Will of God - Teachings for His disciples
Hey everyone! Ready to dive into some of the most important lessons Jesus taught his closest followers? This chapter is all about what it means to be a disciple. Think of it as the ultimate "how-to" guide for living a life that reflects God's values. These aren't just old stories; they are powerful ideas about leadership, sacrifice, and purpose that are still super relevant today. Let's break it down together!
Section 1: The Disciple's Lifestyle - How Should We Live?
Jesus wasn't just interested in what his disciples believed; he was very interested in how they lived. He taught them a radical new way of life, turning many common ideas about success and greatness completely upside down.
Humility and Service (Mark 9:33-37)
The disciples were having an argument: "Who is the greatest among us?" It's a very human question, right? We all want to be important. But Jesus’s answer was surprising.
- Jesus' Teaching: He told them, "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all."
- What this means: True greatness in the Kingdom of God isn't about being powerful, famous, or in charge. It’s about humility – putting others first and serving their needs.
- Analogy: Imagine the captain of a football team. A 'worldly' captain might just take the glory for winning. But a 'servant' captain is the one who helps carry the water bottles, encourages the weakest player, and cleans up the changing room after the game. That's the kind of greatness Jesus talks about.
To Be a Servant of Others (Mark 10:42-45)
Jesus expanded on this idea by comparing worldly rulers with the way his followers should lead.
- The World's Way: Rulers "lord it over" their people. They use power to control and be served.
- Jesus' Way: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant... For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve."
- Key Idea: Jesus himself is the ultimate role model. If he, the leader, came to serve, then his followers must do the same. This is about actively looking for ways to help people, not waiting for them to help you.
To Remember Jesus (Mark 14:22-25)
During his last meal with the disciples (the Last Supper), Jesus gave them a simple but powerful way to remember him and his sacrifice.
- The Action: He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took a cup of wine, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many."
- The Meaning: This wasn't just a meal. The bread and wine are symbols of his salvation for all. The broken bread represents his body, broken on the cross. The wine represents his blood, shed to forgive sins and establish a new relationship (covenant) between God and humanity.
- Did you know? The Last Supper was part of the Jewish festival of Passover, which celebrated God freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jesus was showing that he was bringing a new, greater freedom – freedom from sin.
Quick Review: Key Takeaways on Lifestyle
A disciple's lifestyle is defined by S-S-R:
- Service: True greatness comes from serving others.
- Servant-leadership: Follow Jesus' example of leading by helping.
- Remembrance: Remember Jesus' sacrifice, which is the foundation of the faith.
Section 2: The Disciple's Promises - What Can We Count On?
Following Jesus can be challenging, but he didn't leave his disciples empty-handed. He gave them amazing promises of support, reward, and divine help.
An Inclusive Attitude (Mark 9:38-41)
The disciples told Jesus they had stopped someone from driving out demons in his name because "he was not one of us." They were being exclusive, thinking only *their* group was special.
- Jesus' Response: "Do not stop him... For whoever is not against us is for us."
- What this means: This is a call for an open and generous spirit. Disciples should be willing to accept other servants of God, even if they are not part of their immediate circle. It's about focusing on the good being done, not on who gets the credit.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: This doesn't mean "anything goes." It's specifically about not being jealous or territorial when others are doing good work in God's name. It promotes unity, not a lack of standards.
Detachment and Rewards (Mark 10:28-30)
Peter pointed out that the disciples had left everything to follow Jesus. He was basically asking, "What's in it for us?"
- Jesus' Promise: He promised that anyone who gives up things like home, family, or possessions for his sake and for the gospel will receive a hundred times as much in this present age (in the form of a new community of believers) and eternal life in the age to come.
- What is Detachment? It doesn't mean you can't have nice things or a family. It means not letting those things become more important than God. It's about your priorities.
- The Reward: The reward isn't about becoming materially rich. It's about gaining a huge new "family" – the community of the church – and receiving God's eternal reward.
Receive the Holy Spirit (John 20:19-23)
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his terrified disciples who were hiding behind locked doors. He gave them two incredible gifts.
- Gift of Peace: He said, "Peace be with you!" This wasn't just a friendly greeting; it was a gift to calm their fears and give them divine reassurance.
- Gift of the Spirit: He "breathed on them" and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit is God's presence and power given to believers to guide, comfort, and empower them.
- A New Authority: He then gave them the authority to forgive sins, continuing his own mission on earth. The risen Jesus grants his disciples the power to carry on his work.
Quick Review: Key Takeaways on Promises
A disciple can rely on:
- Community: A call to be inclusive and the promise of a new family of believers.
- Reward: Giving up things for God leads to a greater reward, both now and in the future.
- Power: The Holy Spirit provides peace and empowers disciples for their mission.
Section 3: The Disciple's Cost and Mission - What is Required?
Jesus was always honest about the fact that following him isn't easy. It comes with a cost, but it also comes with a world-changing mission.
The Cost: Take Up Your Cross (Mark 8:34-38)
This is one of the most challenging teachings. Don't worry if it seems tricky at first! Let's break it down step-by-step.
Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
- Deny Themselves: This means saying "no" to our selfish instincts and desires. It’s about putting God's will before our own wants. Example: Choosing to be honest even when lying would be easier.
- Take Up Their Cross: In Jesus' time, the cross was a symbol of suffering and death. For his followers, it means being willing to face hardship, rejection, and personal sacrifice for their faith. It is a symbol of total commitment, even when things get tough. This is about renunciation and self-denial.
- Follow Me: This is the positive action. It’s not just about giving things up; it’s about actively living according to Jesus' teachings and example.
Analogy: Think of a world-class athlete. They have to "deny themselves" junk food and lazy days. They have to "take up their cross" of gruelling training and sacrifice. Why? To "follow" their goal of winning a gold medal. For a disciple, the goal is even greater.
The Mission: Go and Preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15-20)
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave his disciples their final instructions, often called 'The Great Commission'.
- The Command: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."
- What is the Gospel? The word "gospel" literally means "good news." The good news is about Jesus: his life, his death for our sins, and his resurrection.
- The Mission: The mission of every disciple is to share this good news with others. It's not meant to be kept a secret! This mission was given by Jesus just before His Ascension, highlighting its importance.
- The Promise of Power: Jesus promised that signs would accompany the believers, showing that God's power was with them as they carried out this mission.
Quick Review: Key Takeaways on Cost and Mission
A disciple is called to:
- Sacrifice: Be willing to deny selfish desires and endure hardship ("take up the cross").
- Share: Actively participate in the mission to go and preach the Good News to everyone.