In two thousand years, Christianity has spread throughout the world and there are now approximately 2.4 billion Christians worldwide. Christians are following the instructions Jesus Christ left with His disciples; “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mk 16:15).
Christians worship on their Sabbath and many are moved each week by inspiring services in their Churches. Christian Churches throughout the world work fervently to spread the Gospel and to ensure that the flock is fed and the institution of Church endures. But how many of the 2.2 billion Christians take on the responsibility of Discipleship?
The first Christian disciples were handpicked by Jesus and their numbers grew as Jesus’ ministry grew. But in John chapter 6, (it would be helpful to read this chapter) we are told that many of Jesus’ Disciples felt that his teachings were too hard; 'Then many of his disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it (Jn. 6:60)?"'
Those disciples accompanied Jesus, heard his teaching, and saw his miracles, yet they did not believe and stopped following Him; "As a result of this, many [of] his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him (Jn 6:66)."
So, what are the conditions of Discipleship that some of the original disciples found too hard? Jesus Himself tells us; 'Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Lk 9:23)."'
Most of us do not want to deny ourselves. We don’t want to die to self so that we can be a new creation in Christ; we are happy with who and how we are. We definitely don’t want to take up a cross. We don't want to make sacrifices. We don’t want self-discipline, We want God to provide us with a worry free life and give us what we want. God is viewed as our benevolent vending machine and we get what we want once we are ‘faithful’ and say the right words. After all, Jesus died for our sins so we are clean and well on our way to Heaven. Why should we suffer? Jesus already suffered for all to set us free; so why should we also suffer? We want the way of the privileged not the way of the cross. After all, are we not the adopted children of God and don’t parents give the best to their children?
The gift of eternal life has been paid for by someone else, so we don't appreciate its value. Not my crown of thorns; not my scourging; no nails driven into my hands and feet; no lance piercing my side; no agonizing death.
As professed followers of Christ, our mandate is to follow in His footsteps and proclaim the Gospel. In so doing we will have to suffer, not only for the salvation of our souls, but also for the salvation of the souls of others (Rom. 10:14-15). Just as Jesus sacrificed Himself to save us, we are expected to sacrifice ourselves to save others. But understand that with suffering comes privilege and Grace. Jesus said to His Disciples; “But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear (Mt 13:15)."
The joy of being a Disciple is unparalleled. Our spiritual eyes and ears are opened and our perception of what is really of value is changed forever. Our needs are taken care of and our wants are fully aligned with God’s plan for us. We endure our suffering because of our love of God and our love for our fellow man. Profound peace stills our hearts and allows us to hear that still small voice speaking to us (1 Kings 19:11-12). We experience our transfiguration here on earth and yearn, in faith, for the day we stand before God and hear the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant (Mt. 25:21).”
Comments