Series: Being A Disciple [#1]
A DISCIPLE…
Luke 14:25-28
Introduction:
As the Lord is showing me what He means by “extend your reach”; I want us to see what a disciple of Jesus should look like. What do you think about when you hear the word Christian? What comes to mind? Do you think of someone kind and gentle, helping the poor; or, do you think of a hypocrite? Over the years, the word Christian has meant different things. It has varied from terrible thoughts to great thoughts, to everywhere in between. 2,000 years ago, the 1st time the phrase Christian was used, it was in a negative sense. In fact, the 1st time that it was used was in the 1st Century in Antioch by pagans, who were making fun of Christ Followers. They called them “Cristianos”, which is the term for Christ ones, or little Christs. The term Christian started out as a derogatory term.
Many people consider Christians to be those people who are against everything. They hear what we are against; but they have no idea what Christians are supposed to be. Christians have to be careful in how we appear to others. I do not know of any group that fights more among themselves than Christians. Think about this- Jesus never invited anybody to be a Christian; but instead invited them to be a disciple, a follower.
Luke 14:25-28
If you want to be a disciple of Jesus…
* You must love Him more than your own family, more than your own life.
* You must carry your own cross and follow Him.
* You must count the cost.
Being a disciple of Jesus will cost you something. You may stand out because you are going to be different. You are not going to look like, act like, or be like the rest of the world because you are not of this world. You are a follower of Jesus. The word “disciple” means to be a learner, a pupil, or a follower. What does a disciple of Jesus do?
Mark 1:40-42
A disciple of Jesus…
1. Touches lepers.
Leprosy is a very contagious disease that causes terrible oozing sores and loss of limbs, as well as complete nerve damage. The Old Testament required that when a leper would enter into a village or a community, he or she would be forced to yell out, “Unclean, unclean!” It was a warning so everybody could run. Some people called them the living dead.
Instead of Jesus running from this man with leprosy, He touched him. A disciple touches those who others will not touch. Why? Because we are to be like Jesus and Jesus was filled with compassion for the man.
Matthew 9:10-13
A disciple of Jesus…
2. Befriends prostitutes, tax collectors, and sinners.
Who was Jesus hanging out with? Not the religious people; but sinners. All through Scripture, you find Jesus befriending the sinners. Christians, be careful that we do not get stuck in our own little universe and lose touch with these types of people. Do not forget that it was that kind of person that Jesus came for? The Pharisees were angry that Jesus would spend His time with these people. Instead of drifting away from that kind of person, as disciples, we should be drawn to them.
Luke 13:10-14
A disciple of Jesus…
3. Offends Pharisees.
For Jewish people, this is the day you don’t do any kind of work. On a Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for 18 years. Then, Jesus put His hands on her, and immediately, she straightened up and praised God. Is that good or bad? For the Pharisee it is bad. The Pharisee is more interested in the letter of the law than the spirit behind it.
Conclusion:
There are many Christians and Congregations that still avoid the untouchables. How about you? Will you commit to being a true follower of Jesus Christ today?
