December 31, 2006
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In the Dust of the Rabbi: When the Rabbi says “Come”
“How Did Jesus Describe Discipleship?”
(Part 1) (Part 2) This is Part 3
When large crowds began following Jesus, He spoke to them about what it meant to be His disciple. Today, I often percieve that many people believe that because they “believe” that this means they are a disciple of Christ. Just like in Jesus day, many followed Him and listened to His teachings….yet only a chosen few were His “disciples”.
How did Jesus describe discipleship, and why do you think He said these things?
Luke 14:27-33 (NIV)
27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
I need to note here that this same thought is also found in Matthew 10:38, “and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” I also need to note the wording here, the Greek word that is translated in these Scriptures is “heautou“. This word is found additionally in the verse preceding this one, Luke 14:26. The Greek word, “heautou” means “his own”. We must be prepared to “bear our own cross” to be a disciple of Jesus, to follow Jesus. So, what does this mean? Jesus Himself as well as others had to “bear the cross” or carry it to their execution. Simply put, we must be willing to suffer martyrdom for the cause and love of Jesus Christ…indeed….God. It’s important to point this out because many would read this and, not understanding the cultural context, would intrepret it as meaning carrying ones burdens or troubles in life. To follow Christ means total submission to Him….maybe even to the point of death.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
I believe that Jesus may have said this to point out to the large crowds who followed Him, the true gravity of his life, the importance of His purpose. We cannot take Jesus, indeed God, lightly….when the going get’s tough…and it will……the tough get going….they don’t turn back. We must know this going in. To be a disciple of Jesus, to truly follow Him, to be like Him….we must be willing to give up wealth, social status, comfort, time, control, career……. if necessary, maybe even our life. Those who want to follow Jesus should carefully consider their decision.
What do you think……
