This series of lessons are very brief notes about biblical discipleship. This series is not intended to be extensive or in depth but serve as a series of biblically mapped thoughts on discipleship. Today is an introduction to the subject and I invite you to prayerfully think about the material we shall cover over this course.
Text: Matthew 18:16
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
These 11 disciples were personally selected by Jesus 3 years earlier. There may have been other followers of Jesus there also. As Jesus prepares them for His soon ascension to Heaven, He leaves them with the most critical information for the growth of His future Church.
These men obeyed Jesus by travelling from Jerusalem to meet Him at a mountain in Galilee. This was about a 1 week journey.
Following Jesus requires obedience and sacrifice. John 14:15, If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Following Jesus means obeying Him even when it is not convenient and may require you to change the plans you had already arranged, and it may cost you money. Other people may not understand why you are obeying Jesus and following Him, but you still obey.
The disciples had to obey Jesus precisely, not in part, and not in their own time. Total obedience meant they arrived at the correct mountain at the correct time to meet Jesus. Half-hearted or partial obedience is really disobedience and misses the mark of righteousness.
First and foremost, any follower of Jesus is a disciple of Jesus, and they MUST be OBEDIENT to Jesus. Before they could receive any commission or promise from Jesus, they had to obey Him first.
Assignment:
Examine your life. Are you identified by other people as someone who obeys Jesus?
