Week 2 (due Monday, 20 May):
1.
What might Jesus mean: "Blessed are you who are
poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (6:20) and "But woe to you who
are rich, for you have received your consolation" (6:24)?
2.
On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus speaks several times about
discipleship. Discuss one of his
teachings about discipleship in this section (9:51 – 19:48) and demonstrate how
we are to follow Jesus (in other words, how we are to follow “the way”).
Question 1:
ReplyDeleteWhy are the poor blessed? I see a possible answer in the next phrase: “for yours is the kingdom.” Jesus said in Matthew 19 that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Why? I think the story that just happened before explains it. Even though the rich guy kept all the commandments he couldn’t give his wealth away to the poor. I think it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom, because of their wealth they come into a self-provision mindset. I earn my cash, I got all I need, I don’t need God. They forget that the job and even the ability to work is a gift of God, and without God, nothing of that would happen. Where as a poor man, his need might draw him to God, being dependant on God. And a man that has a relationship with God is indeed blessed.
Thank you Lucas for reminding me of the story of the rich young man in Matthew 19. I am not rich like him but that is my question when I left home to study at the Bible College. Did He really want His children to sell/give up everything they possess in order to follow Him? I gave up my job (my source of income). The things Raj and I “invested” during our 6yrs of marriage are no longer ours. What God has in store for us after 2yrs of studying, I do not know. Like the rich young man who could not give his wealth to the poor, we cannot love God with all our hearts and yet keep our money and possessions to ourselves. God wants us to use it the way that pleases Him. Yes we are responsible to take care of our own needs (and of our families). However, we should be willing to give up anything and just trust God if He asks us to do so. It is difficult but it’s worth it. The kingdom of heaven is far more valuable than anything else we have. I believe a person must be willing to give up everything to obtain it.
DeleteThanks Dea for sharing your journey to NZ and the sacrifice it took for you guys. I reckon there is nothing wrong with having money and possession. But it can get too much of our hearts, that's the problem. Where your treasure is there is your heart also. "Don't buy anything you are not willing to lend" is a good principle to live by. Furthermore an attitude of gratitude and generosity keeps our heart in line. Nothing wrong about good stewardship of money (which often leads to wealth) but you are right, we have to be willing to be generous.
DeleteLucas, I think you are right. The more we have the more self-sufficient we believe we are. Not only does wealth create a false sense of security, it can turn us into being more selfish and less compassionate. And I think main point Jesus was making is that wealthy people end up exploiting the poor, and preventing them from getting justice.
DeleteI know o quite a few people who are very well off and give nothing but expect much taking advantage of any freebees they can have, My husband used to say their selfishness is probably how they became rich. Never paying their way unless they have to. They for some reason have so much mana with their peers people fall all over themselves to impress.
DeleteI think it’s super true that people forget that having the ability to work is a gift from God. Work is usually looked at as a burden and the last thing people want to do, but really God intended for us to work! I know that’s a concept I need to be more aware of and work on in my own life. We are a very blessed people and need to remember that.
DeleteLucas, great comments! And really good discussion everyone else. Dea, I think your example was very fitting and relevant to a lot of us. It's easy to fall into the state of mind that one is independent and cares for themselves, like Lucas mentions. I struggle with this sort of thinking a lot, in the respect that I do not provide for myself anymore it is a challenge. I fight, as I think most people do, the desire to provide for myself. I want that accomplishment, consistency, security, and self-fulfillment of providing for myself but God proves faithful and takes care of his people. While I may not be poor, I know that it is humbling and a blessing to live off of support because you become less attached to your possessions and your money as you recognize that it is God's in the first place. This makes it much easier to give back and give away. This mindset is helpful to have as a disciple seeing as money and possessions can become so consuming. While you mentioned earlier that it is not a bad thing to have, but it is not helpful to not be able to give away. I like your comment on not buying anything you wouldn't be willing to lend. Our possessions should be a means of blessing others, not just for possessing ourselves. This definitely would interfere with our dependency and focus on God.
DeleteI have found it very interesting how we can get along on very little and still pay the bills and give to God. For many years I did not think of Jesus even though I had been brought up a strict Roman Catholic, I fumed over never having enough even when I had a highly paid position. God has taught me otherwise over the last 15 years after I became a Christian my business waned, my husband become very ill and I gave up the business to look after him. This meant we had to live of the smell of an oily rag so to speak. Guess what, I have never been happier and my marriage became stronger than I could ever had imagined. I lost my life long friend last October and I know just where he is- God made sure he lacked for nothing. What was important to me then, definitely is not what is important to me now.
DeleteQuestion 2:
ReplyDeleteA follower of Jesus has not to worry about provision but to seek first the kingdom. (Luke 12) To choose our destiny in this world (which career, who to marry, where to live…) our focus has to be on God rather than cash flow. So instead of thinking: “How can I get the most of this world?” we should think: “What gift and abilities, passions has God given me to join God in the restoration of the world?”. God has a unique call for each individual to bring the kingdom to the area of our influence. Whoever you are a doctor, farmer, pastor, musician… your call is to bring the kingdom in it.
Good call Lucas. We can spend a lot of time on this earth, concerning ourselves over what to do next and how to get it done. Not that it is bad to ask such questions, but if the focus is on how it will benefit me personally instead of how it benefits the kingdom, then we might find ourselves learning lessons we hope we will never need to be taught again. I’m really enjoying the Luke-Acts class especially with it running hand in hand with the Minor Prophets. It is really helping me to gain a practical understanding of how faith and obedience are expected to connect in God’s Kingdom. Jesus really did come to turn this world right way up. I really appreciate your comments.
DeleteMuch love and peace Bro.
For so long I always prioritized money over God. I expected the best from riches I could earn through a career. It’s funny how far off that is from the truth. Obviously I know, that the only riches I need are provided through the long sought after kingdom. Even through knowing this, I’ve been asking- How I can get the most of this world for God, when I should have been asking what has God designed me for to help him remake this world through his restoration. Now all I have to do it figure out what that calling is to give my helping hand in restoration.
DeleteAs a child my focus was on how could I become rich and live the Hollywood life. Only recently have I not worried about how much money Ill make or what career Ill have. My focus is on God and who He wants me to be and where He takes me. A lot of people my age have a hard time understanding that as they are out in the pursuit of getting a degree and job. Which is not a bad thing, but unless youre doing it for the glorification of God none of that matters in the end. Awesome words Lucas.
DeleteQuestion 1
ReplyDelete•Being poor means being in need. It means we are deprived of something...or even emptied. No possessions, no treasures... nothing to “hold on to”. In helplessness, we understand and declare our limitations. When Jesus said “Blessed are you...” It is because we are conscious of our spiritual need. “Blessed” because instead of centering life on comfort and luxury, we find true riches in Him. To be poor in spirit is to be rich in faith. We learn how blessed it is to trust God and to always turn to Him for help.
•Woe implied great sorrow or distress. Woe because the rich put their faith into their riches, and not God. They should not expect the rewards of Heaven because they have already received their comfort on Earth. If we are trying to find fulfilment only through material wealth, it may be the only reward we will ever get –and it does not last. In Revelation 3:17, “You say: ‘I am rich and have acquired riches and do not need anything at all,’ but you do not realized that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”
It’s amazing that regardless of what financial situation we find ourselves in, we can be either God focussed or unfocussed. I get the sense that, Luke, tells the story in the manner he does; so as to focus on the way the Kingdom ought to be. That, within the kingdom “the poor” are to be treated with dignity and honour as though they have something to offer (that they are blessed).Because we all have something to offer in the kingdom, regardless of whether we have the fiscal resources of “the rich” or not. And that the rich are to be treated as though they are poor (felt sorry for) if they’re unaware of the good that could come from the wealth of resources they’ve been afforded with; wealth that can be used for the glory of God’s kingdom or not. Regardless of whether poor or rich, we can all tend to focus on what others have been blessed with, instead of giving thanks for what we’ve been given. We’ve been given the “keys to the kingdom,” an important question to ask is: how are we using those keys to get the doors open?
DeleteDea, very good response. The poor and wealthy are worlds apart and not just in terms of economics (one has lots of money and the other doesn't). This great disparity between the rich and poor leads to injustice, powerlessness, and violence - the opposite of the "way" of Jesus which is the way of peace.
DeleteI loved how you exlpained the term poor in spirit.
DeleteIt is so true how you said "To be poor in sporit, is to be rich in faith." You hit the nail on the head with that one.
I think it is a choice. I want to make the hcoice to be helpless, becuause in that mind set and that heart condition is when God can work, and transform.
Question 2
ReplyDelete•Perspective of women discipleship
In Luke 10:38-42 the story of Mary is a female parallel of the story of the good Samaritan. While the story of the good Samaritan highlights the love of neighbor; in this verses, it highlights the love of God. Mary’s love for God made her to just sit down at the feet of Jesus and listen to His teachings. And Jesus said Mary did the right thing and will not be taken away from her. Sometimes, we are so distracted and we allow ourselves to be occupied with the business in life that we no longer have time to just sit down and listen to His words. A disciple is a learner. To learn from Him, the Lord wants our full and undivided attention just as Mary did in these verses.
I like that story about the listening Mary and working Martha. In our work for God we need time of intimacy with God. If we focus on just the work we will run dry fast. As Jesus went alone the mountains to pray, so we need times before God without distractions. I recently did a 3 week music fast. It opened my eyes to how much of our lives is full of sound. It is good to have times of stillness and to use that time to listen to God. In fact how often do we listen when we pray? :-)
DeleteQuestion 1: Luke is running two primary stories/themes side by side: Jesus is the rightful Lord and King (what is your response to that, yes or no) and this is what His Kingdom, on earth looks like (can you accept that, yes or no?) I feel Luke is saying (6:20): In the Kingdom of God (of which Jesus is King) – You who are poor are not excluded and oppressed for what you don’t have (if you accept Jesus as Lord), you are in fact blessed. The opposite situation to what they would be experiencing under their current lord/king. In (6:24) he’s saying: You who are rich, if you have accepted what the prophets have said (v23) and accepted Jesus as Lord and the blessings that go along with that; will you also accept the prophets call to repent stop oppressing the poor and live your lives the way Jesus (as your Lord/King) wants them to be lived, here and now? If not: you have received your consolation on earth and will not receive anything in the Kingdom to come.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: I shudder to imagine, just what the landscape of our society would look like if Luke (the only one to record the parable of the Good Samaritan) had not recorded Jesus’ response to the question: “and who is my neighbour?” I think it is easy to confuse: my neighbour will understand why it is so difficult to assist him/her at this present time because I’m running late for work with ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ If people hadn’t taken the time to show even the smallest and most simple acts of kindness in my own life, I hate to imagine where I might currently be.
ReplyDeleteLuke’s recording of the Good Samaritan shows us just how powerful good discipleship can be. The example of these two “enemies” coming upon one another in the most desperate of circumstances moves me every time I reflect on it. Imagining what it would be like lying on the road, beaten and broken and seeing two “brothers” not being able to afford the time to stop and assist would be hope-breaking beyond measure. On the other hand, seeing an enemy approaching and expecting him to kick me whilst I’m down and have him go above and beyond the call of duty would be hope-restoring. Having mercy on one another is so important and so life changing, that it shows the very heart of God. I pray I will be able to become more merciful, because too often I’ve walked on by opportunities the Lord has given me to demonstrate how life is to be in His kingdom.
"Love your enemies" and that's what the Samaritan was doing. Good response, Peter (to the other question, too). I am challenged every time I reflect on this parable, too. I think Jesus is saying much more than be nice to your next door neighbour or even do something positive for him. He's asking us to risk something to be neighbourly, risking something to restore relationships. He's asking us to follow the model of one we consider our enemy. Thanks.
DeleteYour opening statement has opened the contemplation door to how society would differ if we had lost the parable of the good samaritan. I’ve never considered that, growing up with the parable you never really think of life without the lesson and values behind them. I wouldn’t want to live in this time if that were the case. Not that I’m any better than the two “brother”. I have fallen short to the lesson of the good samaritan, but can hopefully reflect his lesson in time coming. One simple act of random kindness is all it take after all, right?
Delete1. The poor are the ones who know what it means to appreciate and show gratitude for the unfortunate circumstances in their life. For this, they are blessed. I don’t know how to phrase what I wanted to say next, but then I remembered something my friend said in our bible study class back home. When he was at his lowest, poorest in spirit, when he felt like he had nothing left, was when he felt that had been the closest to God he had ever known. People who live comfortably and rich lifestyles on this Earth usually don’t know the definition of the word appreciative. An alternative word for “woe” is “trouble.” Trouble to the rich, because they’re in for a rude awakening. Everything good comes to an end.
ReplyDelete2. Chapter 17 teaches us about “Sin, Faith, Duty” of a disciple. People are always going to be bound to sin, but the ones who pressured these people into are going to be in trouble. You might as well jump in the sea with a weight on your neck, than be the causer of the sin. If the sinner repents every time they have done wrong to you forgive and choose not to remember. What he says about increasing faith is if we have even the smallest sized faith we can still accomplish great things. I had an English teacher tell us on our first day we would all start at a “C” in the class, because C is the average. Why would have start us at an “A”when we haven’t done anything above the average to deserve that “A”? Jesus teaches his disciples a similar lesson where if they put themselves in the shoes of a servant and were given a checklist of things to do they’re not going to expect a big applause, they are going to declare how undeserving they are for they have only achieved the checklist and haven’t gone above and beyond. Demonstrating we should follow Jesus in the most humble neighbor loving way we ever dreamed possible!
Sam, Great thoughts on question 2. You had a wise English teacher. Discipleship is being consistent in our life and doing what is expected. If we do stuff for others just to get applause, we are really doing stuff for ourselves and not for others. Thanks.
Deletesam i really like how you explaned why the poor are blessed by saying "The poor are the ones who know what it means to appreciate and show gratitude for the unfortunate circumstances in their life. For this, they are blessed." it reminded me of family that are friends with our family who lived on a block of land with no house for a while or longer but they were so great full to be able to come to our house and have a hot shower and runing fusilitys. something so simple as a hot shower can seem like the bigiest blessing to some one with out running water
Deletewe see in Luke Jesus says blessed is the poor. however if you look in Matthew his account says blessed are the poor in spirit. from this i see in Luke's message he is conserend with the poor people and there well being as such. if you see poor poeple in say africk that have accesses ot frish water have shelter and have food even if it is just a bit of rice they get from someone who donates it they are content but when they get more that they need they are so gratefull for it. as for the rich they never seem to have enuf. some one asked a rich person once how much more money do you need to be happy the rich person replyed " ill always need one more doller" or just one more doller than i have and ill be happy. if you want some one to be thankful of somthing you give it to someone who dosent have.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, good observation that Matthew is different than Luke and that Luke has in mind the poor, not "poor in spirit." I believe God is actually interested in poor people, not to give them more money, but because poor people generally are exploited, powerless and marginalised by the powerful (who are generally rich). God wants justice, equity and righteousness and when society is divided along poor and rich lines, it ain't happening.
Delete1. I believe that Jesus said “blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” because those who have less appreciate everything they have a lot more than those who have heaps. The people who get too comfortable with their luxuries rely more on their luxuries rather than relying on God. Of course there are wealthy people who have great faith in God as well. Yet, the poor have more of a struggle in the money-influenced world that we all live in. Therefore, since they struggle in daily life their reliance is completely on God.
ReplyDelete2. In Luke 12:22 Jesus discusses worrying. Worrying is a way to waste the precious time that He has given us to be His disciples. He reminds His disciples that the birds and flowers have all been provided for and are the disciples not much more valuable than those? A way for us to follow the “the way” is by leaving behind our doubts and worries and following God whole-heartedly. Although, it can be scary to give up everything because we are concerned with what we will have to wear or what food will get we need to trust 100% in God to provide for us so that we may be disciples.
good text telah it is one of thows texts that just lift whate off your sholders and go harr i dont have to wary coz i have God. i liked how you said "A way for us to follow the “the way” is by leaving behind our doubts and worries and following God whole-heartedly. Although, it can be scary to give up everything because we are concerned with what we will have to wear or what food will get we need to trust 100% in God to provide for us so that we may be disciples. " and i think you really hit the nail on the head with that coz it is hard and it is scary but this is somthing that can grow us in our faith and our trust in God
DeleteThanks, Telah. We are certainly tempted by "stuff" to become self-reliant and less inclined to trust in God.
DeleteSee my comment above in reply to Andrew. I think Luke has these issues in mind when he talks about the poor and rich.
57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
ReplyDelete58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
The New International Version. 2011 (Lk 9:57–58). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
this verse/ verses show us that to following Jesus and being a disipel is not going to be the first class life still of the worldly rulers with flash car's and exses cash but it will be a life of "unsertinty" as you will never know whats going to happen next. as i said erlyer a life of unsertinty i mean that in a worldly sence we as christians do have sertinty which drives us to live in unsertinty. we have faith in Jesus and trust in him so in a way it dusent matter were we are or what happens we are shour of our life with Christ and this sould give us curage in the way we aproch the world and the unsaved. like Roger said worst case cenareyow is we die and go to heaven
Thanks. Or, worst case scenario, we die and inherit the earth - in the new creation - the new heaven and earth.
Delete1. Like the others have said, about Matthew interprestation of it, he was "blessed are the poor in spirit."
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of that, I think of a reliance on God. Being spiritually poor means you dont have anything else but God. It is a mentalailty I think to be "poor in spirit". A good mentality, a mentality that shows a submission and dependence on God.
The opposite is "being rich in spirit" - having a negative sense of self worth, self reliance and pride in negative sense.
2. I like what Jesus says in 12:22 " Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes."
I think that is the key to following Jesus, and effective and transformational discplehsip. Learning to have total and full trust in God, even if that goes agaisnt our logic or our current circumstances. Learning to trust that God actually knows what he is doing, even if that means our situation may not always look it. Its a command not to worry, and it a promise that God has our best in intentions in mind.
We are to follow Jesus, but having that child like faith of just relying on him, and letting his influence be the one that is going to guide and shape who we are.
Thanks, Nathan. We struggle to have a poverty of spirit. it is something we fight all the time.
DeleteBut at the same time, Luke seems to be referring to people who are actually poor. Being poor in that society meant lack of power, being marginalised, exploited and recipient of injustice. And being rich meant having power and getting your way.
As Christians we need to fight poverty - not just so people can have money but fight poverty so people can be empowered and not victims of injustice and exploitation. But of course this won't happen until people are "poor in spirit."
I like what you said and agree that in discipleship it is fundamental to have full trust in God. Why it is so hard is another story however. It definitely does go against our logic because we so often cannot see or figure out what God is doing and we are a society of answers and reason. Then on top of that as Christians we are instructed not to worry even though we are unsure of God's activities. This becomes especially challenging when things seem to be chaotic and the cards don't seem to be in our favor as you noted. I like that you bring up a childlike faith. It's so important to have that but so hard. Children are innocent and carefree when they feel safe with those they trust. This gives me a good visual of how we too can and should trust God to take care of us and all of creation in all circumstances like you mentioned. Unfortunately our adult minds struggle to do this.
DeleteYes, Nathan. That's why we call Him, my Lord.
DeleteNo conditions! Just full trust and faithful to Jesus, because Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me".(John 14:6)
Answer #1: I observed the reversal theme or element in the passages: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Luke 6:20) and "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation" (Luke 6:24). This shows to the immediate audience of Jesus and the first hand readers of Luke’s Gospel the upside down nature of Christianity – “humbling the powerful and exalting the oppressed.” The blessedness Jesus spoke of belonged not to the poor because they were poor but because they welcomed Him while the rich did not. For Jesus, the poor stands better than the rich for the kingdom of God.
ReplyDeleteRaj, it will take a lot to humble the rich = most will need to be brought to their knees and lose much before they will admit that their way of life is abhorant to God and that money can be an idol if used for exaltation.I think that is why Jesus said it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom.
DeleteWeek 2
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1
Jesus has come into the world to change the status of the poor, sick both mentally and physically, he wants all cared for. They are not to worry, God is in control; they are his main priority. He wants them to put their trust in him doing the best they can with what they have regardless of their circumstances. They are to love one another and their enemies. Things may not change in this life, but God will bless them in the Kingdom to come when all their cares and woes will be forgotten.
Jesus wants the rich to totally change their attitude in life and use their wealth to recreate their communities. Instead of exploiting the poor, dishonoured, weak and sick for their own selfish needs, take care of them, giving to all that are in need. Being self indulgent storing up goods for themselves is useless for these things fade away. Gods Kingdom is real, follow Jesus instead of the idol money or the Kingdom can never be theirs.
Week 2
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1
Jesus has come into the world to change the status of the poor, sick both mentally and physically, he wants all cared for. They are not to worry, God is in control; they are his main priority. He wants them to put their trust in him doing the best they can with what they have regardless of their circumstances. They are to love one another and their enemies. Things may not change in this life, but God will bless them in the Kingdom to come when all their cares and woes will be forgotten.
Jesus wants the rich to totally change their attitude in life and use their wealth to recreate their communities. Instead of exploiting the poor, dishonoured, weak and sick for their own selfish needs, take care of them, giving to all that are in need. Being self indulgent storing up goods for themselves is useless for these things fade away. Gods Kingdom is real, follow Jesus instead of the idol money or the Kingdom can never be theirs.
Week 2
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2
Luke 9 sees Jesus giving his apostles the power and authority to drive out demons and cure diseases and sending them out to preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. I like the analogy of the new broom that sweeps clean. The old broken down way of life is to be restored and a new way of life begin for all, rich and poor alike. Everything must be turned upside down and changed in the community. No longer do the rich take priority, God’s priority is for the underdog.
Jesus knows full well how political this is and just how much it will offend the status quo – still he does his father’s bidding.
Luke 9:57 to 62. Jesus makes it quite clear that there will be a cost to following him. It is a free will choice. If we make the choice to follow him, He must come first in everything, and we must be prepared to lose everything in this life to gain everything in the next. Because of our choices, we may lose our families, our jobs or even our lives if we live in a country that hates Christians. This was certainly on the cards in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus and in Islamic countries today life is far from secure.
Thanks, Sylvia. Good analogy about God wanting to "sweep clean" everything and start new again - new life for all, rich and poor. You are right - God's priority is the underdog.
Delete1. The poor are blessed for multiple reasons in Jesus' mind. First off, God has a genuine concern for all people, but especially those that are oppressed and forgotten. The poor would fit in that category, bringing about a direct concern from God. He looks after, fights for, and protects those that are the neglected of society. They have a special place in the heart of God. That is a blessing. I also think that they are blessed because I often find that those who have less, are quickest to give. A person who is poor does often is humble and generous. They know the importance of having and sharing, thus this results in them extending what they can, to who they can, when they can. This is the right mind to have, and they are blessed because they will not be consumed with material possessions which could potentially lead to greed and distance from God. While having is not a bad thing, I agree with what has been mentioned from others, it is about the heart and the fact that some people who have cannot bear the thought of giving those things up. If you cannot give them up for God or his people, then there is a serious problem.
ReplyDelete2. I like the story of the men who were willing to follow Jesus. Firstly, Jesus tells them that even animals have a place to sleep but that not even he (the Savior of the world) has one. This plainly gives the disciples an indication that their following will not be glorious or easy. They are still keen however, and the first tells Jesus that he will follow him but he would like to go and bury his father beforehand. Jesus tells him "let the dead bury their dead." The second tells Jesus that he also will follow but before he needs to say goodbye to his family, Jesus lets him know in other words that if that is his priority, than he is not the right guy for the job. While these things seem harsh, it stands out to me that Jesus wants first priority. Discipleship is not to be taken lightly or placed below anything else. Following Jesus will not be a glorious or easy task in this world but if we make that choice, we are saying that HE COMES FIRST. This is a decision we all have to make every day. In some ways I feel as though I've made my decision but in other respects I see where I fall short and how I put other things above him. Even if only momentarily. Jesus deserves our top priority and I deeply desire this. Discipleship is a big call and it will not be easy, but it is a decision we all have had to make.
Cool Breeze, I like your thoughts on the first question. Perceptive and helpful. Thanks.
DeleteAnswer #2: Jesus’ reply to the woman from the crowd in Luke 11:27-28 is “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” For Him there was something even more blessed than that earthly relationship to which she alluded. Discipleship in the Gospel of Luke focuses on being hearers and followers of the word of God. How we are to follow Jesus? By being intentional in our actions, making time and exerting our effort to fulfill His word, however unpopular and whatever it takes. By living out the alternative world brought to life in and through the ministry of Jesus, a life in community that is counter to the world.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Raj. Discipleship is intentional. Our call is to listen and to obey, even if it is unpopular. Only by living out the alternative world can we change the world. Thanks.
DeleteQuestion 1. 6:20, Jesus means; Then Jesus looked at his disciples and he spoke to them.
ReplyDelete"You please God. But you are poor now, because men rule over you. But you will receive all the benefits as God rules over your lives".
6:24, "Well,well,well...But trouble is coming to you rich people!" Jesus continued. "Unfortunately, You have already received all your happiness from your riches".
Question 2. Jesus modeled discipleship in the ultimate way possible by obeying the will of the Father and willingly dying on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for sin. He proved that He was completely committed to the will of the Father by giving of His own life. In Luke 14:11 and 18:14 Jesus said, “for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
ReplyDeleteThere are some wise proverbs for support this discipleship. "A cornered stone meets the mason's chisel". "The nails that sticks up will be hammered". 'Humbleness' cannot be overvalued. Be humble and faithful to God is the only way to survive in this chaous world. Humbleseeker will be safe!
Question 1. I think poor mean is not to matter because when we have a look Gospel Matt 5:3, clearly said "poor in Spirit" so not to matter
ReplyDeleteI think this is good for study of 4 Gospels from the Old Testament(Ex26:1)to New Testament(Rev4:7).
its will be possible to make a perfect description and understand about Jesus Christ like as 3D pictures. and why Jesus said to rich man to woe?
We can find similar story in Matt19:16-30
That rich man was just went away with sad why?
He can't sell his possessions because he love to his owns it is his desire.
James said 1:15 "Then after desire has conceived, it gives birthto tin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
Desire is sin.
Jesus can't come with sin so Jesus said to "Woe".
We need to think where is our mind and what is our focus in our life.
Question 2. Ofcourse we can find so many stories of discipleship through by Jesus according to the Luke Gospel 9:51-19:48 but I think one of the exactly description coming out at 9:57-62.
ReplyDeleteMy bible said these scripture is "The Cost of Following Jesus".
I think discipleship is followship so disciple is must be following his master Jesus Christ more than bury of their family even no place to lay his head.
And go to somewhere more than say good-by to their family like as "Brothers,I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do; Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is shead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus".
We must going to goal after following if so how can we following him? Scriptuer explained to that through by 5:11 and 5:28 accorking to the his disciples Matthew, James, John and Peter.
They was just following Jesus leave everything.
I am asking to myself if Jesus calling to me
"follow me" can I following him righgt now?
I am studing and working with prayer for that time.
because already I knew God take away own his disciple when they are ready to go.