Following With Other Followers

Jesus came to serve the world. Not just churches. Not just church people. He came to serve the world in all of its messiness and brokenness. Disciples are part of Jesus’ continuing mission to the world. Matthew puts it this way, at the end of his Gospel where he recounts what Jesus says to his disciples and their successors regarding what they’re supposed to be doing until he returns. Listen to what Jesus says. It applies to us too—every bit of it. Here goes: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me (Jesus). Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

So, according to Jesus, disciples exist to create more disciples. They don’t exist just go to church on Sunday and sit in a pew with a halo above their heads. And being a disciple isn’t about sitting safe and comfortable in your Christian social circles talking about the Bible, about Jesus, and Sunday’s sermon. And being a disciple isn’t about attending church programs and events. It’s about going out there, out into the wilds of the world with God’s Story, with the Good News of Jesus the Christ and sharing it with others through your words and your actions. Being a disciple is about bringing comfort to those who are suffering. Peace and joy to those who have none. It’s about bringing freedom to those in chains. It’s about feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. It’s about fighting injustice and oppression. It’s about standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. It’s about loving the unlovable and serving those whom world has ignored and has pretty much left for dead. It’s about showing mercy and compassion like Jesus did. It’s about everything and anything BUT hiding behind church walls, hanging out with your church friends, singing hymns, and thanking God that you’re not out there, in the wild, with all of those people who don’t go to church and/or don’t know Jesus.

Impossible mission? Yes, if we rely on ourselves. But disciples are the body of Christ empowered by and enabled with spiritual gifts. What am I talking about? Check it out!

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