus. The Scriptures are not an end in themselves but a means to point us to Christ. By immersing ourselves in the Word, meditating on it day and night, we become like trees planted by the riverbank, bearing fruit in every season. This is the essence of being a disciple: to be with Jesus, to become like Him, and to do what He did.
Prayer is another vital aspect of our relationship with Jesus. It is not a one-way street of petitions but a two-way communication where we delight in God's presence. The Gospel of John speaks of abiding in the vine, of remaining in Jesus' love. This abiding is not limited to a particular time or place; it is an ongoing state of being with Jesus.
Brother Lawrence, a humble kitchen worker, exemplified this in his practice of the presence of God. He found God's tranquility amidst the noise and demands of his daily work, demonstrating that there is no sacred-secular divide. Every moment is an opportunity to be in communion with God.
As we embark on our new series on discipleship, we focus on three key aspects: to be a disciple, to grow as a disciple, and to make disciples. This journey is not linear but cyclical, reflecting the continuous nature of our walk with the Lord. It is a journey that we undertake in community, for discipleship is not a solitary endeavor. We are called to support and grow with one another as we follow Jesus together.
In summary, being a disciple of Jesus means spending time with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He does. This happens within a community of faith, where we encourage and uphold one another. As we reset our lives this month, let us seek to be true apprentices of Jesus, embracing His word, His presence, and His mission in every aspect of our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Discipleship is an all-encompassing lifestyle that requires us to be with Jesus in every moment, not just during designated spiritual activities. Like Brother Lawrence, we can experience God's presence in the mundane tasks of life, finding sacredness in the ordinary. This understanding eradicates the false dichotomy between the sacred and the secular. [19:36]
- The Word of God is not just a text to be studied but the very life and person of Jesus Christ. To be His disciple, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to shape us, nourish us, and transform us into fruitful, resilient followers who thrive in every season of life. [17:16]
- Prayer is a dynamic conversation with God, not a monologue of requests. It is in the practice of prayer that we learn to abide in Jesus' love, to remain in Him as He remains in us. This relational depth is essential for discipleship, as it anchors us in the love that empowers us to live out our faith authentically. [18:20]
- Discipleship is not a solitary journey but one that is enriched and sustained by community. As we engage with fellow believers, we find strength, accountability, and shared wisdom that propels us forward in our collective pursuit of becoming like Jesus and doing His work. [02:54]
- To be a disciple is to be an apprentice of Jesus, learning from Him by spending time with Him, emulating His character, and carrying out His mission. This apprenticeship is the foundation of our identity as Christians and the source of our growth and effectiveness in making disciples. [08:20]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 15:4-5 (ESV)
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
2. Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV)
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."
3. John 1:1, 4 (ESV)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In him was life, and the life was the light of men."
4. Mark 3:14 (ESV)
"And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach."
Observation Questions:
1. In John 15:4-5, what does it mean to "abide" in Jesus, and what are the consequences of doing so or not doing so?
2. How does the imagery of a tree planted by streams of water in Psalm 1:1-3 illustrate the life of someone who delights in and meditates on God's law?
3. According to John 1:1, 4, what is the relationship between the Word and life, and how does this relate to the concept of Jesus as the Word?
4. Reflecting on Mark 3:14, why do you think Jesus appointed the twelve to be with him before sending them out to preach?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the repeated command to "abide" in John 15 suggest about the nature of our relationship with Jesus?
2. Considering the metaphor of a tree by the water in Psalm 1, what might be the "spiritual nutrients" that enable a disciple to bear fruit in every season?
3. How does understanding Jesus as the Word in John 1 inform our approach to reading and engaging with the Scriptures?
4. In light of Mark 3:14, what can we infer about the importance of proximity to Jesus in the process of becoming a disciple?
Application Questions:
1. Identify a daily habit that could help you practice abiding in Jesus throughout your day. How will you implement this habit this week?
2. Choose a passage of Scripture to meditate on for the next seven days. What specific times of day will you set aside for this meditation?
3. Reflect on your current engagement with the Bible. What is one change you can make to deepen your encounter with Jesus as the Word?
4. Think of a community or group setting where you can pursue discipleship with others. What is one step you can take this week to engage more deeply in that community?
5. Consider the last time you felt distant from Jesus. What practical steps can you take to restore and maintain that closeness on a daily basis?
Devotional
Day 1: Sacredness in the Ordinary
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to compartmentalize our spiritual practices, relegating them to certain times and places. However, true discipleship invites us to recognize God's presence in every moment, even in the most mundane tasks. Like Brother Lawrence, who found tranquility and communion with God amidst the clatter of kitchen pots and pans, we too can practice the presence of God wherever we are. This approach dismantles the barrier between the sacred and the secular, allowing us to live a life where every action is infused with spiritual significance. By doing so, we turn the ordinary into a continuous act of worship and an opportunity to connect with the divine. [19:36]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." - Colossians 3:23-24 ESV
Reflection: How can you transform a routine task you perform today into an act of worship and awareness of God's presence?
Day 2: Scripture as the Living Word
The Bible is not merely a collection of historical narratives, laws, and prophecies; it is the living Word that reveals the person of Jesus Christ. As disciples, immersing ourselves in Scripture is not just an intellectual exercise but a spiritual practice that shapes our hearts and minds. When we meditate on the Word, we are like trees planted by streams of water, drawing nourishment and growing deep roots that enable us to bear fruit in every season. This spiritual discipline transforms us, making us resilient and fruitful followers of Christ, capable of thriving no matter what challenges life may bring. [17:16]
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." - Psalm 1:1-2 ESV
Reflection: What is one specific way you can engage with Scripture today that goes beyond reading, to meditating and applying its truths to your life?
Day 3: Prayer as Relational Depth
Prayer is often misunderstood as a one-sided conversation where we list our needs and desires to God. However, true prayer is a dynamic, two-way relationship that involves listening as much as speaking. It is in the depths of prayer that we learn to abide in Jesus' love, to remain in Him as He remains in us. This relational depth is not just for our benefit but is essential for discipleship. It anchors us in the love that empowers us to live out our faith authentically and to embody the character of Christ in our daily lives. [18:20]
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—" - Colossians 4:2-3 ESV
Reflection: What is one aspect of your life where you need guidance or support, and how can you invite God into that area through prayer today?
Day 4: Community as the Context for Discipleship
Discipleship is not a journey we undertake alone. It is within the context of community that we find the support, accountability, and shared wisdom necessary for growth. As we engage with fellow believers, we are strengthened and encouraged to persevere in our pursuit of Christlikeness. The community acts as a mirror, reflecting back to us both our strengths and areas in need of grace, and as a catalyst, propelling us forward in our collective mission to embody Jesus' teachings and make disciples. [02:54]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
Reflection: Who in your community can you partner with this week to mutually encourage each other in your walk with Christ?
Day 5: Apprenticeship with Jesus
To be a disciple is to be an apprentice of Jesus, learning from Him by spending time with Him, emulating His character, and carrying out His mission. This apprenticeship is not passive; it requires active engagement and a willingness to be molded by the Master. As we draw near to Jesus, we learn the rhythms of His grace and the contours of His love. This intimate relationship is the foundation of our identity as Christians and the source of our growth and effectiveness in making disciples. It is in the day-to-day following of Jesus that we truly become His apprentices. [08:20]
"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world," - Philippians 2:13-15 ESV
Reflection: What is one characteristic of Jesus that you can focus on emulating today, and what practical step can you take to cultivate that trait in your life?
Quotes
- "The Word of God is life-giving, and it is through the Scriptures that we encounter Jesus. By immersing ourselves in the Word, we become like trees planted by the riverbank, bearing fruit in every season." [17:16](Download)
- "To be a disciple is not something that's done individually. To grow as a disciple is not something that's done individually. To make disciples is not something that's done individually; it's done within a community." [02:54](Download)
- "The key part of abiding in Jesus is to 'remain in me.' It's so important to be with Jesus, to dwell with Him, to stay with Him, to be with Him." [19:02](Download)
- "If you want to experience the life of Jesus, you have to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus. We cannot expect to feel God's presence or discern His will without committing ourselves to the practices that Jesus Himself modeled." [21:41](Download)
- "To know Jesus, to be with Him, this is eternal life. The first step in being an apprentice of Jesus is to be with Him, to spend time in His word, because Jesus is the Word of God." [13:15](Download)
- "A disciple of Jesus is someone who spends time with Him, becomes like Him, and does what He does. These are the things that happen within a Community of Faith." [07:10](Download)
- "An apprentice of Jesus seeks to be with Him, to learn from Him, and to emulate His character and actions. This apprenticeship is the foundation of our identity as Christians." [08:20](Download)
- "In the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in His great tranquility as if I were upon my knees before the Blessed Sacrament." [20:31](Download)
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