Welcome to part two of our look at Mt. Calvary’s new mission motto: “meet Jesus, follow Jesus, service central Phoenix with Jesus.” Previously we heard about how in worship we meet Jesus. Specifically, in the Lord’s Supper we meet the risen body of Jesus himself. Like the disciples on that first Easter, we touch the Savior and our faith is engaged and strengthened in the midst of our fear and uncertainty. This month. we turn our attention to the phrase, “follow Jesus.”
It seems like Jesus is always inviting people to follow him. When Jesus approaches Peter, Matthew, or countless others he says, “follow me.” If you were to imagine and reflect on this conversation how do you hear Jesus’ words? Does Jesus sound stern? Tender? Cautious? Is there a sense of indifference or a sense or invitation? If I had to guess, Jesus must have said these words in the most matter of fact kind of way. The person he was speaking to would have been floored by Jesus’ request. Rabbis often had disciples, followers, who would learn from them. These followers would copy the entire way of life of the Rabbi. If the Rabbi happened to walk with a limp, the disciples would walk with a limp. If the Rabbi was a vegetarian, the disciples would become a vegetarian. Imitation of the Rabbi was the goal. A Rabbi would choose followers from the students in his Hebrew and Torah classes. These students were essentially elementary school age. It was an honor to be chosen. The student-disciple was almost guaranteed to become a Rabbi himself, or perhaps a scribe, or a government official. Becoming a disciple was a path to social mobility in Jesus' society. It was unheard of for a Rabbi to ask an adult man with a family, Peter, or a man with an established profession, Matthew to be his disciple. Jesus transforms and redefines discipleship.
It has been said that becoming Jesus’ disciple is the easiest thing in the world and the hardest thing in the world. Becoming Jesus’ disciple is easy since Jesus doesn’t just take honors students as his disciples. There is always room in the crowd following Jesus. Jesus doesn’t chase away strangers who would approach him with their requests and acts of reverence. Jesus says, “my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” As it concerns difficulty, Christians are not called to transcend our humanity, we are called to the practices Jesus practiced. Jesus encourages us to practice charity, prayer, fasting, hospitality, and rest. The discipleship Jesus invited people too was also different in difficulty. Whereas traditional discipleship was a career pathway, Jesus warns that his disciples will have more trouble than most.
Discipleship and growing in discipleship always involves other people. We not only follow Jesus but other people are in need of Jesus. The other person is the object our Jesus inspired practices.
As the pastor of Mt. Calvary I consciously create opportunities for Christians to practice their discipleship. Bible study and worship give us more time with Jesus. Activities such as fellowship, Light Rail Relief, and care for others in the congregation are all opportunities to practice our Jesus practices.
Join us this weekend in person or online for moments to practice our discipleship.
In Jesus’ Service,
Pastor Kurt Hellwig
425.420.6826.
