SST #8 | "With the Rich and Famous" | Pastor Paul Penno

Discipling the Outcast

Discipling the Outcast

As we did last week we will review the Biblical definition of disciple, expand on it, and tie it to the kind of people our lesson is focusing on.  Let us, then, review again the Biblical definition of disciple.  We read in Luke 14: 27, 33 that it is someone who bears their cross and forsake all and follow Him.  We also have read in John 15: 5, 8 that a disciple is someone that abides in Christ and bears much fruit.  Three weeks ago we added that since a disciple is a follower of Christ they have responded to Christ invitation come unto Him, take His yoke, learned of Him to be humble and meek and found rest (Matthew 11: 28 – 30).  Two weeks ago we added that discipleship is based solely on devotion to Jesus Christ, not on following after a particular belief, doctrine or cause.  Love and service toward others is the natural outcome of obedience to the Jesus.  Last week we added that a disciple is drawn to Jesus. Which means a disciple is drawn to Christ’s love and the Cross (Jeremiah 31: 3; John 12: 32 – 33).  This means that the disciple is drawn to the cross and follows its path.  The disciple lays down his life for others as Christ did for us (1 John 3: 16).  As Paul says in Ephesians,

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour (Ephesians 5:1, 2).

Ellen White states,

We are to follow the example set by Christ, and make Him our pattern, until we shall have the same love for others as He has manifested for us. He seeks to impress us with this profound lesson of love. . . . If your hearts have been given to selfishness, let Christ imbue you with His love.  He has made love the badge of our discipleship. . . . This is the measurement to which you are to reach,—”Love one another; as I have loved you.” What height, what depth and breadth of love! This love is not simply to embrace a few favorites, it is to reach to the lowliest and humblest of God’s creatures. Jesus says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” . . . {OFC 27.4}

So, a disciple will love the outcasts?  But, who are the outcasts?  And, since the lesson is called discipling the outcast, then how do you make these outcasts followers of Christ?  An outcast is someone rejected by their society or social group.  By rejected we mean ostracized or marginalized.  They are treated like waste or refuse.  Our lesson points out some of those who were outcast in Jesus time: harlots, publicans (tax collectors), adulterous women, and demoniacs.  The privileged classes, like the Pharisees, thought themselves better.  But, Jesus showed them that God loved all men.  Let us read what Ellen G. White said about the Pharisees concerning the publicans,

‘The Pharisees beheld Christ sitting and eating with publicans and sinners. He was calm and self-possessed, kind, courteous, and friendly; and while they could not but admire the picture presented, it was so unlike their own course of action, they could not endure the sight. The haughty Pharisees exalted themselves, and disparaged those who had not been blessed with such privileges and light as they themselves had had. They hated and despised the publicans and sinners. Yet in the sight of God their guilt was the greater. Heaven's light was flashing across their pathway, saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it"; but they had spurned the gift” (The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1,088.).

Is it that to God some sin is greater than other?  Again from Ellen White,

God does not regard all sins as of equal magnitude; there are degrees of guilt in His estimation,  as well as in that of man; but however trifling this or that wrong act may seem in the eyes of men, no sin is small in the sight of God. Man's judgment is partial, imperfect; but God estimates all things as they really are. The drunkard is despised and is told that his sin will exclude him from heaven; while pride, selfishness, and covetousness too often go unrebuked.  But these are sins that are especially offensive to God; for they are contrary to the benevolence of His character, to that unselfish love which is the very atmosphere of the unfallen universe. He who falls into some of the grosser sins may feel a sense of his shame and poverty and his need of the grace of Christ; but pride feels no need, and so it closes the heart against Christ and the infinite blessings He came to give.  {SC 30.1} 

This why to God pride is the worst of all Sin.  We look at how Christ treated the adulterous woman.  He did not overlook her Sin, but rather forgave her.  He did not intend to condemn her, but to restore her.  Ellen White says,

“In His act of pardoning this woman and encouraging her to live a better life, the character of Jesus shines forth in the beauty of perfect righteousness. While He does not palliate sin, nor lessen the sense of guilt, He seeks not to condemn, but to save. The world had for this erring woman only contempt and scorn; but Jesus speaks words of comfort and hope. The Sinless One pities the weakness of the sinner, and reaches to her a helping hand. While the hypocritical Pharisees denounce, Jesus bids her, "Go, and sin no more." (The Desire of Ages, pp. 460-462).

In being treated with love the former demoniac and the woman at the well became disciples immediately.  They witnessed about the great things Christ had done for them.  As a result of this others believed.  Another quote from Ellen White gives us more insight in this,

"We are saved by hope." Romans 8:24. The fallen must be led to feel that it is not too late for them to be men. Christ honored man with His confidence and thus placed him on his honor. Even those who had fallen the lowest He treated with respect. It was a continual pain to Christ to be brought into contact with enmity, depravity, and impurity; but never did He utter one expression to show that His sensibilities were shocked or His refined tastes offended. Whatever the evil habits, the strong prejudices, or the overbearing passions of human beings, He met them all with pitying tenderness. As we partake of His Spirit, we shall regard all men as brethren, with similar temptations and trials, often falling and struggling to rise again, battling with discouragements and difficulties, craving sympathy and help. Then we shall meet them in such a way as not to discourage or repel them, but to awaken hope in their hearts. (The Ministry of Healing, pp. 164-165).

As we partake of the His Spirit, His love will flow to others.  You will recognize yourself in them.  After all, who has not ever felt rejected, worthless and despondent?  Yet, Christ was merciful and loving toward you.  He let you know how much you are worth to Him.  You were bought with a price.  You are not your own (1 Corinthians 6: 19, 20).  He owns you. Deliver yourself to Him.

Discipling the Ordinary

Discipling the Ordinary

Every week we have reviewed the Biblical definition of disciple, expand on it, and tie it to the kind of people our lesson is focusing on.   This week we will continue to do that.  So, let us review again the Biblical definition of disciple.  We read in Luke 14: 27, 33 that it is someone who bears their cross and forsake all and follow Him.  We also have read in John 15: 5, 8 that a disciple is someone that abides in Christ and bears much fruit.  Two weeks ago we added that since a disciple is a follower of Christ they have responded to Christ invitation come unto Him, take His yoke, learned of Him to be humble and meek and found rest (Matthew 11: 28 – 30).  Last week we added that discipleship is based solely on devotion to Jesus Christ, not on following after a particular belief, doctrine or cause.  Love and service toward others is the natural outcome of obedience to the Jesus. 

To follow Jesus we must be drawn to Him.  What about Him draws us to Him?  We read in Jeremiah 31: 3, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness".  It is His love that draws to Him.  This love is revealed in Jesus (John 3: 16).  Especially, in the way He died.  We read in John 12: 32 – 33,

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

John 12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

What death did He die?  We read in Philippians,

Phillipians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

The cross symbolized the final death – without any hope of resurrection; unlike the death sleep we now die.  This death Christ conquered.  Giving us the hope that if we follow Him, then we too will be resurrected as He was and perhaps not even see this death as Enoch and Elijah (not all will die).  The path of discipleship is the path of laying down your life for others as Christ laid it for us (1 John 3:16). 

So, in discipleship, you are drawn to cross and follow the path to it.  This means that you choose Christ’s path, because you deem it better than yours.  In seeing the Cross, you see yourself for what your really are: sinful (Isaiah 6: 5).  That is why our lesson states, “Christ’s death was the great equalizer: it showed that we all are sinners in need of God’s grace. In light of the Cross, ethnic, political, economic, and social barriers crumble.”  In light of the cross all men are ordinary.  But, in the light of men, there are distinctions. 

Christ saw beyond that. He saw “…saw the meaninglessness and emptiness of worldly greatness and honor. In fact, in many cases, it was the most “successful” people—the favorably positioned Pharisees, the wealthy Sadducees, and the Roman aristocracy—who troubled Him the most.

In contrast, the “ordinary” people—carpenters, fishermen, farmers, housewives, shepherds, soldiers, and servants—generally thronged and embraced Him.” 

This is not to say that some of the wealthy and influential never became disciples.  Look at what Paul says of Moses,

Hebrew 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

Hebrew 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Hebrew 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Hebrew 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Paul himself went through a similar experience as Moses.  He chose to leave man’s greatness behind in order to gain the greatness of Christ. 

Phillipians 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

Phillipians 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Phillipians 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Phillipians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Phillipians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Phillipians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Phillipians 3:10 That I may know him,…

Moses and Paul recognized the meaninglessness and emptiness of worldly greatness and honor.  Ellen White says that this should be true for us in the book Steps to Christ, Let us read the passage,

“The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature. This is evidence that Satan's delusions have lost their power. ... No deep-seated love for Jesus can dwell in the heart that does not realize its own sinfulness. The soul that is transformed by the grace of Christ will admire His divine character; but if we do not see our own moral deformity, it is unmistakable evidence that we have not had a view of the beauty and excellence of Christ" (Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, pp. 64-65).

The point is clear: a true disciple – regardless of what human stock they come from - will be aware of his own sinful heart, because it will be in contrast to the wonderful and matchless charms of Christ.  Is the love of God abiding in our heart?  Are we being transformed by the grace of Christ?  “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). 

Discipling the Sick

Discipling the Sick

Let us review again the Biblical definition of disciple.  We read in Luke 14: 27, 33 that it is someone who bears their cross and forsake all and follow Him.  We also have read in John 15: 5, 8 that a disciple is someone that abides in Christ and bears much fruit.  We added last week that since a disciple is a follower of Christ they have responded to Christ invitation come unto Him, taken His yoke, learned of Him to be humble and meek and found rest (Matthew 11: 28 – 30).  With all this said we realize that discipleship is based solely on devotion to Jesus Christ, not on following after a particular belief, doctrine or cause.  Our Lord’s primary obedience was to the will of His Father, not to the needs of people— the saving of people was the natural outcome of His obedience to the Father. 

So, discipling the sick is making sick people followers of Christ; abiders in Christ.   They will leave all behind - pick up their cross and follow Him.  They will die to self.   They will bear fruit.  This is very interesting because sick people are typically needy and dependent on others.   Sick disciples are the ones that when you visit them you leave the room inspired by them.  This means that they will be concerned about others more so than themselves.  They have laid down their lives.  Just like Paul called himself a prisoner of Christ, when he was a prisoner of Rome, these sick people see themselves as servants of God in their ailing condition.  God has allowed their sickness to bring to bring about a greater blessing. 

There is a story of a young man with a terrible disease.  He was loved by everyone.  All were praying that God would heal him.  But, the young man’s condition worsened.  At some point this young man prayed that God’s will would be done.  The young man said that if God could use him in his sickness, so let it be.  Many hearts were touched by this young man’s faith; many were converted.  The young man died.  All realized that sometimes we need faith to not be healed. 

The examples given in the lesson from the Bible are of people that were healed; even resurrected.  Many came to Jesus hoping for relief, if not cure of their maladies.  Two questions arise: 1. Was healing Christ greatest purpose?  In other words, what was the intention in healing? 2. Were the ones seeking healing “discipled” after the healing, or was coming to Jesus evidence of their discipleship? 

Let’s deal with number 1.  Let us start with a quote from Ellen White,

During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching. His miracles testified to the truth of His words, that He came not to destroy, but to save. Wherever He went, the tidings of His mercy preceded Him. Where He had passed, the objects of His compassion were rejoicing in health and making trial of their new-found powers. Crowds were collecting around them to hear from their lips the works that the Lord had wrought. His voice was the first sound that many had ever heard, His name the first word they had ever spoken, His face the first they had ever looked upon. Why should they not love Jesus and sound His praise? As He passed through the towns and cities He was like a vital current, diffusing life and joy.”  

—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 19, 20.

Christ’s healing ministry gave to the people a different view of God.  One different from the prevailing view.  Our lesson states that…  “In antiquity, sickness was considered the result of sinful actions. (And even today, who hasn’t at times-even if only for a moment-wondered if illness, either their own or that of a loved one, wasn’t brought on as a punishment for sin?) In the book of Job, his friends suggested that his misfortunes, which included personal illness, resulted from hidden faults; the implication was that somehow his sinfulness caused his predicament. Similarly, Christ’s disciples understood blindness as punishment for someone’s sinfulness. This suggests that sickness required not diagnosis or medication but atonement. Matthew references Isaiah’s Messianic prophecy, stating that Christ fulfilled this prediction and that healing can be found in Him.”

Let us dwell on the blind man for a few seconds. Let us read John 9: 1- 3. 

John 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

John 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Upon seeing a man they knew who had been blind from birth, the disciples asked Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:1-3). There was a belief in their day, as it is with some persons today, who believe that sin directly causes all suffering and disease and that God punishes this way. In those days blindness was associated with, and in many cases caused by, gonorrhea. If Jesus had said the parents sinned, the next question would most likely have been, as again it would be today, “Is this fair?” Jesus was not caught on the horns of a dilemma with that either or question. He did not give the reason for the blindness. He simply said that neither the parents nor the man caused this blindness. Jesus did say God’s glory would be manifested in the midst of this tragedy.

Similar questions, to what the disciples and most all the people of their day believed, are recorded by Luke. In 13:1- 4 the record states that some Galileans were murdered, by the Romans, while offering sacrifices on the altar. The other tragedy was about eighteen persons who were killed when the “tower in Siloam fell” on them. Jesus asked “do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?” The answer is no, of course not. (Jesus did not say that sin does not cause sickness and death, because that does happen. But not here). He did tell the people to repent and to be ready to die in case a fatal accident could happen to them. Certainly the natural law of cause and effect was at work here and not God personally working to destroy people. The threat of a tragic end is present for everyone at all times. The issue, here in Christ day, and now in ours, is not when death will happen, nor why, nor how it will come, but we must avoid a terminal fate that has even greater consequences. Only repentance toward God and faith in Christ alone will prevent the death that lasts for eternity.

Christ told Phillip, “If you’ve seen me you have seen the Father.”  Christ, then, gave a different view of the Father: One who was indeed interested in the well-being of His children.

Let’s move on to question number 2: Were the ones seeking healing “discipled” after the healing, or was coming to Jesus evidence of their discipleship? 

Many of those who came to Jesus for healing had already heard of Him.  When they heard they believed.  Thus, it was their faith that brought them to Jesus.  Expressions like, “When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” (mark 2: 5), and “And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction” (Mark 5: 34) tell us that some were disciples in their heart before they came to Jesus.  Perhaps the epitome of this is the story of the Roman Centurion in Matthew 8: 5 – 13. 

One of my favorite authors had this to say about this story,

"One day a centurion came to Jesus, and said to him: 'Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed ... When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel'" (Matt. 8:6-10).

"There is what Jesus pronounces faith. When we find what that is, we have found faith. To know what that is, is to know what faith is. There can be no sort of doubt about this; for Christ is 'the Author ... of faith,' and He says that that which the centurion manifested was 'faith'--yes, even 'great faith.'

"Where, then, in this is the faith? The centurion wanted a certain thing done. He wanted the Lord to do it. But when the Lord said, 'I will come' and do it, the centurion checked Him, saying, 'Speak the word only,' and it shall be done.

"Now, what did the centurion expect would do the work? 'The word ONLY.' Upon what did he depend for the healing of his servant?--Upon 'the word ONLY.'

"And the Lord Jesus says that that is faith" (Lessons on Faith, pp. 15, 16).

This Gentile military officer believed that Jesus could just say the word and his mortally sick servant would be healed. Jesus "marveled, ... and said ... I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Now what was that faith? The belief that Jesus had the power to heal by simply saying a word? If you say yes, then you get yourself into trouble for the devils also believe that Jesus can heal by just saying a word. Such confidence comes short of a true definition of faith, if the devils also have it! The Bible says that "the devils believe also, and tremble" (James 2:19).

But as we read the story in its context, we begin to see that the Roman soldier's faith was more than that. He had begun to understand his sinfulness in the light of Christ's righteousness, for he said two things--"I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof" and "neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee." Now, the devils have no such feelings of humility and grace! The centurion's faith was not a mere mental trust, but a heart-appreciation. An unusual love had filled this Roman soldier's heart for he was concerned for his servant, and not for himself. The faith he had already had transformed him and delivered him from selfishness. And that is not the experience of the devils!

And so this story does help us understand the essential ingredient of all true miracle healing: faith is a heart-appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ. This is the faith of a true disciple.  And as soon as I say that, I realize anew how weak and childish my little faith is, how much I need to grow. Do you realize it too?

Discipling Children

Discipling Children

First, we should clarify that the word discipling is not a proper English word.  Although, it is understood that it means making disciples.  Hence, we are talking this week about making children disciples of Jesus Christ.  Let us first review the biblical definition of disciple.  It means to: 1. abide in Christ and bear fruit; and to pick up your cross, forsake all else and follow Him.  It would behoove us to learn more about following Him. 

When Jesus said, "Follow Me" (a phrase that occurs 17 times in the Gospels), it was for the purpose of making them disciples. A similar phrase, "Come unto Me" (6 occurrences), has the same purpose, for one comes to Jesus to follow Him. One may come initially in response to the mysterious drawing of His Spirit, may be merely curious, and want simply to observe or inquire with no intent to follow. But as the contact occurs, the drawing and coming will lead to following if there is no resistance. Jesus is that charming! We were designed for that, and He has preserved in each the ability to sense His drawing, and agree with it. The Bible calls that faith.

It is in the coming and the following that the discipling occurs.  One of the best known uses of "Come..." promises a gift--"I will give you...." And my coming and His giving leads to another dual invitation--"Take ... and learn...." That must be the essence of discipling--the ongoing coming, giving, taking, and learning. The resultant promise is redundant--"I will give you rest" and "you shall find rest." (Matthew 11:28-30).

Now, as we gathered from the verse, to come unto Him we must be invited or drawn to Him.  Jesus said in John 12:32-33

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

John 12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

What death did he die?  “… the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).  Paul says in I Corinthians 1: 17 -18

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

1Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

And, Paul says that the power of God – unto salvation – is the Gospel.  The word Gospel means good news, it has the same meaning of the root word for evangelism.  Thus evangelism is spreading the good news.  Discipline is what happens when we respond to the drawing. 

How does this apply to children?  It must be significant that half of the "Come unto Me" phrases in the Gospels are in reference to allowing the "little children" to do so! Jesus' heart was open to their openness. His simplicity found fellowship in their simplicity. His invitation we considered of "Come ... and learn" described the curriculum--"I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). In teaching children to be disciples of Jesus, could we also be in school to learn the childlike traits of Jesus Himself from them?   Ellen White seems to agree with this in the following quote,

"I would have humility of mind, and be willing to be instructed as a child. The Lord has been pleased to give me great light, yet I know that He leads other minds, and opens to them the mysteries of His Word, and I want to receive every ray of light that God shall send me, though it should come through the humblest of His servants."  (Ellen White, 1888 Materials, p. 163).

It is of these that Jesus said, “Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise” (Matthew 21:16).  This is why in Mark 10:13-16 Jesus asked to let the children come to Him.  Let us read the passage,

Mark 10:13-16

13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Ellen White gives some insight on this incident,

In the children who were brought in contact with Him, Jesus saw the men and women who should be heirs of His grace and subjects of His kingdom, and some of whom would become martyrs for His sake…He knew that these children would listen to Him and accept Him as their Redeemer far more readily than would grown-up people, many of whom were the worldly-wise and hardhearted. In His teaching He came down to their level. He, the Majesty of heaven, did not disdain to answer their questions, and simplify His important lessons to meet their childish understanding. He planted in their minds the seeds of truth, which in after years would spring up, and bear fruit unto eternal life.

We too need to be as little children.  Let us read Matthew 18: 1 – 4,

Mat 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Mat 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Are we willing to humble ourselves as little children?

Discipleship and Prayer

Discipleship and Prayer John 17:20-21 20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. In the last lesson we defined disciples in the light of scripture. We read in Luke 14, Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luk 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. The implication here is clearly that to be Christ disciples you bear your cross and forsake all and follow Him. In John 15 discipleship is explained in terms of a farming parable. We read in John 15, Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Joh 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. These two descriptions of discipleship are complementary. If I remain in A, I cannot remain in B, thus I forsake B. The bearing of fruit reveals that we are good soil in which the good seed sown and eventually germinated (Luke 8: 4 – 18). The root found living nutrient and water. Ellen White sums it up beautifully, As a flower of the field has its root in the soil; as it must receive air, dew, showers, and sunshine, so must we receive from God that which ministers to the life of the soul. The presence of God is guaranteed to the Christian…As long as the members of the church shall through faith draw sap and nourishment from Jesus Christ, and not from man's opinions and devisings, and methods; if having a conviction of the nearness of God in Christ, they put their entire trust in Him, they will have a vital connection with Christ as the branch has connection with the parent stock (Our Father Cares; 21 – 22). How, then does prayer relate to this? No one will deny the need for prayer. In the words of Ellen White, "Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him."—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 93. "Pray much. Much prayer is necessary to successful effort. Prayer brings strength. Prayer has "subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, turned to flight the armies of aliens." {SW, February 23, 1904 par. 6} Notice how she ties faith (Hebrews 11: 33 - 34) with prayer. Now, since we describe discipleship in terms of farming, can we explain prayer in terms of farming – or at least biological - imagery? Ellen White does just this. Let us read a passage where she does this, "Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Wellspring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties lose their vitality, the religious experience lacks health and vigor" (Messages to Young People, 249, 250.) When we breathe our body inhales oxygenated air and exhales air with Carbon Dioxide. Our blood carries the oxygen throughout the body. The blood returns to the lungs depleted of oxygen to replete itself of oxygen again. This is an automatic process. Unless there are problems, no one chooses to breathe; you just do. What happens if we choose not to breathe? Most folk cannot hold their breath for more than three to five minutes without fainting. We read in Luke 18:1: "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." If we stop breathing we faint; likewise, if we cease to pray, it will not be long before we find ourselves fainting before the trials that inevitably come our way. It is through prayer that we are braced for difficulties and trials that require strength far beyond our natural human capacity. Though the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Christ has urged that His people pray without ceasing. This does not mean that we should always be upon our knees, but that prayer is to be as the breath of the soul. Our silent requests, wherever we may be, are to be ascending unto God, and Jesus our Advocate pleads in our behalf, bearing up with the incense of His righteousness our requests to the Father" (TMK 78.3). This is how Jesus lived, "… Jesus lived in dependence upon God and communion with him. To the secret place of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty, men now and then repair; they abide for a season, and the result is manifest in noble deeds: then their faith fails, the communion is interrupted, and the life-work marred. But the life of Jesus was a life of constant trust, sustained by a continual communion: and his service for heaven and earth was without failure or faltering. {SW, February 23, 1904 par. 7} Just like our whole body benefits from breathing, the body of Christ is to benefit from prayer. Real prayer is by definition intercessory. Prayer – in its true sense - links us to God and others. Ellen White says, "What does intercession comprehend? It is the golden chain which binds finite man to the throne of the infinite God. The human agent whom Christ has died to save importunes the throne of God, and his petition is taken up by Jesus who has purchased him with His own blood. Our great High Priest places His righteousness on the side of the sincere suppliant, and the prayer of Christ blends with that of the human petitioner" (TMK 78) When we pray for others we become as vessel, conduits, or channels to distribute God's blessings to others. We become as fountains springing God's living water so others can quench their thirst for righteousness (John 7: 38).

Discipling Through Metaphor

Discipling Through Metaphor

“Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world’ ” (Matthew 13:34, 35, NIV).

In this lesson we study the importance of parables, especially as the pertain to discipleship.  Our lesson states:

Thus, Jesus framed eternal truths in ways that went beyond mere intellect alone.  Jesus spoke through concrete pictures drawn from everyday life in order to reach people where they were. Children and adults could understand deep truths delivered through parables wrapped in images and metaphors.  Meanwhile, complex concepts such as justification, righteousness, and sanctification were easily grasped through the Master Storyteller’s art. In other words, concepts that are often difficult to grasp in ordinary language can be taught through symbols and metaphors.

We read from the writing of Ellen White,

“Jesus desired to awaken inquiry. He sought to arouse the careless, and impress truth upon the heart. Parable teaching was popular, and commanded the respect and attention, not only of the Jews, but of the people of other nations. . . .

“Again, Christ had truths to present which the people were unprepared to accept or even to understand. For this reason also He taught  them in parables. By connecting His teaching with the scenes of life,  experience, or nature, He secured their attention and impressed their hearts. Afterward, as they looked upon the objects that illustrated His lessons, they recalled the words of the divine Teacher. . . .

“Jesus sought an avenue to every heart. By using a variety of illustrations, He not only presented truth in its different phases, but appealed to the different hearers.”—Ellen G. White,  Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 20, 21.

The word disciple means One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another; and or an active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy.  The word disciple comes from the Old English discipul, which in turns come from the Latin discipulus (“a pupil, learner”), wich in turn comes from discere (“to learn”); akin to docere (“to teach”).  The greek word is mathetes has the same meaning.

In the past to become a disciple you had to follow the Master.  This would require the disciple to leave all behind: his family, friends, occupation, former life etc.  The disciple would then undergo a transformation.  He would become more and more like his master.  At the end, all would know that this person was a disciple of the particular master.

Such was the case with the disciples.  Listen to Peter’s words in Luke 18:28, “Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.”  This concept of leaving all behind is at the center of Luke 14: 27 – 33.  Let us read it,

Luk 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Luk 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Luk 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

Luk 14:30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Luk 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Luk 14:32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

Luk 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Verses 27 says that those who bear their cross are Christ’s disciples.  Likewise, verse 33 says that whoever follows Jesus are His disciples.  This would mean those who bear their cross are who forsake all.  We can see this in Paul.  Let us read from Philippians 3,

Phi 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

Phi 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

Phi 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Phi 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

Phi 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Phi 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Phi 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Phi 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

We do notice however that although Paul forsook his former life, he never ceased to love and serve his people.  In Romans, Paul revealed his feelings for the Jews,

Rom 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

Rom 9:2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

Rom 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

Rom 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

Rom 9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Paul said he would gladly give up his place in the Kingdom of God, if by so his fellow Jews could be saved.  Here then is revealed the fruit of the Gospel: a willingness to lay down your life for your brethren.  As we read in 1 John 3: 16,

1Jo 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

No one could deny that Paul was more and more like Jesus.  Niether could they deny this of the disciples.  Many concluded this of Peter and John,

Act 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

This is one of the main points of Jesus’ agricultural parables.  Let’s look at the parable used in our quarterly: the parable of the sower in Matthew 13.  The evidence that the seed fell on good soil was that it bore fruit (Matthew 13: 7).  Other parables elaborate on this concept.  In John 15 we are told how we can bear fruit,

Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

And, in verse 8 Christ identifies bearing fruit with discipleship,

Joh 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

What happens with those who do not bear fruit? We read in verse 6,

Joh 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

This concept is very clear in the parable of the barren fig tree. If it does not bear bruit it will be cut down (Luke 13: 9).  This is also evident in the Old Testament parable found in Ezekiel 15: 1 -7.  The wood of a vine that does not bear fruit is good for nothing else then to serve as fuel for fire. 

Ellen G. White says,

Should we go into the garden and find that there was no sap in the plants, no freshness in the leaves, no bursting buds or blooming flowers, no signs of life in stalk or branches, we would say, “The plants are dead. Uproot them from the garden; for they are a deformity to the beds.” So it is with those who profess Christianity, and have no spirituality. If there are no signs of religious vigor, if there is no doing of the commandments of the Lord, it is evident that there is no abiding in Christ, the living vine.

The first lesson to be taught . . . is the lesson of dependence upon God. . . . As a flower of the field has its root in the soil; as it must receive air, dew, showers, and sunshine, so must we receive from God that which ministers to the life of the soul.

The presence of God is guaranteed to the Christian…As long as the members of the church shall through faith draw sap and nourishment from Jesus Christ, and not from man’s opinions and devisings, and methods; if having a conviction of the nearness of God in Christ, they put their entire trust in Him, they will have a vital connection with Christ as the branch has connection with the parent stock (Our Father Cares; 21 – 22).

Are you bearing fruit?  Are you laying down your life fir the brethren?  Abide in Christ.