Tag Archives: discipleship

June 13
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“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?'” (John 21:15, NIV)

This is a complex passage of scripture because its few words carry a number of applications — and these daily notes are, by intention, short. So, today, I will address one application, and take-up the other applications in subsequent days. Deal?

On perhaps the deepest level, Jesus’ questions to Peter are designed to restore Peter to fellowship: “Do you (Peter) love me more than these (other disciples)?”

Where Peter had first loudly and persistently proclaimed that he loved Jesus more than everyone else, Peter later denied even knowing Jesus when pressed — a grievous offense in any friendship.

In our own relationship with Jesus, when times are “fat,” do we promise more than we are willing to deliver when times are “lean”: That is, when “being Christ in our corner of the world” is personally costly in terms of time, treasure, or reputation?

No one knows where he or she will be tomorrow. God will provide all that we need in the moment, and for the moment: Time, treasure, helpful accomplices, and inspiration.  When we engage in self-promotion, we “write checks we cannot cover.”

It is in “lean times” that we learn — as Peter did — that while we may not know what the future holds, it is best to know Who holds the future.  (Hint: It isn’t us.)  – Luther

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June 3
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“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17, NIV)

Another thought on this passage of scripture from yesterday: “The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him.”

We sometimes think it strange when our view of a particular matter seems so at odds with the point of view of those who do not know Jesus. Try the view of forgiveness: The Christian disciple is always ready to forgive and reconcile; the secular person maintains a line past which forgiveness and reconciliation is impossible.

Do not think it strange that the world neither sees the value of forgiveness, nor understands why anyone else would: The world neither sees Him, nor knows Him.  But you, faithful disciple of Jesus, do see Him; you do know Him; and while the world may not see Jesus, the world does see you.

Let your light shine!  – Luther

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May 26
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“Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27, New Living Translation)

The disciple of Jesus is a servant.

He or she is not a “servant-leader.” He or she is not an “apprentice-leader.” He or she is not “doing time” as a servant until something opens up at the top of the hierarchy. The pinnacle of a disciple’s aspiration is to be like his or her Lord; and the Lord Jesus is “among you as one who serves.”

This is so not like us.  We desire the perquisites that come with leadership; or we see leadership as a reward for being a “good foot soldier.” But even leadership, in the estimation of our Lord, is nothing more than a greater opportunity for servitude; and “servitude” is to “service” as “being” is to “doing.”

Make servitude for the sake of being like Jesus your sole ambition as a disciple. Even in the kingdom of God, good help is hard to find!  – Luther

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