RABBONI...which is to say, Master

I am not sure we have a clear picture of what a disciple was in Jesus’ day or a really good understanding of what Jesus meant when He said, “…go and make disciples of all the nations.” Matt. 28:19. It involves first of all “being” a disciple and then “making” disciples. There were a lot of Christ followers, but not all of them were disciples. Multitudes followed, but not all were disciples. As I look around today I am not the sure that the picture is much different, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. It was from this pool of followers that the disciples came. But at some point their agenda changed. Their reason for following Jesus changed from observers, to participants. From admiring what they saw to seeking to become like what they saw. It was not just learning what the teacher knew; it was becoming what the teacher was.

Jesus encountered basically two kinds of people, the religious and the irreligious. From those who chose to follow Him came a third kind of person, a disciple. Unlike the irreligious, they loved God, and unlike the religious they loved the irreligious. Paul describes this transition this way, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” II Cor. 5:17-21.

In the first century “Christian” was a deserved title in that it was descriptive of how these disciples lived their lives in the world. It was not a title chosen by them; it was given by those in the world based on observation. In the above verse Paul adds that when we become a new creation we are reconciled and then given a title and a ministry. We are Ambassadors (representatives of) Christ, and our ministry is to appeal and implore others to accept the reconciliation offered by the Father through surrender of theirs lives to Christ. As disciples our lives are to be an example of that surrender.

We are often prone to be “decision” conscious, getting that person to make a “decision” for Christ. But unless that decision event leads to life transformation into the image of the Son of God, it was little more that a detour on a long road to no where. Disciples are to be a living translation of the Scriptures to the point that folks ask “Why”, and then they tell their story and invite the questioner to join them in a wonderful journey of transformation.

I thought that the videos from yesterday were pretty good. The “Christian No More” at the end of each was a bit of a turn off, even though I think I understand what they are saying. Just seems a little over statement to me.

The term “Christian” carries a lot of baggage with it in today’s world. Add the term “fundamental” and you get even more. The term “Protestant” sure seems to fit us today. It seems that what we are known for most is what we protest—are against—and not so much for what we are for. Our protesting and I am not saying that I am against protesting, has caused us to be viewed as pushy, uncaring and often bullies on the playground of life. While we, on the inside looking out, know this to be untrue, it has still become a perception of a lot of people today.

Part of the reason for this is the means we have chosen to express our faith. It is easier to put a bumper sticker on your car, than to talk to a stranger. It is easier to send those in need to the benevolent center, than reach into our pockets or closets and give to them on a personal basis. It is easier to establish orphan homes that to adopt children ourselves. And I could go on and on.

The Jesus followers of the first century were actually given the name Christians by the world. People saw how they lived and determined that what they saw in them was what they had seen in Christ, thus they called them Christ-ians. What was a positive term then has now, at least from the world’s view, become a negative term for the same reason. If all folks “see” from us is what we are protesting and against, that is a pretty negative view.

But the tide is turning! The church were Mike Exum is recently had a “Hot Dog Fest” in their community. Click here to read about it. And there are other stories from all across the country of similar things being done today. Can you imagine the impact the church could have if instead of spending billions on new buildings, we turn those assets to meet the needs of the poor in our own community? I am not talking about just a hand out, but a hand up. Job skill training programs, English classes for immigrants, blankets for the homeless. (I know a man in PA that does this from time to time).

Being a Christian is more than just holding a set of beliefs and showing up for a church service, it is a lifestyle! We allow the Word to change us to “BE” like Christ. If we are His disciples, apprentices if you please, then we should be going where He would go and doing what He would do.

Remember Peter’s words in the following verses, read each phase carefully, and understand the power of your own personal life lived like and for Jesus. “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear[; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. I Peter 3:13-16.

I would really be interested to know what you think about the messages in these short videos. On target? Not! What do you think?